Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is a Blue Flag beach, meeting strict environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31, with lifeguards on duty throughout. Entry is free. An on-site kiosk provides basic…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is a Blue Flag beach, meeting strict environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31, with lifeguards on duty throughout. Entry is free.
An on-site kiosk provides basic refreshments and supplies. September offers the best conditions for a visit, warm water and fewer crowds than peak summer months. The Blue Flag designation makes it a reliable choice for families seeking a safe, well-maintained beach.
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
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach faces south toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 17°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 16°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 17°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 19°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 25°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 25°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 23°C | Med |
| Nov | 17°C | 21°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 18°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
The best time to visit Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is September. Air temperatures peak around 26.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.5°C in July.
How crowded does Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach 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 Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
Is Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach safe to swim?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Peak water temperature at Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach reaches around 24.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.8°C.
What is the beach like at Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach sits on the Aegean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? Read Why Greece has 607 Blue Flag beaches.
Transport
Getting to Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
How do I get to Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach by car?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is approximately 3.2 km from Malia Municipal 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 Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), approximately 25.1 km away.
Can I get to Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Malia Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 219 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
- Bus Stop 31 Bus stop 219 m
- Bus Stop 31 Bus stop 226 m
- Bus Stop 31 Bus stop 291 m
Cafés near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
- Kalypso Restaurant 40 m
- Kamara Restaurant 144 m
- SunSet Café 162 m
- Taverna Paradise Restaurant 191 m
- Tavernaki Restaurant 230 m
Parking near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
- Parking Parking 55 m
- Hotel Kernos Beach Parking 76 m
- Guest parking Parking 99 m
- Staff parking Parking 103 m
- Guest parking Parking 121 m
Supermarket near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
- Ikaros Market Supermarket 132 m
- RIA Supermarket 392 m
- RIA Supermarket Supermarket 394 m
- Gemini Supermarket 461 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
- Lifeguards
- Yes, during the certified season
- Wheelchair access
- No dedicated disabled access listed
- Visual assistance
- No
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 45 m away
- Entry
- Free to enter
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 70 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 219 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.2897°N, 25.4501°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach FAQ
Is Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach suitable for children?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach has a child-friendly score of 5/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach free to access?
Access to Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
The best time to visit Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 24.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 3.2 km from Malia Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), 25.1 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 219 m from Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach (Bus Stop 31), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach, including Kalypso (40 m), Kamara (144 m), SunSet (162 m), and Taverna Paradise (191 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 55 m from Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 132 m from Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach (Ikaros Market). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Agia Pelagia-Menopetra/Akrogiali Beach
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.