Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Anissaras Beach lies 28 km east of Heraklion, a 480-meter stretch of sandy shore backed by the small village of Analipsis. The beach is managed by ROBINSON Club Lyttos Beach, an all-inclusive resort that dominates the area.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?
Anisaras Beach lies 28 km east of Heraklion on Crete's northern coast, in the Chersonisos area near the village of Analipsi. The beach stretches 480 metres with a 40-metre width of sand, backed by the Robinson Club Lyttos Beach resort. Water quality is rated excellent, and lifeguards are present during the season. The beach faces east and offers both swimming and water sports opportunities. Access is straightforward by car, bicycle, or a 5-minute walk from Analipsi. The resort grounds contain over 20,000 trees and plants, including 1,800 palms and 600 olive trees, creating a planted landscape around the bathing area.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Say About Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
What visitors appreciate
- bathing shoes recommended|seaside|sandy beach|taverns|sunbed rental|rocky sea bottom|stones in the sea|free sunbeds|chapel|water quality
- Well-staffed with lifeguards during season
- Excellent EU-rated bathing water quality
Points to consider
- Can be busy during July and August peak season
- Limited parking near the beach
- Facilities may be reduced outside peak months
Based on aggregated public visitor feedback. Themes are synthesised from multiple sources, not individual quotes. Zeach does not reproduce individual reviews.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Anisaras/Lyttos Beach faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Anisaras/Lyttos Beach is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.8°C in July.
How crowded does Anisaras/Lyttos Beach get?During summer months, particularly July and August when air temperatures reach 25-26°C, Anisaras attracts family groups and resort guests. The beach serves as the primary water access for Robinson Club Lyttos Beach, so activity levels correlate with hotel occupancy. June through September sees the highest visitor concentration, with water temperatures between 20-23°C creating ideal swimming conditions. The beach is classified as family-friendly, and the presence of lifeguards, sunbed rentals, and nearby taverns suggests organized, moderate crowding rather than isolation. September remains popular with water still at 20.8°C and air temperatures at 23.8°C. By December, swim season technically extends but visitor numbers decline substantially as water cools to 10.6°C and air temperatures drop. The 480-metre length means crowd distribution is possible, though peak summer weeks will see concentrated use, particularly around the resort facilities.
Is Anisaras/Lyttos Beach open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
Is Anisaras/Lyttos Beach safe to swim?Anisaras/Lyttos Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?Peak water temperature at Anisaras/Lyttos Beach reaches around 22.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.8°C.
What is the beach like at Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?Anisaras Beach is a sand-based beach with a rocky and stony sea bottom, so bathing shoes are recommended when entering the water. The 480-metre stretch provides reasonable space for summer visitors, though the 40-metre width is moderate rather than expansive. The water quality has been rated excellent by monitoring authorities. Summer water temperatures are warm (reaching 23.1°C in August) while winter swimming requires commitment, with January temperatures around 8.8°C. The swim season runs from June through December, though peak comfort occurs between June and September. Lifeguards patrol during the operational season, providing safety oversight. Sunbed rentals are available, with free sunbed options also reported. The seaside environment includes a chapel within or near the beach area. Taverns operate nearby, offering food and drink without requiring beach departure. The Robinson Club manages the beach and organises environmental activities during summer, including clean-up efforts and community events. Sports facilities include catamaran trips, windsurfing, mountain bike tours, tennis, golf, basketball, and volleyball. The planted environment of palms and olive trees creates some shade and greenery, though the beach itself is primarily sand and water.
Does Anisaras/Lyttos Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Anisaras/Lyttos Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Anisaras/Lyttos Beach sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
While You're Here
Beyond Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
Analipsi village sits immediately adjacent to the beach, offering taverns and basic services within walking distance. Chersonisos, 5 km west, provides a larger resort town with hotels, restaurants, and shops. Heraklion, 28 km west, contains Crete's main city facilities, archaeological museums, and Venetian harbour areas. The Robinson Club grounds themselves contain extensive planted areas with 1,800 palms and 600 olive trees available for non-swimmers. Mountain bike tours depart from the resort. Tennis and golf facilities operate at the club. The immediate coastal area combines beach with resort infrastructure rather than traditional village exploration.
Transport
Getting to Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
How do I get to Anisaras/Lyttos Beach by car?Anisaras/Lyttos Beach is approximately 7.79 km from Chersonisos Municipal Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 15.5 km away. Heraklion International 'Nikos Kazantzakis' Airport (HER) is the nearest airport, located 15.5 km southwest of Anisaras Beach. Direct flights connect Heraklion to major European cities year-round. From the airport, hire a car for the 20-25 minute drive northeast along the coastal road toward Chersonisos and Analipsi. Alternatively, airport bus services run to Heraklion town, where onward transport to the beach can be arranged. The short distance makes air travel practical for beach visits, particularly during summer months.
Can I get to Anisaras/Lyttos Beach by public transport?Bus services operate from Heraklion town to Chersonisos and nearby coastal villages. Journey time is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on stops. From Analipsi village, the beach is a 5-minute walk. Local buses run regularly during summer months; winter schedules are reduced. Confirm current timetables locally, as services vary seasonally.
Nearby
Near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Anisaras/Lyttos Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 24 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 96 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 112 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 123 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 141 m
Cafés near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
- Snack Bar Thalassa Restaurant 24 m
- Taverna Kalypso Restaurant 99 m
- Taste of Asia Restaurant 125 m
- Diktamo Restaurant 138 m
- Wok & Chopsticks Restaurant 254 m
Parking near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
- Parking Parking 287 m
- Parking Parking 334 m
- Parking Parking 336 m
- Parking Parking 416 m
- Parking Parking 436 m
Supermarket near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
- Bazaar Supermarket 320 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✓ Accessible site facilities |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3361°N, 25.3510°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Anisaras/Lyttos Beach FAQ
Is Anisaras Beach worth visiting?
Anisaras Beach suits swimmers and water sports participants seeking organized facilities with good water quality. The 480-metre sandy beach with excellent bathing water quality and lifeguard coverage provides safe swimming. Sports options include windsurfing, catamaran trips, and court activities. However, the rocky sea bottom requires bathing shoes, and it functions primarily as a resort beach rather than an isolated natural setting. Best for families and those comfortable with resort environments.
How do I get to Anisaras Beach?
Drive from Heraklion Airport (15.5 km, 20-25 minutes) northeast toward Chersonisos and Analipsi village. Public buses connect Heraklion town to Chersonisos (30-45 minutes), with Anisaras a 5-minute walk from Analipsi. Car hire offers flexibility. The location on Crete's north coast makes access straightforward via the main coastal road. During summer, transport is reliable; winter services reduce.
What is the best time of year to visit Anisaras Beach?
June through September offers optimal conditions: water temperatures 20-23°C, air temperatures 23-26°C, and full resort facilities. July and August are warmest but most crowded. September provides warm water (20.8°C) with slightly fewer visitors and comfortable air temperatures (23.8°C). May and October are transition months with cooler water (17°C). The swim season technically extends to December, but water temperature drops to 10.6°C, requiring tolerance for cold.
What facilities are available at Anisaras Beach?
The Robinson Club operates facilities including sunbed rentals (some free), taverns for food and drink, lifeguard service, and water sports: windsurfing, catamaran trips, and a range of land sports including tennis, golf, basketball, and volleyball. Mountain bike tours are available. The resort grounds contain 20,000+ trees and plants. The chapel is accessible within the area. However, facilities depend on Robinson Club's operational status, summer season is most reliable.
Is Anisaras Beach suitable for families?
Yes, the beach is explicitly tagged as family-friendly. Lifeguards provide safety oversight. Sunbed rentals and taverns support day visits. Water sports facilities offer activities beyond swimming. The planted resort environment provides shade and greenery. However, the rocky sea bottom requires bathing shoes for child safety. Summer months (June-September) with warm water and organized services are most practical for family visits. Winter swimming is challenging due to cold water.
Are there toilets near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 5 toilet locations near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach, including 24 m away, 96 m away, 112 m away, and 123 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach, including Snack Bar Thalassa (24 m), Taverna Kalypso (99 m), Taste of Asia (125 m), and Diktamo (138 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 287 m from Anisaras/Lyttos Beach, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Anisaras/Lyttos Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 320 m from Anisaras/Lyttos Beach (Bazaar). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Anisaras/Lyttos Beach
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.