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 east toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. 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 | 24°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 25°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 25°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 23°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 21°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 18°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Sarantari?
The best time to visit Sarantari is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.5°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. 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 Sarantari?
Peak water temperature at Sarantari reaches around 24.5°C 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.
Sarantari 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 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.
Nearby
Near Sarantari
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Sarantari. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Sarantari
- Gorgona Restaurant 233 m
- Saradari Restaurant 274 m
- Ya seafood restaurant Restaurant 415 m
Parking near Sarantari
- Parking Parking 454 m
- Parking Parking 475 m
- Parking Parking 499 m
Supermarket near Sarantari
- Super Creta market Supermarket 406 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Sarantari
- Wheelchair access
- No dedicated disabled access listed
- Visual assistance
- No
- Entry
- 10,00€ ΤΟ ΣΕΤ
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3311°N, 25.3857°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarantari FAQ
Is Sarantari suitable for children?
Sarantari has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Sarantari free to access?
Sarantari charges to enter. 10,00€ ΤΟ ΣΕΤ. 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 Sarantari?
The best time to visit Sarantari is April, May, June. 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 Sarantari?
Sarantari 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 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.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near Sarantari?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Sarantari, including Gorgona (233 m), Saradari (274 m), and Ya seafood restaurant (415 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Sarantari?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 454 m from Sarantari, with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Sarantari?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 406 m from Sarantari (Super Creta 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 Sarantari
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.