Kavros/Eliros Mare
Region of Crete, Greece — Excellent water quality
Stretching along the coast of Crete, Greece, Kavros/Eliros Mare is a sandy beach open from July 1 to October 31. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, meaning it meets strict environmental and safety standards. Entry is free.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kavros/Eliros Mare
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kavros/Eliros Mare?
Stretching along the coast of Crete, Greece, Kavros/Eliros Mare is a sandy beach open from July 1 to October 31. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, meaning it meets strict environmental and safety standards. Entry is free.
Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season. The beach has a refreshment kiosk and fresh drinking water. April through June are the best months to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds.
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
Kavros/Eliros Mare 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 | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Kavros/Eliros Mare is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.1°C in July.
How crowded does Kavros/Eliros Mare get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kavros/Eliros Mare sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kavros/Eliros Mare 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare
Is Kavros/Eliros Mare safe to swim?Kavros/Eliros Mare 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare?Peak water temperature at Kavros/Eliros Mare reaches around <span class="inline-stat">24.1°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.1°C.
What is the beach like at Kavros/Eliros Mare?Kavros/Eliros Mare is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season. The beach has a refreshment kiosk and fresh drinking water. April through June are the best months to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds.
Does Kavros/Eliros Mare have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kavros/Eliros Mare meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season.
Kavros/Eliros Mare 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare
How do I get to Kavros/Eliros Mare by car?Kavros/Eliros Mare is approximately 12.31 km from Municipality of Apokoronas. 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 80.3 km away.
Can I get to Kavros/Eliros Mare by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Municipality of Apokoronas.
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 | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 31-10 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3537°N, 24.2948°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kavros/Eliros Mare FAQ
Is Kavros/Eliros Mare suitable for children?
Kavros/Eliros Mare 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. 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare free to access?
Yes, access to Kavros/Eliros Mare 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare?
The best time to visit Kavros/Eliros Mare is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 24.1°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 27.1°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 Kavros/Eliros Mare?
Kavros/Eliros Mare 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 Kavros/Eliros Mare?
Kavros/Eliros Mare is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 12.31 km from Municipality of Apokoronas. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 80.3 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.
Explore More
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Editorial
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