Karavostasi
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Karavostasi is a beach on Crete's coast in Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31 and offers free access. There's a kiosk…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Karavostasi
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Karavostasi?
Karavostasi is a beach on Crete's coast in Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31 and offers free access. There's a kiosk and shop on-site.
The best time to visit is April through June, when the weather is warm but crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season, expect busy conditions and higher temperatures. Always check local water safety conditions before swimming.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Region of Crete, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Karavostasi 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 | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 28°C | 25°C | Med |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Karavostasi is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.5°C in July.
How crowded does Karavostasi get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Karavostasi sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Karavostasi 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 Karavostasi
Is Karavostasi safe to swim?Karavostasi 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 Karavostasi?Peak water temperature at Karavostasi reaches around 24.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.9°C.
What is the beach like at Karavostasi?Karavostasi is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The best time to visit is April through June, when the weather is warm but crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season, expect busy conditions and higher temperatures. Always check local water safety conditions before swimming.
Does Karavostasi have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Karavostasi meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Karavostasi 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 Karavostasi
How do I get to Karavostasi by car?Karavostasi is approximately 12.95 km from Agios Nikolaos 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 Karavostasi?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 54.5 km away.
Can I get to Karavostasi by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 360 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Karavostasi
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Karavostasi. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Karavostasi
- V. PAGALOU Bus stop 360 m
- V. PAGALOU Bus stop 372 m
Cafés near Karavostasi
- Café Café 409 m
Parking near Karavostasi
- Parking Parking 453 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 | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.6 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 360 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.1290°N, 25.7216°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Karavostasi FAQ
Is Karavostasi suitable for children?
Karavostasi has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Karavostasi free to access?
Access to Karavostasi 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 Karavostasi?
The best time to visit Karavostasi 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 24.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Karavostasi?
Karavostasi 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 Karavostasi?
Karavostasi is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 12.95 km from Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 54.5 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Karavostasi?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 360 m from Karavostasi (V. PAGALOU), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Karavostasi?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Karavostasi, including 409 m away. Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Karavostasi?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 453 m from Karavostasi. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © 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 Karavostasi
- 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.