Karteros beach is covered with fine golden sand, which in some places turns into pebbles or pebbles - especially at the edge of the beach and the sea. Karteros is typical for its shallow waters, suitable for fishing and relaxing swimming. The beach is one of the most organised and touristy beaches - you will find sunbeds and umbrellas as well as beach showers. There are several tavernas right by the beach, serving delicious international and traditional Greek food. Karteros Beach has been awarded the EU Blue Flag.

Karteros Beach is especially popular with younger tourists, who gather at the local beach bar with its rather loud music and relax on sun loungers. Due to the sharp rocks at the entrance to the sea, we cannot recommend the beach too much to families with small children, sometimes the stronger northerly winds can also raise bigger waves. The beach is close to the Cretan airport Nikos Kazantzakis, so you can also watch the planes landing and departing from here. The village of the same name, Karteros, lies further inland and has more tavernas as well as a few small accommodations.

Archaeological work, which has been going on for a long time all over the island of Crete, has uncovered signs of old Neolithic settlements in this area and the remains of the so-called "House of Lilies", which dates back to around 1600 BC. The beautiful frescoes of lilies and other flowers that have been preserved here, and from which the villa takes its name, are on display in the Archaeological Museum in the capital Heraklion. The villa itself had two floors and ten rooms, but unfortunately you can't see much of it today because it is located behind a fence at the end of several private gardens and is not accessible.

Within sight of the beach lies a small island in the sea of the god Zeus, who was an important religious symbol in the Minoan culture. Another important religious site was the nearby cave of the goddess Eileithyia, where, according to ancient Greek myths, Hera gave birth to Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth. Pregnant women would come here and pray to the goddess for a smooth delivery and the birth of a healthy offspring. The cave is long and rather narrow, but according to recent reports, it is not open to the public.

Karteros beach is sometimes identified with Amnissos beach. However, most maps show the two beaches as closely adjacent and flowing into each other. In the easternmost part of the bay there is a small beach called Tobrouk.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close beaches: Amnissos Beach, Tobrouk Beach

Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.