Sarantari
Region of Crete, Greece — Excellent water quality
Sarantari is a sandy beach in Crete, Greece, located 25.85 km from Heraklion. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Sarantari
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Sarantari?
Sarantari is a sandy beach in Crete, Greece, located 25.85 km from Heraklion. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31.
Amenities include a kiosk and drinking water. Swimming conditions require caution. April through June offer the best weather, while July and August draw the most visitors.
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
Sarantari 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 | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°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 Sarantari is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.2°C in July.
How crowded does Sarantari get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Sarantari sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Sarantari 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 Sarantari
Is Sarantari safe to swim?Sarantari 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 Sarantari?Peak water temperature at Sarantari reaches around <span class="inline-stat">23.2°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.1°C.
What is the beach like at Sarantari?Sarantari is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. Amenities include a kiosk and drinking water. Swimming conditions require caution. April through June offer the best weather, while July and August draw the most visitors.
Does Sarantari have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Sarantari meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Sarantari 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 Sarantari
How do I get to Sarantari by car?Sarantari is approximately 25.85 km from Heraklion Regional 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 Sarantari?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 18.7 km away.
Can I get to Sarantari by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Heraklion Regional 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 | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3311°N, 25.3857°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarantari FAQ
Is Sarantari suitable for children?
Sarantari 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 Sarantari free to access?
Yes, access to Sarantari 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 Sarantari?
The best time to visit Sarantari is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 23.2°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 26.2°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 Sarantari?
Sarantari 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 Sarantari?
Sarantari is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 25.85 km from Heraklion Regional Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 18.7 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.
Explore More
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