Location
Anissaras beach is approximately 25 km east of Heraklion city and 4 km west of the resort of Hersonissos.
Anissaras is neither a village nor a settlement but a quiet area consisting of self-contained hotels, hence you won’t find many restaurants and bars. Hersonissos is within walking distance along the beach though, where you can find whatever you desire.
Characteristics
| Access By: Car/bus** | Blue Flag: Yes |
| Beach Type: Sand | Depth: Normal |
| Temperature: Normal | Organised: Yes |
| Crowded: Normal/busy | Handicapped accessible:Yes |
Facilities
Showers, umbrellas and sunbeds, water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling, lifeguard, parking, cafe, snack, restaurant, apartments, All Inclusive Hotels, mini markets, shops, horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding, 18-hole golf course.
Notes
Though most of the sandy beaches of Anissaras have a rocky seabed, there are many tiny, secluded coves to be found if you walk along the coast to the east, towards Hersonissos, including a nudist beach.
Due to their position, the beaches in Anissaras are exposed to the northern winds blowing in late July and August.
And you must always bare in mind that even if a beach lies in front of a big hotel, there is no such thing as a private beach in Greece!
How to get to Anissaras
If you choose to drive from Heraklion, take the new National road (E75), towards Agios Nikolaos, to the east.
After about 15km, take the exit to Kato Gouves, leading to the old National road.
Carry on for about 8km, until you reach the junction Lasithi/ Kastelli.
Turn left here and drive for another 1km until you see the first large All Inclusive Hotels.
If you are looking for a specific hotel, drive slowly and don’t hesitate to ask the friendly locals.
**Anissaras beach is also accessible from Heraklion with frequent public buses to Hersonissos and Malia.
The bus stops on the old National road, thus you will have to walk 2km to reach the beach, or call a taxi.
Photo by: denisignatev
