agiapelagia-crete 2018

Agia Pelagia (Santa Pelagia) is located 21km west of Heraklion, on the south side of the small Cape Souda, surrounded by several coves with beautiful beaches. Agia Pelagia, was initially a small and picturesque settlement used by the residents of Achlada village for growing their crops; today it has transformed into a bustling tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafés, ATMs, taxi, etc. and is connected with regular bus services to Heraklion.

The main beach of the settlement is a long and narrow beach with sand and greenish water. The Turks named this beach of Agia Pelagia as Tsanak Limani, because the round shape of it reminded them of a plate (tsanak = plate). Indeed, the water is almost always calm here and the bay forms a natural quiet harbor. The beach offers many options for watersports, diving,umbrellas, food and accommodation. The beach in some places is very narrow and the sunbeds have occupied almost the entire width of the beach, leaving little room to put someone’s towel.

The main beach of Agia Pelagia is well protected from the north winds by the Cape of Souda, on which several ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia have been identified. Today on Souda there is a deluxe hotel, but you can visit the antiquities. Just south of the hotel, in the north of the beach, there is the cavity of Evresi with a small shrine commemorating the place where the icon of Santa Pelagia was found some centuries ago. The former monastery of Agia Pelagia was built some meters to the west of the beach; during the Venetian era it was famous throughout the island and its feast was a bank holiday. Thousands of worshippers came to the beach during the feast of the monastery and they put their feet or naked bodies in the sand, to cure their illnesses

If you walk along the Cape of Souda, passing by the shrine, after a few steps you will be above the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia, Fylakes. Fylakes (Prisons) are two tiny coves with fine sand and greenish water, sheltered by the tall rocks of Cape Souda. The beaches are so narrow that when the sea gets wavy, they disappear. In order to access Fylakes you have to go down along the rocky coast that lead to the beach. You have to get wet till your chest in order to reach the beach, anyway, so take care of your stuff.

Agia Pelagia-Crete architectural designs designed by Amazing House

Useful phonenumbers From A like Ambulance to Z like Zoo

Agia Pelagia Area Code	2810
Agia Pelagia Doctor	(+30) 6974 903 454
Agia Pelagia Medical Center	(+30) 2810 811 825
Agia Pelagia Pharmacy	(+30) 2810 812 008
Agia Pelagia Taxi Station	(+30) 2810 811 026
Agia Pelagia Travel Agency	(+30) 2810 761 690

EMERGENCIES
Police	100
Fire Brigade	199
Ambulance	166
Port Authority	108

HOSPITALS
Venizelio Hospital	(+30) 2810 368 000
University Hospital	(+30) 2810 392 111

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
Arch. Museum Heraklion	(+30) 2810 226 092
Knossos Arch. Site	(+30) 2810 231 940

TRANSPORTATION
Port of Heraklion	(+30) 2810 244 912
Airport of Heraklion	(+30) 2810 397 800
Olympic Airways	(+30) 2810 337 311
Aegean Airways	(+30) 2810 330 475
KTEL (Busses) Heraklion	(+30) 2810 245 019
Tel. information	11880
Tourist Information	(+30) 2810 228 203
Greek National Tourism Organisation	(+30) 2810 246 100

BOAT LINES
Minoan Lines	(+30) 2810 229 602
Anek Lines	(+30) 2810 222 482

BANKS
National Bank	(+30) 2810 304 950
Alpha Bank	(+30) 2810 243 463
Euro Bank	(+30) 2810 331 280

History Greek Mythology Heracles Crete agia pelagia

Greek mythology does not just tell the stories of gods and goddesses, however. Human heroes–such as Heracles, the adventurer who performed 12 impossible labors for King Eurystheus (and was subsequently worshipped as a god for his accomplishment); Pandora, the first woman, whose curiosity brought evil to mankind; Pygmalion, the king who fell in love with an ivory statue; Arachne, the weaver who was turned into a spider for her arrogance; handsome Trojan prince Ganymede who became the cupbearer for the gods; Midas, the king with the golden touch; and Narcissus, the young man who fell in love with his own reflection–are just as significant. Monsters and “hybrids” (human-animal forms) also feature prominently in the tales: the winged horse Pegasus, the horse-man Centaur, the lion-woman Sphinx and the bird-woman Harpies, the one-eyed giant Cyclops, automatons (metal creatures given life by Hephaistos), manticores and unicorns, Gorgons, pygmies, minotaurs, satyrs and dragons of all sorts. Many of these creatures have become almost as well known as the gods, goddesses and heroes who share their stories.

GREEK MYTHOLOGY: PAST AND PRESENT

The characters, stories, themes and lessons of Greek mythology have shaped art and literature for thousands of years. They appear in Renaissance paintings such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Raphael’s Triumph of Galatea and writings like Dante’s Inferno; Romantic poetry and libretti; and scores of more recent novels, plays and films.

Cyclades Crete agia pelagia

There is no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a ferry from Crete to Cyclades Islands. There are 3 ferry companies with a combined offering of 11 Ferry Routes connecting Heraklion to Thira (Santorini), Sitia to Milos, Thira (Santorini) & Anafi, Heraklion to Thira (Santorini), Milos, Anafi, Mykonos, Paros, Ios & Naxos, Sitia to Milos, Thira (Santorini) & Anafi, Heraklion to Thira (Santorini), Milos, Anafi, Mykonos, Paros, Ios & Naxos, Rethymno to Thira (Santorini) & Heraklion to Thira (Santorini), Milos, Anafi, Mykonos, Paros, Ios & Naxos.

The fastest route between Crete and Cyclades Islands is Heraklion to Thira (Santorini) with a crossing duration of around 1 hour 45 minutes. With so many routes on offer we make it simple by comparing all similar routes in one search so you can quickly find what you are looking for.

Restaurants agia pelagia crete

The food in the restaurant is very tasty and special. The chain of restaurants in agiapelagia design bold architectural land and people here

excursion Santorini

Experience the volcanic beauty of the Aegean and a unforgettable Santorini sunset on this 5-hour afternoon catamaran cruise. Travel in style and comfort aboard a Lagoon 560 luxury catamaran, stopping to bask on Santorini’s red and white sand beaches, snorkel among crystalline waters, and soak in volcanic hot springs. With included hotel transport plus a fresh Greek barbecue and unlimited drinks served onboard, it’s a decadent way to enjoy the island’s famous sights. Highlights Afternoon sunset catamaran cruise in Santorini Sail in style aboard a luxury Lagoon 560 catamaran Swim and snorkel on Santorini’s red and white sand beaches Savor a traditional Greek barbecue and an open bar on board Catch a famous Santorini sunset from the water Hotel pickup and drop-off included What You Can Expect sailingLagoon 560 fter pickup at your hotel, travel by minivan to the Vlychada port and climb onboard a Lagoon 560 catamaran — among the largest sailing vessels available on the island. Cruise around the coast, stopping first for a swim session on Santorini’s distinctive Red Beach. Continue on to the White Beach, where you can swim, relax on the sand, or explore the clear waters of the Aegean with provided snorkeling equipment. Back on board, sate your appetite with a fresh Greek barbecue featuring your choice of meat or a vegetarian option served with a variety of traditional side dishes and desserts (see Itinerary for menu). Top off the feast with unlimited drinks from the bar including local white wine, beer, ouzo liqueur, water, soft drinks, coffee, or tea, comfortable living space. Relax on spacious decks and catch some of the last rays of sun while admiring views of the Akrotiri Minoan ruins and the neighboring island of Aspronisi. Head toward the dramatic caldera that forms the center of Santorini’s ancient volcano, and stop for a relaxing soak in natural volcanic hot springs. With your muscles nice and relaxed, journey to the final stop, just below the clifftop village of Oia. From this famous vantage point, watch an unforgettable sunset with a cool drink in hand and the Aegean breeze against your skin. Step back onto solid ground at Amoudi, where a minivan will be waiting to shuttle you back to your hotel. Itinerary Barbecue Menu Choice of pork souvlaki, chicken fillet, or vegetarian option Greek salad Briam (mixed roasted vegetables) Bread Tzatziki Italian pasta Ntolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) Baklava (traditional Greek sweet) Fruit with honey and cinnamon Drinks: Santorinian white wine, ouzo, water, soft drinks, coffee and tea, beer (*limited to two cans per person)

Read more about Santorini Lagoon 560 Sunset Tour with BBQ and Drinks 2017 at: agiapelagia-crete.com/

Agia Pelagia surroundings Heraklion

Agia Pelagia Mononaftis Heraklion: Mononaftis beach is one of the closest beaches to Agia Pelagia, a village that receives many tourists during the summer. It lies 24 km north west of Heraklion town and can be accessed by car or local buses. Mononaftis, whose name means lonely sailor in Greek, is a small, sandy cove that is often affected by the summer winds known as meltemia. However, it is well-organized with sun beds and umbrellas along the coastline. There are also accommodation options and taverns by the seaside to offer you a cold drink or a delicious meal. This beach is also used for diving because it hosts an amazing variety of sea life. In its deep waters, you will find eels, octopus, scorpion fish, sea anemones and beautiful shells. You can also investigate the rocky surrounding of Mononaftis beach and its strange cavities. Have in mind that the Crete Divers Club is situated in Agia Pelagia village and works from April to November. Source: agiapelagia-crete.com

Agia pelagia fotos/agia pelagia map kaart

travel agency agia pelagia

Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia is a small coastal town with a lovely beach, suitable for relaxing holidays in Crete.

20 kilometres west of Heraklion, as the national road drifts high above the coastline, you’ll begin to see the first impressive pictures of Agia Pelagia – the type of pictures that postcards are made of.

Hotels in Agia Pelagia, find hotels and apartments in Agia Pelagia

Car Rental in Agia Pelagia, rent a car in Agia Pelagia

At least twice in past times Agia Pelagia has been destroyed and washed into the sea. Once was probably due to a seismic sea wave from the earthquake that created Santorini.

Before 1965 there was almost nothing in Agia Pelagia, which was a small port from where they transferred wood and coal to Heraklion.

In 1965, a man appeared and started buying land from the locals for 5,000 drachmas (approximately 17 EUR) for 1,000 square meters (or 1 strema, the common way of measuring land in Greece).

Soon another buyer showed up and he offered double the price. Tourism had just started in Greece and those two men were among the first to see the potential in this area. Soon after that, the Capsis Beach Resort was built on the Souda peninsula of Agia Pelagia.

Agia Pelagia, Ligaria and Mononaftis

The large deep cove of Agia Pelagia itself is surrounded by the smaller Ligaria Cove on the east and Mononaftis Bay on the west. The picturesque white buildings, the bluish-green of the Mediterranean and the varying shades from sandy brown to lush green along the shore, create a landscape of rare beauty.

Agia Pelagia is an awe-inspiring example of the beauty of Cretan Nature and it’s almost impossible to resist taking a closer look.

We drive downhill to the main area of Agia Pelagia, which is built amphitheatric-like on the hills and slopes around the shore, creating an even more impressive sight when viewed from above.

Along the road, which slopes quite steep at times, you’ll begin to see the first of the hillside hotels, and tourists sweating as they walk uphill from the beachfront.

Remember, these first hotels are quite far from the beach and the developed centre of Agia Pelagia, which means – unless you’re a dedicated walker – you must rent a car or bike in order to explore the area’s different beaches and many other interesting sites.

Relaxing holidays in Agia Pelagia

As you make your way closer to the shore, the buildings increase in numbers. Agia Pelagia has developed around its shores, so that’s where you’ll find many of the tavernas and cafeterias. In the center of Agia Pelagia you will find a super market, tourism offices, pharmacy, an ATM, tourist and souvenir shops and the taxi stand.

The Agia Pelagia bay is protected from the wave-creating north winds, and the sea is almost always serene. On the weekends, many people from Heraklion find refuge on its sandy shores for a cooling dip in the azure waters.

There is no intense night life here. There are, of course, a good selection of bars and cafes to enjoy your favourite drink, but Agia Pelagia is mainly for people interested in calm, relaxing sea-side holidays.

There are many restaurants and tavernas featuring Cretan, Greek or international cuisine, and all have a beautiful view of the sea. As you dine in Agia Pelagia, you can also partake of the wonderful scenes around you, and snap these memories into a treasured photo album: the various shades of the rippling sea, the cute little kid building a sand castle, the old fishing boats anchored in the bay, the fishermen preparing their nets for the night’s labour.

And at night, when the beach is empty and the sounds of the day fade away, and the soft purl of the sea becomes more vocal, Agia Pelagia is even a more magical site. Whether looking at it from an elevated hilltop or sitting so close you can almost reach out and touch it, Agia Pelagia is the place where you will enjoy a relaxing holiday on Crete.

Useful Infomation about Agia Pelagia:

Agia Pelagia has just about everything you’ll need on your holiday: super markets for fresh bread and other local products and produce, pharmacy and a doctor’s office, car and bike rentals, tourism and sightseeing offices, internet cafe and an ATM (automatic cash machine).

There are daily buses to Heraklion (20 kilometres) but the departure/arrival times are not always exact, and there is no night bus service. If you plan to visit Heraklion, and plan to stay late, you can take the bus there, but you will have to return by taxi, which costs about 30 euros (2009).

In the winter Agia Pelagia has only a few hundred inhabitants and only one or two tavernas and a supermarket will remain open. The situation changes drastically during the tourist season.

Beaches in the area of Agia Pelagia:

The central beach of Agia Pelagia. It is sandy, with umbrellas and beach chairs, plus water sports and diving centres, which offer beginners’ courses. The bay deepens relatively fast, but in the middle of the beach there is a long and narrow rocky plate which provides a small area safe for children. There is a good selection of tavernas and cafeterias along the beachfront.
A small beach on the peninsula of the Capsis Beach Resort. It’s a nice, but tiny beach, with just enough sand for about four or five people to lay down their beach towels. You can get there by swimming or by peddle boat. To find it you must look at the centre of the peninsula for an inlet with steep sides and green waters.
The Ligaria beach, east of Agia Pelagia. This one is also sandy, with umbrellas and several tavernas. The bay is smaller, but it is also protected from the north winds, and rent-rooms are available.
The beach of Made. You can get here from the Ligaria road, but it is not particularly attractive. It is used mainly by the locals for tying up their fishing boats. A big hotel imposes above the bay.
The Psaromoura beach. Another rather small beach, preferred by locals on weekends. There are umbrellas, but it is not protected from the north winds, and the water can get choppy. To find it, continue on the road after the Capsis hotel, but you may have to ask a local for accurate directions.
Mononaftis beach, west of Agia Pelagia. This is a lovely small cove with umbrellas, restaurants and hotels, but it is not protected from the north winds. The beach is beautiful with sand and pebbles, but, here too, the water deepens rapidly. The tavernas which surround the beach create a claustrophobic sensation which is soon forgotten as you immerse yourself in the pleasurably cool waters.
Agia Pelagia’s coastal city is built in the style of the interior architecture of the Amazinghouse

Pictures from Agia Pelagia, photos from the area of Agia Pelagia

What to do in Agia Pelagia

If you want to see more of Crete, having Agia Pelagia as base allows many possibilities. By bus, car, scooter, taxi – any of these will bring you to the most famous places of interest:

Knossos, the famous Minoan Palace is only 25 km away
The village of Rogdia, high above the bay, stands out for the unique view it affords of the cove below and the entire city of Heraklion in the distance. The tavernas offer good food, along with the beautiful vistas, and they attract the residents of Heraklion along with the tourists. The village streets are narrow, dotted with traditional Cretan homes, and there is the Monastery of Savathiana, which is one of the most beautiful Cretan monasteries.
The area of Agia Pelagia is almost totally owned by people who came down from the high village of Achlada. Visit this quaint village situated on top of the mountain over Agia Pelagia, offering an incredible view of the Fodele bay and the sea beyond.
Heading west on the national road from Agia Pelagia, turn off at the sign for Fodele village. Fodele is known as the birth place of painter Domenicos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco. The house where he was born is now a museum, featuring copies of his work.
Visit the Melidoni cave. Drive past Bali (west, 20 km) and then turn left to Melidoni.
If you like diving, Agia Pelagia is a good choice both for snorkeling and scuba diving