The natural beach of Afrathias is one of the last hidden treasures of Crete and at the same time it is close to famous places like Palace of Phaistos, Matala, Komos beach and Mount Psiloritis with its beautiful gorges and valleys. You will enjoy the tranquility of the area, there are no hotels on this beach, only a small tavern and a few private cottages.
This place is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy nature in a quiet area. Once you visit the Afrathias area and experience the enchanting atmosphere and warm hospitality of this amazing place, you will want to come back again and again.
The beach of Afrathias and its hinterland are unique and mostly natural, some places are also nature reserves.
It is an important area for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The Geropotamos Delta with its temporary lakes, extensive wet meadows and reed beds was the largest wetland complex on Crete. Although its area has decreased significantly, it is still the most important wetland in southern Crete for migratory birds and so bee-eaters, hoopoes, crested larks and many other birds can be seen here.
For more information about birds: www.ornithologiki.gr
Perfect for those whose idea of nightlife is counting the stars and enjoy the sound of the sea.
However, the broader coast of Afrathias and the whole of Messara Bay is also one of the most important breeding grounds for loggerhead sea turtles in Greece. Every year from June the females come to the stands to lay their eggs. After about 50 days the little ones hatch and the females will come back to exactly the same beach if they lay eggs themselves.
Help us protect the beaches and the entire region so that the descendants of this season will still have a place to die in 30 years.
More information about the Caretta Caretta Sea turtles: www.archelon.gr/
Today in Afrathias, you can find houses and tourist accommodations, as well as a small taverna. A few meters from the coast there is also a beautiful park with many trees and palm trees, the Wood of Afrathias, housing the church of Saint John. On the beach, there are basic amenities, such as showers and umbrellas.
An Asphalt road reaches Afrathias from the road that connects Tymbaki with Kamilari. There is also a coastal dirt track that connects Kalamaki with Afrathias and passes over impressive rock formations.
https://www.archelon.gr/
