Vathi Beach - Crete
Vathi, an isolated beach surrounded by limestone cliffs, lies on the southern coast of the Greek island of Crete. Its distance is about 79 km southwest of the capital Heraklion (Iraklion).
Vathi is a very beautiful beach - naturally beautiful, unorganized and protected from the open sea by rocky outcrops that stretch far out to sea on both sides of the beach. Years of wind, rain and salt have carved beautiful formations into the limestone rocks, giving the place a unique and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is covered with very fine sand at first, which then turns into pebbles towards the sea, until the coastline gradually sinks into the crystal clear waters of the local bay.
Vathi is a deserted beach located on the south coast of the island, in the area formed by the resorts of Kalamaki, Matala and Kaloi Limenes. The road to the beach is not easy. However, if you take it, you will be rewarded for your efforts at the end. Drive through the village of Sivas and the actual road to the beach starts a few kilometres further on, at the Moni Odigitria Monastery - the tarmac surface ends here and for the next 8km or so you'll be driving along the dirt road of the Asteroussiana Mountains. Just before the coast, you'll come across a few houses, a local "village", and then you'll have a wonderful view of the bay with the Vathi beach. A local gentleman runs a small snack stand on the beach, but you shouldn't rely on it and better equip yourself with plenty of liquids and a small snack.
Due to the nature of the road, we prefer to recommend it only to experienced motorbike drivers and if you decide to take a car, then definitely opt for an off-road vehicle. In rainy weather the road is impassable. But there is a more comfortable option, and that is to hire a boat from the nearby resorts of Matala, Kokkinos Pyrgos or Agia Galini.
More touristic destinations of Crete
Close beaches: Agiofarago Beach, Matala Beach
Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach
Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.
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