Kastri/Creta Maris
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kastri/Creta Maris is a beach on the Greece coastline, located 4.51 km from Gouves Municipal Unit. It holds the Blue Flag award, which certifies water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The beach operates from July 1 to October 31. Access is free.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kastri/Creta Maris
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kastri/Creta Maris?
Kastri/Creta Maris is a beach on the Greece coastline, located 4.51 km from Gouves Municipal Unit. It holds the Blue Flag award, which certifies water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The beach operates from July 1 to October 31. Access is free.
Trained lifeguards patrol during opening hours. The beach has a kiosk, shop facilities, disabled access, and water-entry assistance for mobility-impaired visitors. April, May, and June are the best months to visit if you want to avoid crowds. July and August are peak season.
The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers who care about water quality.
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
Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kastri/Creta Maris sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris
Is Kastri/Creta Maris safe to swim?Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris?Peak water temperature at Kastri/Creta Maris reaches around 22.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.7°C.
What is the beach like at Kastri/Creta Maris?Kastri/Creta Maris is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. Trained lifeguards patrol during opening hours. The beach has a kiosk, shop facilities, disabled access, and water-entry assistance for mobility-impaired visitors. April, May, and June are the best months to visit if you want to avoid crowds. July and August are peak season.
Does Kastri/Creta Maris have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kastri/Creta Maris meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris
How do I get to Kastri/Creta Maris by car?Kastri/Creta Maris is approximately 4.51 km from Gouves 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 Kastri/Creta Maris?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 7.6 km away.
Can I get to Kastri/Creta Maris by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Gouves Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 13 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Kastri/Creta Maris
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Kastri/Creta Maris. 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 Kastri/Creta Maris
- Public toilets Public toilets 200 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 284 m
Bus near Kastri/Creta Maris
- Bus Stop 5 Bus stop 13 m
- Bus Stop 5 Bus stop 99 m
- Bus Stop 6 Bus stop 250 m
- Bus Stop 6 Bus stop 273 m
Cafés near Kastri/Creta Maris
- Restaurant Restaurant 71 m
- Restaurant Restaurant 218 m
- Spyridon Café 232 m
Parking near Kastri/Creta Maris
- Parking Parking 46 m
- Parking Parking 94 m
- Parking Parking 467 m
- Parking Parking 482 m
Supermarket near Kastri/Creta Maris
- Bazar Supermarket 469 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 and water entry |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 470 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 13 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3297°N, 25.2627°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kastri/Creta Maris FAQ
Is Kastri/Creta Maris suitable for children?
Kastri/Creta Maris has a child-friendly score of 9/10. Facilities include lifeguards, toilets, parking and disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Kastri/Creta Maris free to access?
Access to Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris?
The best time to visit Kastri/Creta Maris 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 22.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kastri/Creta Maris?
Kastri/Creta Maris 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 Kastri/Creta Maris?
Kastri/Creta Maris is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 4.51 km from Gouves Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 7.6 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Kastri/Creta Maris?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Kastri/Creta Maris, including 200 m away and 284 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).
Is there a bus near Kastri/Creta Maris?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 13 m from Kastri/Creta Maris (Bus Stop 5), plus 3 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Kastri/Creta Maris?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Kastri/Creta Maris, including 71 m away, 218 m away, and Spyridon (232 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Kastri/Creta Maris?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 46 m from Kastri/Creta Maris, with 4 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Kastri/Creta Maris?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 469 m from Kastri/Creta Maris (Bazar). 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 Kastri/Creta Maris
- 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.