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 east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
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 Excellent. 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 25.2°C 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. The beach has disabled access facilities.
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. The nearest recorded bus stop is 592 m from the beach.
Map
Find Katharades/Numo Ierapetra
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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 | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Rocky shore |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.7 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 592 m from the beach |
| 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 has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Katharades/Numo Ierapetra free to access?
Access to Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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 Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?
The best time to visit Katharades/Numo Ierapetra is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 25.2°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Katharades/Numo Ierapetra?
Katharades/Numo Ierapetra 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 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. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Katharades/Numo Ierapetra
- 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.