Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village
Region of Crete, Greece — Excellent water quality
Sunshine Crete Beach hotel sits in Koutsounari, 8 km from Ierapetra. The property occupies a sandy beach with small pebbles and offers all-inclusive amenities including free sun loungers, parasols, a beach bar, and complimentary sports and entertainment. Motorized water sports are available for an additional…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?
Sunshine Crete Beach hotel sits in Koutsounari, 8 km from Ierapetra. The property occupies a sandy beach with small pebbles and offers all-inclusive amenities including free sun loungers, parasols, a beach bar, and complimentary sports and entertainment. Motorized water sports are available for an additional fee. It's a quiet spot for a relaxing beach stay.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village faces E toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in September. 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 | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 14°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 17°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 19°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°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 | 18°C | 19°C | Low |
| Dec | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
The best time to visit Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village is September. Air temperatures peak around 27°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 25.5°C in July.
How crowded does Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village
Is Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village safe to swim?Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?Peak water temperature at Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village reaches around <span class="inline-stat">25.5°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.7°C.
What is the beach like at Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village
How do I get to Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village by car?Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village is approximately 8.61 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 69.8 km away.
Can I get to Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 31-10 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.0091°N, 25.8328°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village FAQ
Is Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village suitable for children?
Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece. 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village free to access?
Yes, access to Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?
The best time to visit Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village is September. Water temperature peaks at around 25.5°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 27°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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?
Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village 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 Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village?
Koutsounari-Ag. Ioannis/Mare Blue & Village is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 8.61 km from Ierapetra Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 69.8 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.
Explore More
More Blue Flag Beaches in Greece
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 more