Arena beach (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Arena beach?
Babies can splash in gentle shallows and nap under rented umbrellas, but only one public changing cabin and no dedicated nursing room mean parents must bring gear or use their car for care.
Positives:
- Safe shallow entry: Sandy seabed slopes gently for easy wading and baby play
- Lifeguard on duty: Professional lifeguard watches the organized section daily
- Free parking: Spacious lot above the beach offers quick access to your car
Challenges:
- Limited changing facilities: Only one public cabin; bring a portable mat for diaper changes
- Basic toilets and showers: Expect no hot water or soap; pack your own supplies
- Peak crowd times: Weekends and August mornings fill fast; arrive before 10 AM
What is Arena beach?
- A wide, sandy-pebbly public beach located 10 km east of Heraklion on Crete’s north coast
- Organized into a western section with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, showers and lifeguard service alongside an unorganized expanse of open sand
- Framed by a gently shelving seabed just south of Heraklion Airport, with low-flying aircraft crossing overhead
What is so special about Arena beach for with baby?
- Gentle shallow water safe for baby splash
- Affordable sunbeds and shaded area near bar
- Free lifeguard service and parking
- On-site showers and basic toilets
- Nearby cafés and tavernas for snacks and lunch
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to set up shade, let your baby nap, play in shallow water, and rinse off
Baby-Friendly Activities in Arena beach
Rent sunbeds & umbrella:
Reserve two loungers and an umbrella near the beach bar for comfort and shade
Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot close to water and the café
Splash in shallow water:
Gentle, sloping seabed lets your baby safely splash at the shore
Tip: Bring arm floaties or a small inflatable pool ring for extra fun
Build sand castles:
Clean, pebble-free sand is perfect for early sand play
Tip: Pack lightweight sand toys and molds in your beach bag
Use outdoor showers:
Rinse off sand and salt at free cold-water showers on the organized side
Tip: Carry a soft towel for your baby and a change of clothes
Park close by:
Large free parking lot above the beach road keeps supplies within reach
Tip: Park near the lifeguard stand to use the cabin and toilets quickly
When is the best time to visit Arena beach (Heraklion, Greece)?
Visit early morning or late afternoon in June–September to avoid peak heat and crowds
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Reviews of Arena beach (Heraklion)
Linda Szeliga
Easy to get there with a car. Nice beach. Many families. It’s close to the airport so you can see airplanes. Recommend it!
Jess Schönhut
Very nice and clean beach. Not much to discover here but for a few hours at the beach I would recommend it. The beach is close to a main road, but it’s very spacious and you can rent sunbeds at a low price. However, there are more beautiful beaches in Crete.
Becky T
Lovely beach that’s busy but not overly crowded. Options to rent beach chairs and umbrellas (€8-10 for two, depending on the section) or bring your own. Food and drinks available, portaloos, basic changing booth, and a few open showers. Free parking, ample even on a July Saturday afternoon.
Miriam Ott
Nice and clean beach, really sandy and easy to access. Parking and also a bus station is directly in front, so it’s super easy to get there. We spend a whole day here since two sunbeds with a sunshade were just 7€, so it’s super affordable and worth the spend.
Mark Lacroix
Best beach ⛱️ close to heraklion. We've been from heraklion to Agios Nikolaos and this is by FAR the best, wide, sandy, no stones, no pebbles. Most beaches have stones when you enter the water and don't have even slope. Trust me don't go looking for best beach on this side of the island , save your time and stay on Arena. 3E for beach chairs and 3E cofee, 3,5 E for beer, decent service. Food choic...
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sunbeds & umbrella | EUR 7 |
| Coffee & snack at beach bar | EUR 6 |
| Lunch at beach taverna | EUR 20 |
| Round-trip bus fare for two adults | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 38 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Arena beach
- Bring a pop-up sun tent: Gives extra shade and privacy for naps
- Pack your own sand toys: Avoid rentals by carrying small buckets and shovels
- Carry refillable bottles: Save on drinks by refilling at the beach bars
Map of Arena beach
Address: Εσταυρωμένος, Βαθιανός Κάμπος, Gouves 715 00, Greece
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About Arena beach
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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