Arena beach (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Arena beach?
Arena Beach suits solo travelers because wide free areas, cheap SUP or kitesurf rentals, and pick-up volleyball let you stay active and meet people without safety concerns from isolation.
Positives:
- Easy Access by Bus: Take bus 2 or 8 from Heraklion center; stops are a short walk from the sand.
- Free Beach Sports: Volleyball and football areas are open to all, no booking needed.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade: The unorganized section has no umbrellas; bring your own shade if you stay long.
- Choppy Water in High Wind: Strong Meltemi winds can create waves; check wind conditions before swimming.
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 solo trip?
- Free entry and unorganized space for flexible sunbathing
- On-site SUP and kitesurf rentals for solo adventurers
- Beach volleyball and plane-spotting to spark conversation
- Café break options for budget-friendly refreshment
- Easy public bus access from Heraklion center
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to swim, try SUP, join a volleyball game, spot planes, and enjoy a coffee without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Arena beach
Swim & Sunbathe in the Unorganized Section:
Set up on the middle sandy stretch free of chairs and crowds.
Tip: Bring your own towel and water bottle; visit early to claim a good spot.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kitesurfing:
Rent a SUP board or book a kitesurf lesson at the beach’s water-sports stands.
Tip: Ask for group sessions to meet other solo travelers; book midweek for lower rates.
Join a Pickup Game of Beach Volleyball:
Head to the western end where locals gather for volleyball or football.
Tip: Carry a ball or politely ask to borrow one; games start spontaneously in late afternoon.
Plane-Spotting by the Shore:
Watch planes approach Heraklion airport just offshore.
Tip: Position yourself near the water’s edge around 10:00–12:00 when flights are frequent.
Coffee Break at the Beach Café:
Stop at the organized section café for a coffee or light snack.
Tip: Order a Greek coffee (€3) and sit at a table under the umbrellas to recharge.
When is the best time to visit Arena beach (Heraklion, Greece)?
Visit in late spring or early autumn for milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and ideal wind for kitesurfing. Summer months get busy and hot around midday.
Explore These Activities
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 Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Beach access | EUR 0 |
| SUP rental (1 hour) | EUR 10 |
| Coffee at café | EUR 3 |
| Sunbed & umbrella | EUR 7 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 20 |
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
- Arrive Early: Beat crowds and heat by getting there before 10:00.
- Book Rentals Off-Peak: Midweek rentals are cheaper and gear is readily available.
Map of Arena beach
Address: Εσταυρωμένος, Βαθιανός Κάμπος, Gouves 715 00, Greece
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Arena beach (Heraklion)?
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.
See available options
Promo on Trip.comExplore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
See available options
Promo on Trip.com