- Region
- Heraklion
- Distance
- About 7 km east of Heraklion
- Beach
- Fine golden sand, shallow
- Facilities
- Organised sections, beach bars, tavernas
Sections of the bay
Florida, at the west end next to the airport, is the calmest and least crowded, with few umbrellas and a small seasonal wetland where the Karteros river ends. A church dedicated to St John and St Nikon is built into a cave nearby.
The municipal beach in the middle of the bay is the most developed. To the east, Tobruk has fish tavernas and hotels, and Amnissos closes the bay.
Swimming
The sand shelves gently with few rocks. The bay faces north, so it is often wavy. Planes on approach to the airport pass low overhead, and horses from the Heraklion riding club are sometimes ridden along the sand.
Getting there and nearby
Buses run from Heraklion along the old national road. Knossos is about 5 km away, and ancient Amnisos and the cave of Eileithyia are at the eastern end of the bay.
Questions before you go
How far is Karteros beach from Heraklion?
About 7 km east, 10 to 15 minutes by car or bus.
Which part of Karteros is quietest?
Florida, at the western end next to the airport.
Is Karteros beach good for children?
On calm days yes, the sand shelves gently. Watch for waves when the wind blows.
