Visit Kommos beach and swim right next to the ruins of ancient Festos

Kommos is located 66km southwest of Heraklion, just 2km north of Matala and close to the seaside settlement of Kalamaki. It is actually the southernmost and most isolated part of the huge beachfront of Mesara Bay.

Kommos was once the port of Phestos and you can still see the ruins of this ancient town by the beach. The whole beachfront of Mesara is exposed to winds, mostly blowing from the west, thus, caution is needed because the seabed is covered by a rocky layer, not just sand.

From May to September the protected sea turtles Caretta-Caretta nest in the sand of the beach. Next to the archaeological site, on the south, there is an organized beach with umbrellas, sun beds, toilets, showers, a tavern and a lifeguard.

All around there are quite a few trees and huge sand dunes where you can admire the white sand lilies, which mark the end of summer. If you want to find a place to stay overnight or to eat, you can walk to nearby Kalamaki, or drive to Pitsidia and Matala.

How to get to Kommos Beach in Heraklion Region