Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess
Region of Crete, Greece — Excellent water quality
In front of Hotel Nana, you'll find a sandy beach stretching about 300 meters long and 30-40 meters wide. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available throughout. A watersports center operates from this same area.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?
In front of Hotel Nana, you'll find a sandy beach stretching about 300 meters long and 30-40 meters wide. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available throughout. A watersports center operates from this same area.
East of the Blue Flag point, a rocky section extends roughly 500 meters along the shore, varying 10-20 meters in width. Stone steps provide access to the water from this rocky area.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess faces E toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.1°C in July.
How crowded does Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess 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 Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess
Is Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess safe to swim?Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?Peak water temperature at Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess reaches around <span class="inline-stat">23.1°C</span> 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 Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. East of the Blue Flag point, a rocky section extends roughly 500 meters along the shore, varying 10-20 meters in width. Stone steps provide access to the water from this rocky area.
Does Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess 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 Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess
How do I get to Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess by car?Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is approximately 5.41 km from Chersonisos Municipal Unit. 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 Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 22.3 km away.
Can I get to Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Chersonisos Municipal Unit.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 31-10 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3034°N, 25.4215°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess FAQ
Is Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess suitable for children?
Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. Shower facilities are available. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess free to access?
Yes, access to Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including showers and toilets are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?
The best time to visit Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 23.1°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 26.1°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?
Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess?
Drapanos/ Nana Beach & Nana Princess is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 5.41 km from Chersonisos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 22.3 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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