The three beaches of Karavovrysi, Psili Ammos and Makria Ammos in Kaloí Liménes are two kilometers long in total. Stena lies next to the village in an enclosed, secluded bay. This puts different coastal features side by side: the group of beaches and another beach in a bay. If you are considering Limenes as a destination for a seaside stay, the specific differences can help you decide what matters most to you—from the beach location to the distinctive access to Stena.

Beaches with different characteristics

Psili Ammos is right next to the small port of Kaloí Liménes and is considered suitable for children. Makria Ammos is the largest beach in the village; it has fine pebbles and deep water. The two beaches therefore offer different features: Psili Ammos stands out for its location by the port and its suitability for children, while Makria Ammos is notable for its size, surface and water depth. This makes the choice more specific than a general preference for a beach holiday. When deciding which place suits your stay, you can ask yourself whether the location by the small port or the combination of fine pebbles and deep water matters more.

Historical connections along the coast

Makria Ammos is also known by the names Armirikia, Dentra and Sissamolakkos. These names are linked to sesame cultivation there during the Venetian occupation. For visitors interested in regional history, this offers another way to look at the beach: the names point to the area's former agricultural use. In the area around Limenes, a religious tradition links the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome with a landing on a beach; it is not clear which beach is meant. Thus, the history behind Makria Ammos’s names and a religious tradition about Paul's journey exist side by side.

Sea kayaking

You can go sea kayaking in Kaloí Liménes. This adds an on-the-water activity to the choice of beaches and answers a different planning question: Would you mainly like to spend time on the beaches, or include sea kayaking? If you divide your stay according to your interests, you can consider the choice of beach separately from the choice of an on-the-water activity. Each offers a different focus, even though both are part of the same coastal stay.

Getting there and access to Stena Beach

To get to Kaloí Liménes, an asphalt road runs from Pómpia via Pigaidákia to the village. To reach Stena Beach, leave your vehicle in Kaloí Liménes and then walk about 400 meters along an unpaved road leading to the beach. Getting to the village and continuing on to Stena are therefore two practical steps to plan for: the road to the village is paved, while the described route to the beach is unpaved. If Stena is part of your plans, check local conditions before your visit. This lets you take into account both the beach’s location in the bay and the route there.

Discover more destinations: Vori, Mália, Pitsidia, Tylissos, Kato Kalesia, Pentamodi, Kokkinos Pirgos, Kalamaki

For the broader travel overview: Heraklion.