Vala beach is located in one of the most inaccessible areas of Crete, 58 km south of the city of Heraklion, east of the exit of the Pervola Gorge on the southeastern slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. It is formed in the bay of Alykevra and is protected to the east by the Cape of Alykapounta and very close to an impressive Δ-shaped underwater cave.
Vala, like all the homonymous beaches in Greece, takes its name from the vala, that is, the valley, which ends into the beach. It has fine pebbles, clear blue waters and very impressive rock formations behind the beach. Access by foot is almost impossible as it requires long hours of hiking in rugged terrain, so the boat is almost the only way to reach.
If you go east of the cape you will find yourself in the area of Alykevra. There is no beach here, but the place is very important for shepherds as there is a spring of fresh water here where their sheep quench their thirst (and it is also easy for shepherds to catch them as they approach here, as there is no water anywhere else nearby). Next to it there is a narrow gorge that ends at the unique tiny beach Prikovlychada.
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Additional Info
- Sea water color: Blue
- Sand type: Pebbles
- Location: Heraklion Prefecture, Central Crete, South Crete, Monofatsi area
- Depth: Normal
- Sea surface: Usually calm
- Crowds: Quiet
- Other Information: Nudism friendly, Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing
- Accessibility: Boat