Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Ag. Galini/Ysterovarkotopi is a Blue Flag beach, meeting strict environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31, with free entry. The beach has on-site kiosk facilities and disabled access. September is…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?
Ag. Galini/Ysterovarkotopi is a Blue Flag beach, meeting strict environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31, with free entry. The beach has on-site kiosk facilities and disabled access. September is the best time to visit. Check local safety arrangements before your trip.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Region of Crete, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Say About Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
What visitors appreciate
- harbor|taverns|sunbeds|quiet beach|small waves|relaxed atmosphere|deckchair|sandy beach|organized beach|bay
- Excellent EU-rated bathing water quality
Points to consider
- Can be busy during July and August peak season
- No lifeguards outside the official season
- Facilities may be reduced outside peak months
Based on aggregated public visitor feedback. Themes are synthesised from multiple sources, not individual quotes. Zeach does not reproduce individual reviews.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi faces south toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 17°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 19°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 23°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 26°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 24°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 22°C | Med |
| Nov | 17°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 14°C | Low |
The best time to visit Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi is September. Air temperatures peak around 27.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 25.7°C in July.
How crowded does Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
Is Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi safe to swim?Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi 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 Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?Peak water temperature at Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi reaches around 25.7°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 Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi 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 Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
How do I get to Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi by car?Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi is approximately 19.7 km from Municipality of Agios Vasileios. 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 Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 52.1 km away.
Can I get to Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Municipality of Agios Vasileios. The nearest recorded bus stop is 103 m from the beach.
Map
Find Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
Open the map or get directions to the Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✓ Accessible site facilities |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 50 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 103 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.0965°N, 24.6895°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Official Website | www.cretanbeaches.com/el/%CE%B8%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AC%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CF%8C%CF%82/%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE%CF%82-%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%AE%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%81%CE%AD%CE%B8%CF%85%CE%BC%CE%BD%CE%BF/%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CE%B3%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AE%CE%BD%CE%B7 |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi FAQ
Is Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi suitable for children?
Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi has a child-friendly score of 7/10. Facilities include toilets, parking and disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi free to access?
Access to Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi 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 Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?
The best time to visit Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi is September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 25.7°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?
Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi 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 Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi?
Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 19.7 km from Municipality of Agios Vasileios. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 52.1 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Ag. Galini/YsteroVarkotopi
- 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.