The Agiofarago Beach is situated 80 kilometres to the south of Heraklion, near the exit of Agiofarago Gorge. To access the beach, you can either hike through the gorge (an easy 30-minute hike) or take a boat from Matala, Agia Galini, or Kali Limenes.

It's worth trekking through the gorge to explore the caves where hermits once resided and to visit the Church of Agios Antonios with its adjacent well. The journey is rewarded with the sight of the magnificent beach featuring crystal-clear, tranquil waters.

From there, you can marvel at the towering rocks that stand nearby, and if you're inclined to climb them, you can reach the Vourvoulitis lake.

On the horizon, you can spot the islet of Papadoplaka, where local residents gather sea salt.

Main photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis on Unsplash

Photo 1 by Region of Crete (www.incrediblecrete.gr)