Kato Gouves (or simply Gouves) is a popular holiday resort located 18km east of Heraklion, in the foothills of Mount Ederi. In the past, the valley of Kato Gouves was cultivated by the residents of the village of Ano Gouves with vegetables, olives, and cereals.

Analipsi later was occupied by the the shepherds of Saint George village, in Lasithi Plateau, where the winter is very cold. Thus, they moved their cattle here in winter. Today, the lucky descendants of the shepherds have large properties in the area, with hotels, shops, restaurants and all sorts of tourist facilities.

The peaceful resort of Anisaras is located 21km east of Heraklion, west of Cape Sarandaris. The area is now full with big hotels, which offer primarily all-inclusive services. In front of the hotels, there are small sandy beaches with rocky seabed. All beaches are well-organized with umbrellas and sun beds, which are offered for free to the customers of the hotels.

The Coves of Hersonissos are located 27km east of Heraklion, starting from Cape Sarandaris and continuing to the east till the harbour of Hersonissos. They are really beautiful beaches with calm waters, since Cape Sarandaris protects them from the northwest winds.

Hersonissos is a very busy, touristic town located 28km east of Heraklion. 2km east of the Hersonissos port, you'll find several nice coves, that constitute the complex of east Hersonisos beaches.

Stalis (or Stalida) is located 30km east of Heraklion, in the midway of Malia and Hersonissos. From a small seaside village set up by the residents of Mohos, Stalis is today a popular tourist resort, which is united with Malia town. The only difference with Malia is that Stalis attracts mainly families and things here are more peaceful.

The beach of Malia is the eastern part of the vast beach (6km length) starting from Stalis. It is a wide beach with fine sand and shallow waters. It is so crowded that there is no space between the sunbeds to fit a pin! Here you can find whatever comfort you ask.

Dia is a small uninhabited island located 12 miles north of Heraklion. During the summer, excursion boats run daily to Dia, where the visitor can admire the rugged landscape of the island and swim in the crystal clear waters. The place where the boats stop is called the port of St. George.

Panagia Bay is the most protected of all bays of Dia island. It is located 2km east of the port of St. George and is surrounded by high rocky hills, full with oregano and herbs. If you are lucky you will see hares jumping from the bushes.

The waters of the entire area, and not only of Vyzaroplaka, are among the cleanest and clearest in Crete. The beach is protected from the summer meltemi and the westerly winds and almost never has waves.

Fylakas is a tiny beach at the base of the western side of Cape Fylakas of Tripiti in the Asterousia Mountains about 73 kilometers south of Heraklion and on the eastern border of the community of Miamou

Vala beach is located on the southeastern slopes of the Asterousia Mountains in a purely Cretan setting, with inaccessible gorges, bare rocks, steep cliffs and beautiful secluded beaches.

The wider area is full of salt pans, where you will see the famous salt pans of Asterousia filling hollows with seawater evaporated by the sun.

Kakoskalo beach is located 70 km southwest of Heraklion, on the borders of Tympaki and Agia Galini. The beach starts northwest of the port of Kokkinos Pyrgos.

In front of the settlement Agios Ioannis, west of Pontd, there is the small, sheltered beach of Ai Giannis. If you are looking for more seclusion, you can go to the beautiful beach of Elygia, to the east of the peninsula.

The area of Kouneni is located in the vicinity of the village of Pigaidakia, near Cape Lithino, in the “corner” of Messara, and is the southernmost territory of Crete. The highest point of the Cape is the windswept Mount Kefali, from which start vertical cliffs of 391m

The majestic black beach of Aspes is located about 58km south of Heraklion, in one of the most remote and inaccessible areas of Asteroussia Mountains. It is situated 4km east of the hamlet of Treis Ekklisies.

The Red Beach is located at location Moudia, 68km southwest of Heraklion and just 800m south of Matala famous resort. To get here you have to walk a trail that begins north of the settlement of Matala and crosses the hill north of Matala. There used to be some signs showing the way.

The first beach you come across east of the port of Hersonissos is a long sandy narrow beach, which is flooded by thousands of people. It is very well organized and close to the amenities of the city. However, it is inappropriate for those who do not like crowds.