Katharades/Numo Ierapetra
Region of Crete, Greece — Excellent water quality
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is a beach on the Greece coastline, located 8.57 km from Ierapetra Municipal Unit. It holds a Blue Flag award, indicating it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Katharades/Numo Ierapetra
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is a beach on the Greece coastline, located 8.57 km from Ierapetra Municipal Unit. It holds a Blue Flag award, indicating it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31. Access is free.
A kiosk, shop facilities, and disabled access are available on-site. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions.
The best months to visit are April, May, and June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and busier. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
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.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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 | 26°C | 23°C | Low |
| Jul | 28°C | 25°C | Med |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 28.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 25.2°C in July.
How crowded does Katharades/Numo Ierapetra get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Katharades/Numo Ierapetra sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra
Is Katharades/Numo Ierapetra safe to swim?Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?Peak water temperature at Katharades/Numo Ierapetra reaches around <span class="inline-stat">25.2°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.3°C.
What is the beach like at Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?Katharades/Numo Ierapetra on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. A kiosk, shop facilities, and disabled access are available on-site. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions.
Does Katharades/Numo Ierapetra have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Katharades/Numo Ierapetra meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra
How do I get to Katharades/Numo Ierapetra by car?Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is approximately 8.57 km from Ierapetra 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 67.7 km away.
Can I get to Katharades/Numo Ierapetra by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ierapetra Municipal Unit.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 31-10 |
| Beach Type | Rocky shore |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.9994°N, 25.7979°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra FAQ
Is Katharades/Numo Ierapetra suitable for children?
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece. 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra free to access?
Yes, access to Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?
The best time to visit Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 25.2°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 28.2°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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 8.57 km from Ierapetra Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 67.7 km away. 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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