Resort Kato Gouves - characteristics and facilities

Kato Gouves forms part of the popular tourist area Kato Gouves - Analipsi - Anissaras, which stretches along the northern coast of Crete in a strip about 6 km long. These three towns are very similar in type - bustling, well-touristed and lined with beautiful beaches. To the west along the coast, they are joined by the smaller village of Gournes and another popular seaside resort, Kokkini Hani.

A few kilometres inland lies the original town of Gouves, which gave its name to the seaside resort. Czech tour operators often confuse the two names and use both "Kato Gouves" and "Gouves" for the popular tourist resort on the Cretan coast.

Kato Gouves is one of the liveliest holiday resorts, buzzing all day long and with bars and discos all night long. The resort has good tourist facilities in the form of a variety of accommodation options (from small apartments to large hotels), nice tavernas and restaurants serving great Greek food, and other essential services such as mini-markets, souvenir shops and a pharmacy and ATM. Entertainment and sporting activities are provided by the resort's coastline, dotted with beautiful sandy beaches.

Do you still find the nightlife here a little too wild? Head to the nearby resorts of Malia and Hersonissos, which are renowned for this. Tourists also head to the nearby capital Heraklion for entertainment and shopping.

Resort Kato Gouves - beaches

One of the main attractions of the holiday resort is definitely its pleasant and well-equipped beaches. Visitors have plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas at their disposal, there are beach bars and several typical Greek tavernas serving very tasty dishes near the beach. There are also sports clubs along the coast with a variety of water sports on offer.

Most of the beaches here are covered with fine sand that continues along the seabed and further into the water. The coastline here is very gentle, so it's no wonder that the beaches are popular with families with smaller children or non-swimmers who enjoy lounging in shallow waters.

The most famous beach in the area is the eponymous Kato Gouves (or just Gouves), and the well-kept and pretty beaches in front of the hotels are also popular. In addition to the larger and more organized beaches, there are also smaller empty beaches or rocky outcrops that can be used to relax in peace and greater privacy.

Excursions and sights around Kato Gouves

Kato Gouves is located close to the main road connecting Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, so you can get around the island wherever you want thanks to its good transport links. The resort has car and bike rental services and a regular bus service to the town.

The nearest area to Kato Gouves:

For a pleasant early evening stroll, you can visit the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, which stands right on the resort's shoreline. A great attraction for all water elements is undoubtedly the extensive Star Beach Water Park, located on the coast of the resort of Hersonissos (about 7 km from Kato Gouves). Lovers of exuberant dancing and nightlife also head to nearby Hersonissos.

On the other hand, to the west, near the neighbouring resort of Gournes, you will find the Dinosauria theme park and the Thalassokosmos aquarium. These attractions can make for an interesting trip if you're holidaying here with children. If you head inland, through the original village of Gouves, you will reach the Skotino Cave.

Nearby Kato Gouves:

A popular tourist destination is the archaeological site of Knossos and of course the nearby historic town of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. The town of Heraklion is dominated by the massive Venetian fortress with its old harbour, and there are also several beautiful churches to admire, as well as the extensive collection of the Kretikon Museion archaeological museum.

Natural attractions include the Lasithi Plateau, the largest mountain plateau on the island, located about 30 km inland and formerly irrigated by a number of small windmills. The remains of the mills can still be seen here today, and in close proximity to the plateau we can also find other interesting and beautiful sights, such as the Moni Vidianis Monastery or the Dikteo Andro stalactite cave, where, according to one of the legends of Greek mythology, the god Zeus was born.

For whom the centre is suitable

Most typical holiday visitors will be satisfied in Kato Gouves, as the resort offers quality tourist facilities and a variety of activities. The resort is lively and boasts beautiful and well-equipped beaches. On the other hand, be prepared for larger crowds during the peak summer season, so the resort is not recommended for those who are mainly looking for peace and privacy on their holiday.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Analipsi, Gournes, Gouves

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

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