Kavros Beach: A Long Sandy Beach near Georgioupolis Crete!

Kavros Beach is a 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) long, sandy shoreline on Crete’s northern coast, situated between Rethymno and Chania. The beach is known for its fine golden sand and calm seas, making it an ideal spot for swimming and watersports. The nearby village of Kavros offers a range of accommodation, dining, and shopping options, catering to various visitor needs.

Visitors can reach Kavros Beach by renting a car, using public transportation, or taking a taxi. Nearby attractions include Lake Kournas, Georgioupolis, Kournas Springs, Arkadi Monastery, Eleftherna, Vamos, Almyrida and Rethymnon, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. When renting a car to visit Kavros Beach, factors to consider include insurance, driver’s age, car type, and necessary documents. The average car rental cost is around €30 to €40 ($32 to $42, £26 to £34) per day.

Kavros Beach is a family-friendly destination with no admission fees and offers child-friendly facilities. Several hotels and restaurants nearby provide various accommodation and dining options, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for families and other travelers.

Find below a table with the main features of Kavros Beach.

What is Kavros Beach?

Kavros Beach features fine golden sand and calm seas, ideal for swimming and watersports. The sea slopes gently in Kavros Beach, making it ideal for swimming and safe for families with children. The main village of Kavros offers tourist facilities like accommodation, tavernas, cafes and shops. Kavros Beach is part of a long 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) stretch of sandy beach that extends from the west of Georgioupolis and east of Episkopi. Kavros Beach features an ecosystem home to unique flora and fauna. The dunes play an important protective role by shielding the inland areas from erosion. Small ponds dot the dunes in the winter, creating a landscape vastly different from the summer.

Where is Kavros Beach located?

Kavros Beach is located on the northern coast of Crete, positioned between Rethymno to the east and Chania to the west. The nearest large town is Georgioupolis, situated about 4 kilometers (2.48 miles) west of Kavros Beach. The approximate GPS coordinates for Kavros Beach are 35.325° N latitude and 24.275° E longitude.

How does the Kavros Beach Map look?

Below is an image of the map of  Kavros Beach Beach.

What are the activities in Kavros Beach?

Kavros Beach offers four popular activities that cater to a range of interests: swimming, snorkeling and beach sports.

• Swimming: Kavros Beach is ideal for swimming, thanks to its calm, clear, and shallow waters. Designated swim areas with lifeguard supervision ensure a safe environment for swimmers.
• Snorkeling: The abundance of fish species and sea creatures makes snorkeling a fantastic way to explore the underwater world at Kavros Beach. Equipment is available for rent on the beach, allowing visitors to easily enjoy this activity.
• Beach Sports: Kavros Beach’s spacious sandy shore is perfect for various beach sports, including volleyball, soccer, and frisbee. These games can be played casually, and competitive tournaments are often organized for those looking for a challenge.

When is the best time to visit Kavros Beach?

The best time to visit Kavros Beach is between May and October, when the weather is warm and the sea is ideal for swimming and watersports. During this period, ocean temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in May to 22°C (72°F) in October, making it perfect for a beach getaway. For safety, ocean swimming is best within the areas marked by red and yellow flags, which are monitored by lifeguards. Facilities and amenities are fully operational during the peak season of July and August, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable beach experience.

How do you get to Kavros Beach?

There are 3 transportation options to reach Kavros Beach. These are by rental car, by public transportation and by taxi. Firstly, by rental car, travellers can rent a vehicle in Chania, Rethymno or nearby areas. The route from Chania involves taking the national road towards Rethymno is 41 kilometres (25 miles). Secondly, by public transportation, Ktel and local buses run regularly between Chania and Rethymno along the north coast. Two choices are available: taking a bus from Chania towards Rethymno and disembarking at Kavros or selecting a bus from Rethymno to Chania and getting off at Kavros. Lastly, by taxi, the drive from Chania takes around 40 minutes and can expect a 20-30-minute taxi journey. Taxis can drop passengers off at the entrance to Kavros Beach.

What are nearby attractions in Kavros Beach?

Listed below are the nearby attractions in Kavros Beach.

• Lake Kournas. Lake Kournas is a freshwater lake from Kavros Beach. Visitors can rent pedal boats and leisurely explore the lake’s crystal-clear waters while enjoying the beautiful views.
• Georgioupolis. Georgioupolis is a seaside village located  4 kilometres (2.48 miles) west of Kavros Beach. Georgioupolis offers a variety of restaurants, shops and tavernas, making it a great place to explore, dine and shop for souvenirs.
• Kournas Springs. Kournas Springs is a spring that is 5 kilometres (3.10 miles) inland from  Kavros Beach. This natural area is home to plants and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
• Arkadi Monastery. Arkadi Monastery is a historical and cultural site located 20 kilometres (12.42 miles) southeast of Kavros Beach. Arkadi Monastery is a 16th-century monastery that features impressive Venetian architecture and has a significant place in Cretan history due to its heroic involvement in the Cretan resistance during the 1866 uprising.
• Eleftherna Ancient Site. Eleftherna is an ancient excavation site and museum located 15 kilometres (19.32 miles) south of Kavros Beach. The site contains archaeological remains from the Ancient Greek and Roman eras.
• Vamos. Vamos is a village located 12 kilometres (7.45 miles) south of Kavros Beach. It is a great place to explore pottery workshops, boutique shops and local eateries where you can savour authentic Cretan cuisine.
• Almyrida. Almyrida is a small resort village located 15 kilometres (19.32 miles) east of Kavros Beach. It offers seaside tavernas and waterfront cafes, providing a setting for enjoying Mediterranean cuisine and sea views.

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.

• Insurance. Car rental insurance is important, as it protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. Crete car rental includes insurance for collision damage waiver and a driver’s credit or debit card is required as a guarantee.
• Driver’s age. The legal age requirement when driving in Crete is 18. The driver must have a valid driving license and essential documents like an ID or passport.
• Driver’s gender. Both women and men can drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age of 18, driving is permitted in Crete, regardless of gender.
• Car type. Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of vehicles to choose from. Selecting a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow. The car type is one important factor in how to choose the right car to rent in Crete.
• Documents needed for renting a car. One important document required for renting a vehicle is a valid driving license. However, a credit or debit card may also be presented, including a passport or an ID card.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

Crete is best traveled using a rented vehicle. Tourists can visit Crete’s top destinations using a rented car. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of persons, itinerary, car type, destination and duration. Crete’s average car rental price is around €30 to €40 ($32 to $42, £26 to £34) per day. A car rented for a week will cost an average of €250 ($266, £204). Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78 ($86, £67). Rental Center Crete rates differ depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ liking. Most car rental shops in Crete provide an online booking system when customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process, book a vehicle on their website, check and secure all the requirements.

How much does it cost to get to Kavros Beach?

Kavros Beach does not charge an admission fee, making it an accessible destination for all visitors. Nearby, you can find a variety of dining options, including beachfront tavernas, cafes, and restaurants. Meal prices vary depending on the eatery and the dishes selected. While parking is available near Kavros Beach, it may involve fees. Visitors should check with local authorities or parking facilities for the most up-to-date information on parking costs.

Where to stay near Kavros Beach?

Listed below are the best hotels near Kavros Beach.

• Kavros Beach Hotel. Kavros Beach Hotel is a large beachfront resort located right on Kavros Beach, making it a prime choice. The rooms feature furnished balconies overlooking the sea. Onsite amenities include multiple pools, pool bars and restaurants. Hotel rate is €60 ($64, £52) per night for standard double rooms with sea views, including breakfast.
• Irene Beach Hotel. Irene Beach Hotel is a walking distance from the shore of Kavros Beach, making it one of the closest options. It provides sea-facing rooms and bungalows along with a pool, playground and tennis court. Hotel rate is €90 ($95,  £78) per night for standard double rooms with a balcony. Bungalows start at €120 ($127,  £104) and can accommodate up to 4 people.
• Hotel Glaros. Hotel Glaros is set right on the beachfront of Kavros Beach. It offers apartment-style units with kitchenettes and a pool bar. Hotel rate is €70 ($74,  £60) per night for studio apartments with a kitchenette, double bed and sofa bed.
• Kournas Beach Hotel. Kournas Beach Hotel is 3.5 kilometres (2.17 miles) west of Kavros Beach. It features a pool, poolside bar and garden view rooms along with evening entertainment. Hotel rate is €80 ($85,  £69)  per night for double rooms with garden views.

Where to eat near Kavros Beach?

Listed below are the best restaurants in and near Kavros Beach.

• Akrogiali Tavern. Akrogiali Tavern is located directly on Kavros Beach. Akrogiali Tavern is known for its fresh seafood selections, classic Greek salads and an array of mezedes plates. The pricing for main courses at Akrogiali Tavern falls between €8 ($8, £6) to €15 ($16, £13).
• Ierotopi Taverna. Ierotopi Taverna is located 0.25 kilometres (0.1 miles) from Kavros Beach. Ierotopi Taverna offers a genuine taste of Cretan cuisine with its homemade dishes such as moussaka and lamb kleftiko. Visitors can savour the authenticity of Cretan flavours and main courses here are priced between €6 ($6, £5) to €10 ($10, £8).
• Paralia Tavern. Parelia Tavern is directly on the beachfront of Kavros Beach. Paralia Tavern specialises in grilled meats and dishes featuring stuffed vegetables. It caters to those who appreciate savoury Greek cuisine and is priced from €9 ($9, £5)  to €18 ($19, £15).
• Kavros Restaurant. Kavros Restaurant is located in the village near Kavros Beach and is known for its diverse offerings of Cretan cuisine and a selection of pizzas. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy local and international flavours. Main courses at Kavros Restaurant are generally priced between €7 ($7, £6) to €15 ($16, £13).
• Simi Taverna. Simi Taverna is 0.5 kilometres (0.31 miles) inland from Karvos Beach. Simi Taverna is a spot for those seeking traditional Greek comfort food. The restaurant offers classic Greek dishes that are both satisfying and budget-friendly. Main courses here are typically priced between €5 ($5, £4) to €8 ($8, £6).

Is Kavros Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Kavros Beach is worth visiting. Kavros Beach is an ideal beach destination in Crete, as it remains untouched, preserving the dune’s ecosystem. These natural sand dunes provide an important habitat for native plants and animal species.

Is Kavros Beach safe?

Yes, Kavros Beach is a safe destination for visitors. Visitors’ safety is heightened by lifeguards on duty at the beach. It has obtained Blue Flag certification, which has strict standards for water quality, facilities and safety measures.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Kavros Beach?

No, visitors do not need to book in advance to visit Kavros Beach. It is a public beach, like all the best beaches in Crete. Visitors can typically access the beach and there is no admission fee or requirement to reserve spots.

Are children permitted at Kavros Beach?

Yes, children are permitted at Kavros Beach, which is known as one of the best beaches for kids and toddlers in Crete. There are designated playgrounds and activity areas that offer entertainment options. The nearby restaurants and amenities make it easy for parents to find food options, changing facilities and gear rentals. Kavros Beach has achieved Blue Flag status for its cleanliness, safety and facilities, giving parents peace of mind.

How was the preservation of Kavros Beach?

Kavros Beach has been well preserved over the years thanks to laws that protect its natural environment. The preservation efforts include delineating boundaries for construction and hotel zoning, which help maintain the beach’s open spaces. Laws that prohibit the destruction of native dune plants and animals are crucial in conserving the fragile environment. Kavros Beach is also part of a Europe-wide initiative aimed at sustaining threatened species and habitats.

Kavros beach has earned a Blue Flag certification, signifying that it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. These preservation initiatives aim to balance tourism with the need to safeguard Kavros Beach’s natural ecosystems, ensuring that it remains a beautiful and sustainable destination for future generations.

Last updated on December 10th, 2024