Agia Pelagia Holidays

Clear waters and Cretan culture

At Agia Pelagia, it’s all about blissful turquoise waters, which are so clear that you can spot fish without snorkelling. This small coastal town in the north of the island of Crete sits in the middle of three pretty horseshoe bays, each blessed with sheltered beaches. Agia Pelagia holidays promise a laid-back break in a popular spot with plenty of tavernas, bars and restaurants.

Agia Pelagia’s sandy beach is fairly narrow, so it can get crowded, but it’s no hardship to head to one of several other smaller beaches around the coast, which can easily be reached on foot or by boat. It’s not a big resort and the locals still treat visitors warmly, while the village itself offers plenty of shopping options, including Cretan crafts. And if you fancy watching the sunset with an ouzo and a dinner of freshly caught fish, holidays to Agia Pelagia will be happy to oblige.

Explore our map of Agia Pelagia

Your Agia Pelagia questions, answered

Is it easy to get around?

The resort itself is compact and manageable, but it’s also well-placed for excursions to the island’s other best spots, and only 23 kilometres from the capital, Heraklion.

Is it safe for swimming?

The clear waters and sheltered bay mean the sea is almost always calm. Just bear in mind that it does get deep fairly quickly once you leave the shore.

Can you visit year-round?

At its liveliest during the summer months, Agia Pelagia still has plenty to offer out of season, although many of the bars and restaurants shut down during the winter.

Best things to do

Learn about El Greco
Nearby Fodele is the birthplace of the famous Renaissance painter and sculptor El Greco. In this picturesque village you’ll find a fascinating museum celebrating his life and work.
Visit the Minotaur
The ancient Minoan palace at Knossos was the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur. The site is about half an hour away by car, and you can also visit Heraklion’s archaeological museum.
Aim high
In the hills above Agia Pelagia, the village of Rogdia offers views as far as Heraklion. The streets are narrow, the tavernas are good, and the nearby Savathiana Monastery is beautiful.