- Region
- Messara, south Heraklion
- Distance
- About 2 km north of Matala
- Beach
- Long sand, dunes, often wavy
- History
- Minoan harbour (fenced)
The beach
The southern section, near the archaeological site, has umbrellas, a canteen and a lifeguard in season. North of that the beach becomes wild, with dunes where sea daffodils grow; the far northern part is used by naturists. Volakas rock stands about 300 m offshore.
When the west wind blows, waves can be strong. Swim near the lifeguard.
Turtles
Loggerhead turtles nest on Kommos from May to September. Volunteers mark nests; keep clear of them and do not leave umbrellas planted overnight.
Minoan Kommos
The excavated harbour town was the port of Phaistos. The site is fenced and not open to visitors, but you can see the remains of large buildings through the fence.
Getting there
A dirt road leads down from the road between Pitsidia and Matala. You can also walk along the beach from Kalamaki to the north.
Questions before you go
Is Kommos beach organised?
Only the southern section has umbrellas and a canteen.
Can you visit the Kommos archaeological site?
It is fenced and closed to visitors, but visible from outside.
Is Kommos good for swimming?
Yes on calm days; it often has waves when the wind is from the west.
