- Region
- Asterousia, south Heraklion
- Distance
- About 65 km from Heraklion
- Beach
- Fine pebbles, deep water
- Access
- Rough dirt road, then 230 steps
The beach and monastery
The water is deep and very clear, usually calm, and excellent for snorkelling. There are no facilities; the nearest food and water are in Maridaki, about 2 km east.
Above the beach, the small monastery of Agios Nikitas has a church carved into a cave, dated 1640, with old frescoes and a spring. Dress modestly and keep clothes on near the monastery.
Getting there
From Achendrias village a rough dirt road runs about 15 km along steep cliffs to the monastery. Drive slowly, preferably in a higher car, and check your rental terms for unpaved roads. From the monastery a path of 230 steps leads down to the beach.
Nearby
The palm grove of Agios Antonios, one of the larger natural date-palm colonies in Crete, is under 1 km away. Cape Gerani to the west has a lone palm above the Libyan Sea. Maridaki and Tsoutsouros are a few kilometres east.
Questions before you go
How do I get to Agios Nikitas beach?
Drive about 15 km of rough dirt road from Achendrias to the monastery, then walk down 230 steps.
Are there facilities at Agios Nikitas beach?
No. The nearest food and water are in Maridaki, about 2 km east.
Is nudism allowed at Agios Nikitas?
No, it is considered offensive near the monastery.
