About 18 km West of Heraclion you find the little tourist resort Agia Pelagia. Around 30 years ago a certain Mrs. Capsis came to the place and immediately saw the potential of the area. Now the Capsis Hotel is the largest and most luxurious hotel in Agia Pelagia, but many other, smaller hotels and studios have also been build over the last 30 years.
Along the narrow beach around the bay are situated one taverna after another. It is not expensive to eat there, most of the tavernas have offers of menus with a starter and some Greek dish for only 5€. In the little street "Odo Agia Pelagia" you can find all manner of shops to meet your needs: gold- and silver shops, souvenir shops, internet cafes, an ATM, supermarkets and car hiring companies. What you won't find in Agia Pelagia are big clubs but there are a few bars and cafes.
The beach is narrow, but good and sandy. It is possible to hire sun beds and umbrellas and there are plenty of opportunities to hire water bikes and partake in other kinds of water sport. As the town beach is so small, if you want less crowded and more remote beaches, they can still be found nearby without too much difficulty.
Most of the rentable rooms in Agia Pelagia will have a great view over Agia Pelagia Bay and beyond to the horizon. In clear weather Dia Island will be visible.
The whole place has it's own beauty and as it lies there hidden in the small bay where it seldom gets very windy. Most days you just feel a pleasant cooling breeze.
If you get a room more than 50-100 meters from the beach you will quickly discover that Agia Pelagia is a hilly place, but that is why almost everybody has a fantastic view. Also, take a little time to walk around - preferable in the evening when the air is a bit cooler - and you will experience all the scents of Crete from it's herbs and flowers. The small church in Agia Pelagia which can be reached on foot but requiring a bit of effort, is well worth a visit.
Tourist information about another destination in Greece
