Trafoulas Beach: Location, Map, Travel Tips and Car Rental

Trafoulas Beach, also called Dragon Bay, is located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece. It sits on the Libyan Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea. The soft sand shore stretches over half a mile, and the waters are a sparkling blue-green. There are palm trees that sway over Trafoulas Beach, providing shade from the sun. Trafoulas Beach can be accessed by boat from the nearby port of Lendas or through an adventurous hike starting near Cape Trafoulas. The hike takes 15 to 20 minutes from the nearest parking, leading through a narrow gorge. The best time to visit Trafoulas Beach is from June to August, when the weather is warm, with temperatures 26 °C (79 °F). The water is clear and refreshing from June to August, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, camping, and hiking. Trafoulas Beach is part of the Natura 2000 network, contributing to the protection of valuable habitats and species in Europe.

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

What is Trafoulas Beach?

Trafoulas Beach is a secluded beach that is formed at the exit of a narrow gorge. Trafoulas Beach is also known as Dragon Bay, which means fine sand. The beach features clear blue-green water, white rocks, and caves that offer shade. Trekkers, nature lovers, and nudists are drawn to its isolation and beauty.

Trafoulas Beach takes its name from Cape Trafoulas at its eastern end. According to legend, King Minos visited the cape, while Pasiphae and her followers bathed at nearby Loutra Beach. The soft sandy shore stretches for 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles), and the water shines in blue-green hues. Palm trees provide shade along the beach.

Where is Trafoulas Beach located?

Trafoulas Beach is located in southern Crete, along the Libyan Sea, 69 kilometers (43 miles) south of Heraklion (Crete’s capital city) and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) east of Lendas town. Visitors can reach Trafoulas Beach by boat or on foot. Boats depart from Lendas, while those driving can park near Cape Trafoulas and hike through a narrow gorge for 15 to 20 minutes. The path is steep and rocky, so appropriate shoes are necessary.

How does the Trafoulas beach map look?

Find below on the image a map of Trafoulas Beach.

What are the activities at Trafoulas Beach?

Trafoulas Beach offers four main activities suited to various preferences. Trafoulas Beach’s clear, deep blue-green water is ideal for swimming. The beach’s length accommodates different swimming levels. Swimmers can view white rocks and caves along the coast.

Snorkeling at Trafoulas Beach allows exploration of the Libyan Sea’s marine life, including fish, corals, and possibly petrified animals linked to local legend.

Camping at Trafoulas Beach requires visitors to bring food, water, and supplies due to the lack of facilities. Visitors can set up tents in one of the four caves for shade and protection.

Hiking through the gorge to Trafoulas Beach takes 15-20 minutes. The trail is steep and rocky, requiring caution and proper shoes. Hikers are rewarded with views of the canyon and beach.

What are the nearby attractions in Trafoulas Beach?

Listed below are the best attractions near Trafoulas Beach.

• Lendas: Lendas is a small village with some tourist facilities, such as hotels, taverns, and cafes. It is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) west of Trafoulas Beach and has a long sandy beach with shallow water. Lendas was an ancient port and has some archaeological sites, such as a temple of Asclepius and a Roman theatre.
• Petrakis Beach: Petrakis Beach is a secluded beach between Loutro and Trafoulas Beach. It is 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) away from each. It has fine sand and turquoise water, and it is ideal for relaxation and privacy. Petrakis beach is accessible by boat or on foot from Loutro.
• Minoan settlement: The Minoan settlement is near the Cape Trafoulas, where there are ruins of a Minoan settlement that dates back to the 16th century BC. The settlement was a port or a trading post, and it had a large building with several rooms and a paved courtyard. The settlement was destroyed by an earthquake and was later occupied by the Romans.
• Roman villa: The Roman villa is on the beach of Trafoulas. It is the remains of a Roman structure that was built in the 2nd century AD. The villa had a mosaic floor, a bath, and a water tank. The villa was used as a summer residence and a guest house by the Roman governor of Crete.

When is the best time to visit Trafoulas Beach?

The best time to visit Trafoulas Beach is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is clear and refreshing. The temperature during this period is 26 °C (79 °F), and the average rainfall is low. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, camping, and hiking at Trafoulas Beach.

Trafoulas Beach is not crowded most of the time, as it is relatively isolated and accessible only by boat or on foot. If wanting to avoid the peak season and have more privacy, visitors can visit the beach in May or September, when the weather is still pleasant, and it is less likely to have other visitors.

How do you get to Trafoulas Beach?

To get to Trafoulas Beach, visitors can reach it by boat or on foot. Travelers can take a boat from Lendas, which is the nearest port to Trafoulas Beach. Travelers can reach Lendas by car from Heraklion in 1.5 hours. The road is paved and well-signposted, but it is winding and steep at some points. Travelers will pass through the villages of Agii Deka, Mires, Petrokefali, and Lentas. After arriving at Lendas, visitors can find a boat that will take them to Trafoulas Beach in 15 minutes.

Visitors can also hike to Trafoulas Beach through a narrow gorge that starts near the Cape Trafoulas, which is the eastern end of the beach. To get to the cape, visitors must drive and follow the left road that starts just before entering the village of Lendas. The road leads to the east and has signs pointing the way to Loutra and Petrakis beaches. After 20 minutes, visitors will reach a small port where the fishing boats dock and continue driving uphill, where there is a parking place. On this point, visitors can see the small gorge that leads to Trafoulas Beach on the right. The path leads to the bottom of the gorge and can be quite steep and rocky in some places and takes 15 to 20 minutes.

How much does it cost to get to Trafoulas Beach?

Trafoulas Beach does not have an admission fee, and visitors can access the beach free of charge. There are no food vendors or restaurants directly on Trafoulas Beach, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, water, and supplies. It is advisable to plan and pack provisions in advance to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Visitors can park their vehicles near the small harbour of Loutras, which is the starting point for the hike to Trafoulas Beach. It may involve limited parking spaces, so arriving early is recommended to secure a parking spot.

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 rental car service in Crete, check and secure all the requirements.

Where to stay near Trafoulas Beach?

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

• Maridatis Apartments: Maridatis Apartments is a 4-star vacation home that is 4.1 kilometres (2.5 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with balconies, kitchenettes, and free WiFi. It also has a terrace, a garden, and a barbecue area. The price for a night is 60 € ($69, £50).
• Flamingo Colour Valley House: Flamingo Colour Valley House is a chalet that is 500 metres (0.3 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It has a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen. It also has a terrace, a garden, and free WiFi. The price for a night is 80 € ($92, £66).
• Villa Aiolos-Palaikastro-East Crete: Villa Aiolos-Palaikastro-East Crete is a 4-star hotel that is 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It has a private pool, a hot tub, a balcony, and a coffee machine. It also has a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi, and free private parking. The price for a night is 100 € ($115, £83),
• Hotel Vigla: Hotel Vigla is a 4-star hotel that is 8.6 kilometres (5.3 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It has a swimming pool with a hot tub, a restaurant, a bar, and a sun terrace. It also has bright rooms with air conditioning, refrigerators, and free WiFi. The price for a night is 40 € ($46, £33).
• Castri Village Hotel: Castri Village Hotel is a 5-star hotel that is 9.4 kilometres (5.8 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It has an outdoor pool with a bar, a sun terrace, and a garden. It also has spacious rooms with balconies, kitchenettes, and free WiFi. The price for a night is 50 € ($58, £42)

Where to eat near Trafoulas Beach?

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

• Palm Beach Vai Restaurant: Palm Beach Vai Restaurant is a 4-star restaurant that is 4.1 kilometres (2.5 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It offers delicious seafood, Mediterranean and European dishes, and a view of the palm tree forest. The restaurant has friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is 15 € ($17, £12).
• Grandes Restaurant: Grandes Restaurant is a 4-star restaurant that is 8.6 kilometres (5.3 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It serves authentic Italian food, such as pizza, pasta, and gnocchi, made with fresh ingredients and homemade sauces. The restaurant has a modern and elegant decor, a spacious terrace, and a courteous staff. The average cost for a meal is 20 € ($23, £17).
• Rizoviglo restaurant: Rizoviglo restaurant is a 4-star restaurant that is 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, such as steak tartare, tuna, and lamb, cooked with fresh herbs and spices. The restaurant has a rustic and cozy ambiance, friendly service, and a beautiful view of the olive trees. The average cost for a meal is 25 € ($29, £21).
• Aliais: Aliais is a 3-star restaurant that is 9.4 kilometres (5.8 miles) away from Trafoulas Beach. It serves a fusion of Asian and European dishes, such as sushi, noodles, and burgers, with a creative and tasty twist. The restaurant has a colourful and funky decor, a lively atmosphere, and a helpful staff. The average cost for a meal is 15 € ($17, £12).

Is Trafoulas Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Trafoulas Beach is worth visiting for those seeking a private and natural beach experience. Its clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling; exports will appreciate the opportunity to explore marine life and underwater formations. Visitors can also camp and spend a night under the starry sky, and hikers can enjoy the trek through Trafoulas gorge.

Is Trafoulas Beach safe?

Yes, Trafoulas Beach is safe for visitors, but there are no lifeguards or designated safety services on the beach, visitors are advised to exercise caution when swimming, particularly during rough sea conditions. There are no facilities or services available on Trafoulas Beach, and visitors should come prepared with their own food, water, and supplies to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

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

No, visitors do not need to book in advance to visit Trafoulas Beach. Trafoulas Beach is accessible to the public without any prior reservations or permits. It’s an open and natural area that can be visited freely, making it convenient for those looking to explore its beauty and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Visitors should be self-sufficient and come prepared with their own food, water, and supplies, as there are no facilities or services available on Trafoulas Beach.

Why is Trafoulas Beach Significant for Nature, Culture and History?

Trafoulas Beach belongs to the Natura 2000 network, a European Union program protecting valuable habitats and species. The beach hosts endemic plants and animals, including Cretan ebony, Cretan wildcat, and loggerhead sea turtle.

Trafoulas Beach is part of the UNESCO Sites in Crete, promoting the island’s cultural and natural heritage. The beach connects with legends of King Minos, Queen Pasiphae, and Queen Cleopatra. The area contains Minoan and Roman archaeological remains.

Trafoulas Beach remains isolated and is accessible only by boat or on foot. Mass tourism has not affected it. No facilities exist, so visitors must bring food, water, and supplies.