Lístaros Beaches

Overview

Lístaros, a tranquil inland village in southern Crete, offers a peaceful escape with convenient access to a stunning array of beaches. While not directly on the coast, this traditional settlement is just a short drive from the Libyan Sea, making it an excellent base for visitors who appreciate a quiet atmosphere after a day by the water. You'll find that having a car is beneficial for exploring the diverse coastal offerings from this serene hillside location.

The nearby coastline boasts some of Crete's most captivating beaches. Discover the iconic Matala beach, famous for its ancient caves and vibrant cultural history. For breathtaking sunsets and a vast sandy expanse with ancient ruins, Kommos Beach is a superb choice. Kalamaki Beach serves as the accessible hub of its namesake village, ideal for families. And for a truly unique visual experience, the striking red sands of Red Beach await. These shores generally feature clear waters, with options ranging from golden sands to areas with some rocky seabeds.

Beyond these highlights, the region offers a variety of experiences, from lively spots to more secluded coves. Whether you're seeking the unique charm of Matala with its hippie-era caves or the protected natural beauty of Kommos Beach, which is also a nesting ground for Caretta caretta sea turtles, there's much to explore. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems, including quieter spots perfect for unwinding, be sure to check our longer list of beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

How far is Lístaros from the nearest beach and how do I get there?

Lístaros is a small traditional village located inland in southern Crete. The nearest beach to Lístaros is Kommos beach, which is approximately 5.2 to 8 kilometers away, depending on the specific starting point and route. Matala beach is also nearby, around 6 to 10 kilometers from Lístaros. Reaching these beaches typically requires a short drive by car, often around 10 minutes to the closest ones. Some properties in Lístaros might mention being a 5km distance to the sea.

Kommos Beach

Matala

Is Lístaros a good base for a beach holiday in Crete?

Lístaros itself is a small, quiet traditional village situated inland, offering a peaceful retreat away from tourist crowds. While not directly on the coast, it provides easy access by car (around 10-15 minutes) to several popular southern Cretan beaches like Kommos, Matala, and Kalamaki. It's a good option for travelers who prefer a tranquil village atmosphere with sea views and are happy to drive to the beaches. Many visitors choose Lístaros for quiet and relaxing holidays, with some European citizens owning holiday homes there.

Kommos Beach

Matala

Kalamaki Beach

What are the beaches near Lístaros like? Are they sandy or pebbly?

The beaches near Lístaros on the south coast of Crete offer variety. Kommos beach, the closest, is a long sandy beach and is part of the extensive Messara Bay beachfront. Matala beach is also known for its golden sands. Kalamaki beach has a sandy shore, but the seabed can be rocky with a slick, flat rock bed. Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) is famous for its unique reddish-brown sand. Other nearby beaches like those in the Lentas area (Dyskos, Lentas beach itself) can have a mix of sand and fine pebbles. Agiofarago beach is pebbly.

Can you swim at the beaches near Lístaros? What is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at the beaches near Lístaros. The waters are generally described as clear and blue. For example, Red Beach has wonderfully clear water, and Kalamaki beach also has clear water, though access can sometimes be challenging due to waves and a rocky seabed. Kommos beach offers swimming, but visitors should be cautious as the seabed can be rocky in some areas. Agia Galini beach is known for its calm, clear waters. The sea surface at Dyskos beach and Kali Limenes is usually calm. The water at Preveli beach can be colder due to a river flowing into the sea there.

Are there accommodation options with sea views or private pools in or near Lístaros that are convenient for beach access?

Lístaros itself is a village on a hillside, and some properties offer sea views in the distance. There are villas available in and around Lístaros, some of which feature private pools and are marketed as ideal for relaxation with views towards the sea and mountains. While Lístaros is not directly on the beach, these accommodations are a short drive (around 5-10 km) from beaches like Kommos and Matala. For example, 'Listaros Villas' is a complex of independent villas with private pools situated near the village, offering sea views and relatively easy car access to the coast.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Kommos Beach

Matala

Are the beaches near Lístaros (south Crete) often windy?

The south coast of Crete, where beaches near Lístaros are located, can be windy. The entire beachfront of Messara Bay, including Kommos beach, is exposed to prevailing westerly winds. Kalamaki beach often has large waves stirred by northwest winds. Some sources mention that the meltemi wind can be strong in Crete. However, some coves and beaches might offer more shelter. For instance, Kali Limenes was named for its tranquility, even with forceful winds, due to its sheltered coastline. Lendas and Trafoulas beaches are also described as being sheltered from the wind. The windiness can vary depending on the specific beach's orientation and the time of year.

Kommos Beach

Kalamaki Beach

Kali Limenes Beach

What's the best time of year to visit beaches near Lístaros for a beach holiday?

For beach lovers, the best months to visit Crete, including the beaches near Lístaros, are generally from June to September when the weather is hot and the sea is ideal for swimming. May and October can also be pleasant, with warm weather, fewer crowds, and warm sea temperatures, though there's a slightly higher chance of rain, especially in October. Spring (April-May) offers wildflowers and pleasant temperatures for exploring, while autumn (September-October) is also warm with quieter beaches.

Are there family-friendly beaches near Lístaros?

Yes, there are beaches near Lístaros suitable for families. Matala beach is well-organized and generally considered family-friendly. Kalamaki beach, while sometimes having waves, is a seaside hamlet. Agia Pelagia, though further afield, is noted for its calm ambiance and beautiful beach, making it ideal for families. Kali Limenes beach is also described as family-friendly, with calm waters and sheltered coves, though caution is advised due to some uneven terrain. Gouves beach and Tris Ekklisies, also further away, offer calm, shallow waters perfect for families.

People Also Ask

Are there any nudist-friendly beaches near Lístaros?

Yes, several beaches near Lístaros and along the south coast of Crete are known to be nudist-friendly or have sections frequented by naturists. Kommos beach, particularly its northern section (Potamos), has a long history as a popular spot for naturists. Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) near Matala is also well-known as a nudist-friendly beach and is officially recognized as one of the world's best nude beaches. Dyskos beach, west of Lentas, is another traditional place for naturists. Ammoudaki beach near Plakias is also a renowned nudist beach. While naturism is officially not allowed in Greece, it is tolerated on many secluded beaches, especially in southern Crete.

Kommos Beach

Red Beach

What facilities are available at the beaches near Lístaros (e.g., sunbeds, tavernas)?

Facilities vary by beach. Kommos beach has an organized section near the archaeological site with umbrellas, sunbeds, a toilet, showers, and a canteen. Matala beach is well-organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and beachfront tavernas. Kalamaki is a seaside village with amenities. Red Beach has limited facilities, sometimes a small canteen, and some tamarisk trees for shade, so bringing supplies is recommended. Dyskos beach has accommodation options and food/water nearby, as well as umbrellas/beds. Kali Limenes has some amenities like restaurants, a mini-market, and rented rooms, particularly at Psili Ammos beach. Agiofarago and Martsalo beaches generally have no facilities.

Is it easy to find quiet, less crowded beaches near Lístaros?

Yes, while popular beaches like Matala can be crowded, the south coast near Lístaros also offers more secluded options. Kommos beach, due to its size and protected status, can feel less crowded, especially its northern parts. Red Beach, accessible by a hike or boat, is more secluded. Agiofarago and Martsalo beaches, reached by hiking through gorges, are very quiet and unspoiled. Lentas and Trafoulas beaches are also known for their tranquility, with Trafoulas being particularly secluded. Even larger beaches like Plakias have quieter sections, often frequented by nudists.

What are some local beach quirks or things to know about the beaches near Lístaros?

A notable feature of Kommos beach is its archaeological site, the remnants of an ancient Minoan port, and it's a nesting ground for Caretta caretta sea turtles (May-September). The seabed at Kommos and Kalamaki can be rocky in places. Red Beach is known for its distinctive red sand and hippie legacy. Matala beach is famous for its rock-carved caves, historically inhabited by hippies. Many south coast beaches are exposed to westerly winds. Some beaches like Agiofarago and Martsalo are at the exits of gorges, requiring a hike to access.

Do I need a car to explore the beaches if I'm staying in Lístaros?

Yes, having a car is highly recommended if you are staying in Lístaros and want to explore the various beaches in the area. Lístaros is an inland village, and while some beaches are a relatively short drive away (e.g., Kommos, Matala, around 10-15 minutes), a car provides the flexibility to visit different beaches, some of which may be more remote or require driving on dirt roads. Public transport options are likely to be limited from a small village like Lístaros.

Kommos Beach

Matala

Are there any beaches near Lístaros that are good for snorkeling?

Yes, some beaches near Lístaros are suitable for snorkeling. The clear waters of many southern Cretan beaches provide good visibility. Specifically, Dyskos beach and Kali Limenes beach are mentioned as being ideal for snorkeling or spearfishing. The rocky areas and coves found at some beaches can offer interesting underwater exploration.

Kali Limenes Beach

Which is better: Kommos beach or Matala beach?

Kommos beach and Matala beach offer different experiences. Kommos is a very long, sandy beach, part of a protected archaeological area, making it feel more remote and less developed, especially its northern, nudist-friendly section. It's known for beautiful sunsets and is a nesting site for Caretta caretta turtles. Matala beach is more famous, known for its unique caves and hippie history. It's a well-organized resort beach, often more crowded, with plenty of tavernas and a lively atmosphere. The choice depends on whether you prefer a vast, more natural, and potentially quieter beach (Kommos) or a more iconic, lively beach with historical intrigue (Matala).

Kommos Beach

Matala