Vyzaroplaka beach

For those who want to avoid Tripiti beach due to the many campers, there are other small beaches in the area, either to the east or to the west. Perhaps the best choice is the beach of Vyzaroplaka which is located very close to Tripiti , about 74km south of Heraklion .

To get there we have to drive on the relatively passable dirt road that connects Loutra with Tripiti and then turn to the large plateau above the beach on the eastern side of the large and impressive Trafoulas peninsula. Vyzaroplaka takes its strange name from a large slab ( plaka ), an almost flat rock that covers its western part under the water.

The seabed is ideal for masking, while the characteristic features are the rocks with their blades above the beach that create tiny hiding places ideal for isolation. At the western end of Vyzaroplaka there is an impressive underwater cave that is a nesting point of wild pigeons and has unique formations.

The waters of the entire area, and not only of Vyzaroplaka, are among the cleanest and clearest in Crete. The beach is protected from the summer meltemi (northwesterly) winds and almost never has waves.

Its seabed is also quite remarkable and offers itself for exploration.