Psaromoura Beach: Breathtaking Beach in Crete

Psaromoura Beach is a small and secluded beach that offers a natural and authentic experience of the Cretan sea and landscape. The beach has sparkling waters and a view of the bay. It is surrounded by a palm tree forest and a rocky landscape that creates a unique scenery. The beach is part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a European Union initiative that aims to protect the most valuable and threatened habitats and species in Europe. Psaromoura Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. The best time to visit Psaromoura Beach is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with a temperature of 26 ℃ (79 ℉). Psaromoura Beach has been well-preserved over the years, maintaining its natural beauty and ensuring a pleasant environment for visitors.

What is Psaromoura Beach?

Psaromoura Beach is a pebbled beach surrounded by rocky cliffs that provide protection from waves. It has clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and a small canteen. It is popular with locals and visitors can access it by car or bus from Heraklion.

Psaromoura Beach was once entirely undeveloped, but it is now an organized beach. Its conversion to a more tourist-friendly beach has been controversial, with some calling for the removal of umbrellas and amenities. Psaromoura Beach remains beautiful with its aqua waters and natural setting inside a small bay. It provides an alternative to the busier beaches of Agia Pelagia.

Where is Psaromoura Beach located?

Psaromoura Beach is in the village of Agia Pelagia on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. It is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Heraklion and 500 meters (0.3 miles) north of Agia Pelagia’s main beach. To access Psaromoura Beach, visitors can take the coastal road from Heraklion towards Rethymno. After passing the town of Gournes, follow signs directing to Agia Pelagia. After arriving in Agia Pelagia, drive until reaching the western end of the main beach near the Hotel Capsis Out of the Blue. Take a right turn onto a small road immediately after passing the hotel and take a short drive until reaching a closed gate and sign indicating the path to Psaromoura Beach. There is a parking area to park the car and follow the path west past the gate to reach the beach. Psaromoura can also be accessed by public bus from Heraklion, then walking from Agia Pelagia.

How does the Psaromoura beach map look?

Find below on the image a map of Psaromoura Beach.

What are the activities at Psaromoura Beach?

Visitors at Psaromoura Beach can perform in 3 major activities. There are swimming, snorkeling and hiking. Firstly, swimming is a popular activity at Psaromoura Beach. The clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea offer a refreshing and inviting environment for swimmers. The calm and safe waters make it an ideal location for a dip, whether one is a novice or an experienced swimmer.The comfortable water temperature, which is 26 ℃ (79 ℉) in the summer, makes it a pleasant experience, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the sea without discomfort. Secondly, snorkeling is another favored activity at Psaromoura Beach. The crystal-clear waters and the seabed’s intriguing features create an excellent setting for snorkelers. The underwater world of Psaromoura offers a chance to observe various marine life and explore the colorful sea environment.Lastly, for those who enjoy hiking, there are hiking opportunities at Psaromoura Beach. The rocky surroundings of Agia Pelagia provide an attractive terrain for hiking experts. Hikers can explore the coastal trails, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the town of Agia Pelagia.

When is the best time to visit Psaromoura Beach?

The best time to visit Psaromoura Beach is from June to September. Psaromoura Beach is not crowded most of the time, as it is relatively small and secluded. The weather during this period is warm and sunny, with a temperature of 26 ℃ (79 ℉). Visitors can visit Psaromoura Beach in June or September, if wanting to avoid the peak season and have more privacy, when there are fewer tourists and the beach is less likely to have other visitors.

How was the preservation of Psaromoura Beach?

Psaromoura Beach has been well-preserved over the years, maintaining its natural beauty and ensuring a pleasant environment for visitors. The local authorities have implemented measures to protect the beach and its surroundings. These measures include regular cleaning and maintenance to keep Psaromoura Beach clean and litter-free. Waste bins and signage are placed to encourage responsible waste disposal by visitors, helping to maintain the beach’s cleanliness. There are also restrictions on activities that could harm the environment, such as fishing or anchoring boats too close to the shore.

How do you get to Psaromoura Beach?

To access Psaromoura Beach, visitors can reach it by car or bus. Travelers can reach Psaromoura Beach from Heraklion within 25 minutes by car. The route is well-marked and paved, although it can be hilly and winding in some sections. Travelers should follow the E75 national road towards Rethymno and then take the exit leading to Agia Pelagia. Along the way, they will pass through the villages of Lygaria and Mononaftis and clear signage will guide them to Psaromoura Beach. There are enough free parking facilities available near the beach, making it convenient for visitors.

There is also a bus option for those traveling from Heraklion to Psaromoura Beach. These buses operate on an hourly schedule between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm, departing from the bus station located near Heraklion’s port. A single bus ticket costs 3 € ($3.5, £2.5) per person. The bus journey takes 40 minutes and includes a stop at Agia Pelagia. At Agia Pelagia, passengers will transfer to a smaller bus that travels to Psaromoura Beach, with departures every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The fare for the smaller bus is 1 € ($1.2, £0.8) per person. Upon arrival at Psaromoura Beach, a brief walk is all that is needed to reach the seaside.

What are the nearby attractions in Psaromoura Beach?

Listed below are the best attractions near Psaromoura Beach:

Ancient Apollonia (Agia Pelagia): Ancient Apollonia is the archaeological site of a Hellenistic town that was located at the cape of Souda, above the beach of Agia Pelagia. Visitors can see the remains of the Prytaneum, a public building that served as the religious and political center of the town. The site also has some traces of a temple of Asclepius and a Roman theater.
Kladissos Beach: Kladissos Beach is a small, secluded beach with sparkling waters and beautiful views. It is surrounded by a palm tree forest and a rocky landscape that creates a unique and charming scenery. The beach is part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a European Union initiative that aims to protect the most valuable and threatened habitats and species in Europe
Mononaftis Beach: Mononaftis Beach is a pebbly beach with clear and calm waters that are ideal for snorkeling and diving. According to a legend, the beach is named after a large rock that resembles a lonely sailor. Mononaftis Beach has a few rental facilities, taverns, bars and a diving center
Agia Pelagia Beach: Agia Pelagia Beach is the main beach of the resort of Agia Pelagia, which has a long sandy beach with golden sand. The beach is always protected from the winds and offers a variety of water sports, such as pedal boats, jet skis and banana boats. It is also lined with many hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.
Mades Beach. Mades Beach is a small, pebbly beach inside a bay on the northern coast of Crete. It is located within the Gulf of Heraklion, about 20 kilometres (12.42 miles) northwest of Heraklion. Mades Beach’s characteristics are the rocky seabed and two small islets. The rocky seabed is ideal for snorkelling, spearfishing, and fishing due to the abundance of marine life. Mades beach is located 6 kilometers away from Psaromoura Beach.
Agia Pelagia monastery at Achlada: Agia Pelagia monastery at Achlada is a former monastery that dates back to the 13th century and was one of the most important in the Venetian Crete. The monastery was famous for its feast day, which attracted thousands of pilgrims from all over Crete and the Aegean Sea. It has an unusual architecture, with the monk cells attached to the temple and not around it.

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 licence 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 licence. 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 travelled using a rented vehicle. Tourists may quickly get to 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 €30 ($32.1, £26.1) to €40 ($42.7, £34.8) per day. A car rented for a whole week will cost an average of €250 ($266.9, £217.6). Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78 ($83.2, £67.8). 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 whenever customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process and instantly book a vehicle on their website. Before availing of a Crete car rental, check and secure all the requirements.

How much does it cost to get to Psaromoura Beach?

Psaromoura Beach does not have an admission fee for entry, making it a free and accessible destination for visitors. The main cost comes from transportation, which can vary depending on the mode chosen. If driving to Psaromoura Beach from Heraklion, visitors will need to pay for the fuel and the parking fee. The distance is 23 kilometres (14.3 miles) and the fuel consumption is 6 litres per 100 kilometres (39.2 mpg). The fuel price is 1.6 € ($1.8, £1.3) per litre, while the parking fee is free of charge. Visitors will also need to bring their own food, water and supplies, as there are no facilities or services on Psaromoura Beach. The cost of food and supplies will vary depending on the preferences and needs, but visitors can expect to spend at least 10 € ($11.5, £8.3) per person for a day.

Visitors can also take a bus from Heraklion to Psaromoura Beach, which runs every hour from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. The bus station is located near the port of Heraklion and the ticket costs 3 € ($3.5, £2.5) per person. The bus ride takes 40 minutes and stops at Agia Pelagia, where visitors will need to walk for 15 minutes to reach Psaromoura Beach.

Where to stay near Psaromoura Beach?

Listed below are the best hotels to stay near Psaromoura Beach:

Eva Mare Hotel & Suites – ADULTS ONLY: Eva Mare Hotel & Suites – ADULTS ONLY is a 4-star hotel that is located a few steps from Psaromoura Beach. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, a garden and a terrace. The rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, private bathrooms and sea views. It also has a restaurant, a bar and a spa. The price for a double room with a sea view is 100 € ($115, £83) per night.
Peninsula Resort & Spa: Peninsula Resort & Spa is a 4-star resort that is located on a peninsula between Mononaftis and Psaromoura beaches. The resort has 6 swimming pools, 2 restaurants, 2 pool bars, a spa and a gym. The rooms have air conditioning, satellite TVs, fridges and private balconies. A double room with a sea view costs 120 € ($138, £99) per night.
Psaromoura Apartment-Psaromouraki Studio: Psaromoura Apartment-Psaromoura Studio is a self-catering apartment that is 2 minutes walk from Psaromoura Beach. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living room, a bathroom and a bedroom. It also has a balcony, a terrace, a garden and free WiFi. The price for the apartment is 60 € ($69, £50) per night.
Psaromoura Residence: Psaromoura Residence is a beachfront villa that is located in Agia Pelagia Village. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room and a fireplace. The villa also has a large terrace, a garden, a BBQ and free WiFi. It offers a view of the sea and the mountains. The price for the villa is 200 € ($230, £166) per night.
Blue Bay Resort Hotel: Blue Bay Resort Hotel is a 4-star hotel that is located on a cliff in Agia Pelagia. The hotel near Psaromoura Beach has 4 swimming pools, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, a spa and a gym. The rooms have air conditioning, satellite TVs, fridges and private balconies. The price for a double room with a sea view is 110 € ($127, £91) per night.

Where to eat near Psaromoura Beach?

Listed below are the best restaurants in and near Psaromoura Beach:

Yamas Restaurant: Yamas Restaurant is a Greek restaurant that is located just above Psaromoura Beach. It offers a variety of dishes, such as souvlaki, saganaki, cheese pies, salads and desserts. The restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the sea and Psaromoura Beach.
Psaromoura Beach Bar: Psaromoura Beach Bar is located on Psaromoura Beach. It offers drinks, cocktails, snacks and light meals, such as sandwiches, burgers, salads and pizzas. The beach bar has a relaxing atmosphere and a view of the bay. It is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sea Salt and Rosemary Restaurant: Sea Salt and Rosemary Restaurant is a Mediterranean restaurant that is located at the Out of the Blue Resort & Spa, 500 metres from Psaromoura Beach. It offers a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner and an à la carte menu. The dishes are made with fresh and local ingredients, such as seafood, meat, vegetables and herbs. The restaurant has a beachfront location and a live music program.
Almyra Seaside Food & Cocktails: Almyra Seaside Food & Cocktails is a restaurant and beach bar that is located at Agia Pelagia, 1.5 kilometres from Psaromoura Beach. It offers a menu of Mediterranean and international cuisine and a selection of wines, champagnes and cocktails. The dishes, such as grilled octopus, lamb chops, pasta and risotto, are creative and delicious.

Is Psaromoura Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Psaromoura Beach is worth visiting. Psaromoura Beach has clear waters and a view of the bay. It is surrounded by a palm tree forest and a rocky landscape that creates a unique scenery. The beach is part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a European Union initiative that aims to protect the most valuable and threatened habitats and species in Europe. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and relaxing at this beach and exploring the nearby attractions, such as the ancient Apollonia, the Kladissos beach and the Agia Pelagia monastery. Psaromoura is considered on of the best beaches to visit in Heraklion.

Is Psaromoura Beach safe?

Yes, Psaromoura Beach is safe. Psaromoura Beach is a small and secluded beach that has no lifeguards, so visitors should be careful when swimming and avoid going too far from the shore. The water is clear and calm, but it can get deep quickly. Psaromoura Beach is also surrounded by rocks and cliffs, so visitors should watch their steps and avoid climbing or jumping.

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

No, you do not need to book in advance to visit Psaromoura Beach, as it is a public and free beach that is open to everyone. Psaromoura Beach can get crowded during the peak season, especially in July and August, when many tourists and locals visit the beach.

Are children permitted at Psaromoura Beach?

Yes, children are permitted at Psaromoura Beach, but parents should be aware that the beach is not suitable for young children, as it has no lifeguards and the water can get deep quickly. It is also surrounded by rocks and cliffs, which can be dangerous for children. The parent should supervise their children at all times and bring their own food, water and supplies.

Published on December 4, 2023