Kokkinos Pyrgos beach is located close to the Greek village of the same name, about 2 km west of Tympaki and belongs to the regional unit of Heraklion (the island of Crete is divided into four regional units). The phrase 'Kokkinos Pyrgos' translates as 'red tower' and refers to a nearby small tower built of red clay at the mouth of the Geropotamos River. The beach also has a nice harbour, Kokkinos Pyrgos, for mooring boats and small fishing boats.

The main part of Kokkinos Pyrgos beach is south of the harbour. The beach is quite long, so you will never feel crowded. The beach is mainly frequented by locals and tourists from nearby resorts (e.g. Tympaki, Kamilari, Kalamaki, etc.). The surface of the beach is fine sand, sometimes a mixture of sand and pebbles, and the shoreline slopes very gently into the sea, so the beach is popular even among families with small children. The sea here is usually beautifully clear, but in periods of strong winds the coastline is exposed to large waves.

Kokkinos Pyrgos beach is well organized, tourists can use sunbeds with umbrellas and beach showers. Near the beach, along the local road, a large variety of tavernas and bars operate, which are sure to satisfy the thirst and cravings of any visitor. The beach is usually busiest near the harbour, while towards the east it is quieter and without tourist facilities. The beach of Kokkinos Pyrgos is also chosen for nesting by the large Caretta-caretta turtles, which lay their eggs in the sand on the shore. The eggs then hatch into small turtles and head back to the sea. The giant Caretta turtles are protected, so you should be careful not to destroy any turtle nests when you are on the beach.

If you continue along the beach further southeast, towards Tympaki airport, you will freely cross over to a beach called Katalyki. Katalyki is usually described as part of the larger Kokkinos Pyrgos beach (you can't even tell where one beach ends and the other begins as you walk along the coast). At Katalyki beach you can also take advantage of the water sports on offer here.

On the other hand, north of the harbour you'll find a tiny, unorganised beach. You won't find sunbeds or umbrellas here, but you can relax in the pleasant shade of the tamarisk trees. This part of Kokkinos Pyrgos beach is reserved for nudists.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close beaches: Agia Galini Beach, Kalamaki Beach (Matala)

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.