Location
Gouves beaches are approximately 18km east of Heraklion city.
Gouves is an area which consists of several villages including Kato Gouves (lower Gouves) and Pano Gouves (upper Gouves).
The name Gouves derives from the word “gouva,” (i.e. hollow in the earth).
In such holes, Cretan people used to store their wheat during the middle ages.
Unlike the neighboring crowded areas of Malia and Hersonissos, Kato Gouves offer quieter holidays, ideal for families, and a coastal road which runs for about three kilometres.
Characteristics
| Access By: Car/bus | Blue Flag: Yes |
| Beach Type: Sand | Depth: Shallow |
| Temperature: Normal | Organised: Yes |
| Natural Shade: No | Crowded: Yes |
| Windy: Yes | Family-friendly: Yes |
Facilities
Umbrellas and sunbeds, showers, water sports (waterskiing, paragliding), diving center, lifeguard, changing rooms, parking, cafe, snack, restaurants, tavernas, accommodation, camping, mini golf, super markets, shops, pharmacies, car and bike rentals, medical clinic, ATMs, marinas for small boats.
The famous CretAquarium Thalassocosmos in nearby Gournes, is just a half- hour walk.
Notes
There is a wide variety of beaches to choose from: rocky and secluded, long and sandy with all the necessary facilities, small ports, marinas and piers that are protected from the north winds and thus safe for swimming.
Most populous are those in front of the Marina Hotel and the Astir Beach, where the cost of umbrellas and sunbeds could be higher.
And you must always bare in mind that even if a beach lies in front of a hotel, there is no such thing as a private beach in Greece!
How to get to Gouves
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.
After about 1 km, you will see the sign to Kato Gouves on your left, and the sign to the village of Pano Gouves on your right.
Gouves are accessible from Heraklion with frequent public buses.
Photo by: bellka
