Perastikos/Pilot Beach
Region of Crete, Greece — Excellent water quality
Perastikos/Pilot Beach is located in Crete, Greece, about 10.5 km from the Municipality of Apokoronas. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management—verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Perastikos/Pilot Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Perastikos/Pilot Beach?
Perastikos/Pilot Beach is located in Crete, Greece, about 10.5 km from the Municipality of Apokoronas. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management—verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The beach is open during its designated season. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water. Drinking water is available on-site.
April, May, and June offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months. The beach operates year-round during its official season.
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
Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Perastikos/Pilot Beach is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24°C in July.
How crowded does Perastikos/Pilot Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Perastikos/Pilot Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Perastikos/Pilot Beach open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Perastikos/Pilot Beach
Is Perastikos/Pilot Beach safe to swim?Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach?Peak water temperature at Perastikos/Pilot Beach reaches around <span class="inline-stat">24°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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach?Perastikos/Pilot Beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The beach is open during its designated season. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water. Drinking water is available on-site.
Does Perastikos/Pilot Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Perastikos/Pilot Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach
How do I get to Perastikos/Pilot Beach by car?Perastikos/Pilot Beach is approximately 10.49 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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 82.1 km away.
Can I get to Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3568°N, 24.2750°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Perastikos/Pilot Beach FAQ
Is Perastikos/Pilot Beach suitable for children?
Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach free to access?
Yes, access to Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach?
The best time to visit Perastikos/Pilot Beach is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 24°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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach?
Perastikos/Pilot Beach 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 Perastikos/Pilot Beach?
Perastikos/Pilot Beach is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 10.49 km from Municipality of Apokoronas. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 82.1 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
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Editorial
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Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
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