Kalyves-Xyda
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kalyves-Xyda is a beach in Crete, Greece, located 10.08 km from the Municipality of Apokoronas. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open throughout the season, though April through…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kalyves-Xyda
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kalyves-Xyda?
Kalyves-Xyda is a beach in Crete, Greece, located 10.08 km from the Municipality of Apokoronas. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open throughout the season, though April through June offer the best conditions with fewer crowds. July and August are peak months and can get busy. Before swimming, check with local authorities about current water safety conditions. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers.
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.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Kalyves-Xyda 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 | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Kalyves-Xyda is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.5°C in July.
How crowded does Kalyves-Xyda get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kalyves-Xyda sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kalyves-Xyda open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Kalyves-Xyda
Is Kalyves-Xyda safe to swim?Kalyves-Xyda is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Kalyves-Xyda?Peak water temperature at Kalyves-Xyda reaches around 23.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.5°C.
What is the beach like at Kalyves-Xyda?Kalyves-Xyda on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Kalyves-Xyda have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kalyves-Xyda meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Kalyves-Xyda 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.
Transport
Getting to Kalyves-Xyda
How do I get to Kalyves-Xyda by car?Kalyves-Xyda is approximately 10.08 km from Municipality of Apokoronas. 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 Kalyves-Xyda?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 92.0 km away.
Can I get to Kalyves-Xyda by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Municipality of Apokoronas. The nearest recorded bus stop is 93 m from the beach.
Map
Find Kalyves-Xyda
Open the map or get directions to the Kalyves-Xyda pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | June – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 80 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 93 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.4522°N, 24.1751°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kalyves-Xyda FAQ
Is Kalyves-Xyda suitable for children?
Kalyves-Xyda has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Kalyves-Xyda free to access?
Access to Kalyves-Xyda is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Kalyves-Xyda?
The best time to visit Kalyves-Xyda is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kalyves-Xyda?
Kalyves-Xyda is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Kalyves-Xyda?
Kalyves-Xyda is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 10.08 km from Municipality of Apokoronas. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 92.0 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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 Kalyves-Xyda
- 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.