Kokkinos Pyrgos
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kokkinos Pyrgos is a beach on Crete's coast that holds the Blue Flag award for water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31, with free access. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. You'll find a…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kokkinos Pyrgos
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Kokkinos Pyrgos is a beach on Crete's coast that holds the Blue Flag award for water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31, with free access. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. You'll find a kiosk, shop, disabled access, and water-entry assistance for visitors with mobility needs.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and noticeably busier. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, which means the beach maintains consistent standards for families and swimmers.
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
Kokkinos Pyrgos faces west 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 | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°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 Kokkinos Pyrgos is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.9°C in July.
How crowded does Kokkinos Pyrgos get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kokkinos Pyrgos sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kokkinos Pyrgos 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos
Is Kokkinos Pyrgos safe to swim?Kokkinos Pyrgos 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos?Peak water temperature at Kokkinos Pyrgos reaches around 23.9°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.3°C.
What is the beach like at Kokkinos Pyrgos?Kokkinos Pyrgos is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and noticeably busier. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, which means the beach maintains consistent standards for families and swimmers.
Does Kokkinos Pyrgos have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kokkinos Pyrgos meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Kokkinos Pyrgos 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos
How do I get to Kokkinos Pyrgos by car?Kokkinos Pyrgos is approximately 4.03 km from Tybakio 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 49.2 km away.
Can I get to Kokkinos Pyrgos by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Tybakio Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 397 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Kokkinos Pyrgos
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Kokkinos Pyrgos. 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos
- KOKKINOS PYRGOS Bus stop 397 m
- ΚΟΚΚΙΝΟΣ ΠΥΡΓΟΣ Bus stop 405 m
Cafés near Kokkinos Pyrgos
- Seven Café 19 m
- alatsi Restaurant 74 m
- Dimitris Restaurant 136 m
- ta kaikia Restaurant 220 m
- DelMar Café 345 m
Parking near Kokkinos Pyrgos
- Parking Parking 479 m
Supermarket near Kokkinos Pyrgos
- Xalkiadakis Supermarket 124 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 | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 120 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 397 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.0806°N, 24.7413°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kokkinos Pyrgos FAQ
Is Kokkinos Pyrgos suitable for children?
Kokkinos Pyrgos has a child-friendly score of 7/10. Facilities include lifeguards, parking and disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Kokkinos Pyrgos free to access?
Access to Kokkinos Pyrgos 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos?
The best time to visit Kokkinos Pyrgos 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 23.9°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Kokkinos Pyrgos 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Kokkinos Pyrgos is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 4.03 km from Tybakio Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 49.2 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 Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 397 m from Kokkinos Pyrgos (KOKKINOS PYRGOS), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Kokkinos Pyrgos, including Seven (19 m), alatsi (74 m), Dimitris (136 m), and ta kaikia (220 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 479 m from Kokkinos Pyrgos. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Kokkinos Pyrgos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 124 m from Kokkinos Pyrgos (Xalkiadakis). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
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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.
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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 Kokkinos Pyrgos
- 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.