Agios Pavlos can be identified by several distinct coastal features: the beach in front of the settlement, the central bay, and the beach areas by the dunes. Sand, pebbles, and geological formations offer different points of reference when planning a stay.

Beaches Between Sand and Pebbles

The beach in front of the settlement is sheltered from the wind. Deep green water, sand, and shallow, smooth rocks in the sea characterize this stretch of shore. The central beach lies in an enclosed, sheltered bay with clear, deep water and fine pebbles. The two beach profiles therefore differ both in the material along the shore and in the sheltered shape of the bay.

Right next to the central beach are the folded rock layers of Apoplystra and the Yoga Rocks. The folds draw attention to the structure of the rock; this coastal feature differs from the pebbles on the shore and the shallow rocks in the sea at the beach in front of the settlement.

Dunes, Caves, and Coastal Cliffs

West of the beach in front of the settlement, a steep wooden staircase leads to Cape Melissa. There you will find large, vertical cliffs with geological formations created by wind and sea erosion. This adds a different geological feature to the folded rock layers near the central bay: at the cape, vertical cliffs and the effects of wind and sea shape the view. Bear in mind that the staircase is steep when planning this route.

The sand dunes surrounding Agios Pavlos Dunes beach reach heights of up to 30 meters. This beach lies next to Cape Melissa and behind a sheltered harbor. The height of up to 30 meters is the maximum, not a uniform height for all the dunes. Together with its location next to the cape and behind the harbor, this gives a specific picture of this stretch of beach.

Near the destination is the beach by the dunes of Agios Pavlos. There is sand and clear water, and the seabed is suitable for exploration. Sea caves lie roughly halfway along the beach. So, as well as the shore, the underwater area and the caves’ location along the beach are also relevant if you want to explore this coastal landscape.

Along the coastal stretch at the end of the road from Sachtouria, several sandy beaches follow one another; large dunes, sea caves, and bright blue water characterize this stretch. Unlike the central bay, this area consists of a succession of beaches. That is a specific difference to consider when choosing a coastal destination: one option offers a bay and pebbles, while the other has several sandy beaches with dunes and caves.

Getting to Agios Pavlos

The coastal settlement of Agios Pavlos can be reached via a paved road from Sachtouria. Check local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Triopetra, Melissourgaki Geropotamos, Arkadi, Pikris, Agios Vasilios, Fourfouras, Damnoni, Roupes

For the main travel overview: Rethymno.