Schisma
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Schisma is a coastal beach in the Region of Crete, Greece, located 11.87 km from Agios Nikolaos. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in environmental quality and safety. The beach is open during…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Schisma
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Schisma?
Schisma is a coastal beach in the Region of Crete, Greece, located 11.87 km from Agios Nikolaos. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in environmental quality and safety. The beach is open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate precautions. Drinking water is available on-site. The best time to visit is April through June, with peak crowds arriving in July and August.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Schisma 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 | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°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 Schisma is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.8°C in July.
How crowded does Schisma get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Schisma sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Schisma 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 Schisma
Is Schisma safe to swim?Schisma 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 Schisma?Peak water temperature at Schisma reaches around 23.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.1°C.
What is the beach like at Schisma?Schisma on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Schisma have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Schisma meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Schisma 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 Schisma
How do I get to Schisma by car?Schisma is approximately 11.87 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 Schisma?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 50.2 km away.
Can I get to Schisma 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.
Nearby
Near Schisma
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Schisma. 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 Schisma
- Public toilets Public toilets 370 m
Bus near Schisma
- Elounda Bus stop 216 m
- 57 Bus stop 369 m
Cafés near Schisma
- Olondi Restaurant 11 m
- Mediterranean Snack Bar Café 23 m
- The Ferryman Restaurant 28 m
- Lotus Eaters Restaurant 53 m
- The Poulis Restaurant 72 m
Parking near Schisma
- Parking Parking 273 m
- Parking Parking 279 m
- Parking Parking 296 m
- Parking Parking 459 m
Supermarket near Schisma
- Cava Yannis Supermarket 256 m
- Discount Market Supermarket 312 m
- Euro Mart Supermarket 441 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 | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.2616°N, 25.7248°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Schisma FAQ
Is Schisma suitable for children?
Schisma is Blue Flag certified in Greece, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Schisma free to access?
Access to Schisma 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 Schisma?
The best time to visit Schisma 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 23.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Schisma?
Schisma 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 Schisma?
Schisma is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 11.87 km from Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 50.2 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 Schisma?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Schisma, including 370 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 Schisma?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 216 m from Schisma (Elounda), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Schisma?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Schisma, including Olondi (11 m), Mediterranean Snack Bar (23 m), The Ferryman (28 m), and Lotus Eaters (53 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Schisma?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 273 m from Schisma, 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 Schisma?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 256 m from Schisma (Cava Yannis). 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 Schisma
- 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.