Kommos beach

Kommos Beach is located on the shores of Mesara Bay, specifically on the southern part of the bay. Kommos is a beautiful, almost 2 km long beach covered with fine golden sand. The coastline is bathed in crystal clear sea, but swimmers must beware of the occasional rocks that hide beneath the surface. It's not surprising that snorkelling and watching the numerous schools of small fish is a popular activity for local visitors. However, the bay is open to northerly winds and sometimes the sea can be really rough.

On a small hill close to the beach is the archaeological site of Kommos. Around the 2nd millennium BC, Kommos was an important port city with shipyards, huge Minoan palaces and large stone buildings for storing various materials. The remains of this Minoan settlement have survived to the present day.

The southern part of the beach, below the archaeological site, is equipped with sun loungers and parasols, beach showers and a pleasant tavern. There is also a lifeguard to ensure the safety of visitors. Nearby (about a 10-minute walk), at the village of Pitsidia, one of the island's official campsites is open. There is no accommodation directly on the beach, but hotels and apartments in the nearby resorts of Kalamaki, Matala or Kamilari can be used for accommodation.

The part of the beach that runs north of the historical excavations is popular with nudists and is even referred to as "Nudist Beach" or "Potamos" in some guidebooks. The area around the archaeological site is in a protected area and therefore this part of the beach is not touristic, only small tamarisk trees provide a bit of shade.

The view of the opposite islets of Paximadia is particularly impressive at sunset. Directly opposite the archaeological site, a large rock rises in the sea, which the locals call "Volakas" and associate with the legend of Odysseus' escape from Polyphemus' cave. According to Greek mythology, Polyphemos was a blind cyclops who wanted to prevent Odysseus from escaping, so he threw a large rock (which is supposed to be this rock) at his ship.

Caretta-caretta turtles

Visitors to Kommos Beach should, however, remember that they are not alone and should keep their eyes peeled. Kommos Beach is a nesting ground for Caretta-caretta sea turtles, which are protected. Between May and September, the turtles lay their eggs in the sand, which then hatch into baby turtles.

After hatching, the turtles dig themselves out of the sand and make their way to the sea. This happens mainly at night, so the beach should not be exposed to too much noise or light after sunset, which could confuse the turtles (they orient themselves by moonlight). If you see a small turtle on the beach during the day, do not pick it up and help it into the sea, as it is important for its further development that it finds its own way. You can, however, give her some shade so that the strong rays of the sun do not exhaust her so much. Please also keep the beach clean and free of litter.

Surrounding beaches

Kommos beach is located north of one of the most famous beaches on Crete - Matala beach. It is unique in that at its northern end a large rock massif stretches from the coast to the sea, which is full of excavated caves. If you walk to Matala beach, you will enjoy a nice and pleasant walk through the valley (the path is about 5 km long). Further south is a picturesque beach with reddish coloured sand - Red Beach.

The beaches of Red Beach, Matala and Kommos fall under the protection of the "Natura 2000" programme, established by the European Union for the long-term protection and preservation of the rarest species of animals and plants.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close beaches: Kalamaki Beach (Matala), Matala 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.