Pantanassa

Pantanassa is located 12km west of Heraklion and takes its name after the homonym monastery, dedicated to Virgin Mary. The beach is next to the port of Pantanassa, which was built a few years ago. Before the port, Pantanassa was a fantastic beach, hidden by a small pine forest and with crystal clear waters. Now, the port has “cut” the beach in half and Pantanasa has lost its old charm. However, it remains quite remarkable and beautiful beach with pebbles and clear sea.

The beach is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are still some trees around, hanging from the surrounding cliffs. Access is very easy, since there is a path from the port. If you get hungry, there are taverns in the port of Pantanassa and the surrounding area. You can combine your bath with a visit to the monastery of Pantanassa, located on the top of a pine-clad hill. It was built in the middle of the last century, with a vision to serve as a charity monastery. However its capable founder, Nikolaos Xenos, died and never had the chance to fulfill his dreams. The monastery operates today as a nunnery.