Psaromoura, 400 m from Mononaftis

Mononaftis Beach: a sheltered snorkelling cove

Mononaftis, 1 km north of Agia Pelagia: an east-facing pebble cove sheltered from north winds, with a rocky sea bed for diving and snorkelling.

By TripToCrete · Updated 20 October 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer: Mononaftis is a pebble cove about 1 km north of Agia Pelagia and 24 km west of Heraklion. It faces east, so it is sheltered from the common north winds, and its rocky sea bed is one of the best snorkelling and diving spots on this coast.
Region
Malevizi, Heraklion
Distance
About 24 km from Heraklion
Beach
Coarse sand and pebbles
Facilities
Umbrellas, water sports, cafés nearby
Psaromoura, 400 m from Mononaftis

The cove

The name means 'one sailor', after a boulder about 50 m offshore that looks like a lone figure. The beach is coarse sand and pebbles with a rocky bottom, ideal for snorkelling and scuba.

Sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports operate in summer, with cafés, restaurants and rooms nearby. It is busy in high season.

Getting there

From the national road towards Chania, pass the first Agia Pelagia sign and take the second exit (Agia Pelagia / Achlada). Head north to the sea and turn left just before a petrol station, 2 to 3 km along. Parking is a real problem in peak season.

Nearby

Psaromoura is 400 m away, Kladissos 600 m, and the main Agia Pelagia beach about 1.2 km.

Open the map location ↗

Questions before you go

Is Mononaftis good for snorkelling?

Yes, the rocky sea bed is one of the best snorkelling and diving spots near Agia Pelagia.

Is Mononaftis sheltered?

Yes, it faces east and is protected from the common north winds.

Is there parking at Mononaftis?

Limited; it fills quickly in July and August.

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