Inside a cave north of Agia Pelagia, known as Evresi, the icon of the Saint was found from which the settlement took its name. In order to honour the Saint and celebrate the event of the finding, the residents built the monastery with the same name one kilometre far from the cave. According to tradition, at the celebration of the Saint (8th of October), many people came to kneel before the icon and visit the beach, where they buried their feet in the sand to heal the conditions that afflicted them. Nowadays, many people still visit Agia Pelagia, not just to bury their feet in the sand but also to swim in its crystal blue water.
Agia Pelagia is a settlement about 21 kilometres from Heraklion, and it is popular during the summer months for its beautiful beach with the thin sand and the calm crystal water. Access is easy by car through the north roadway towards the exit for Agia Pelagia. The road signs are appropriate to lead you to the coastal settlement.
With their unique colourful architecture, the houses of the settlement are built amphitheatrically, and they are turned towards the sea and mainly towards the bay that “protects” the beach from the wind. Agia Pelagia is located between the gulf of Lygaria and the bay of Mononaftis, offering this way more summer destinations.
Its big beach, 450 meters long, is ideal for romantic walks, ending west of the cape of Souda, where we meet the ancient city of Apollonia and the cave- Church Evresi. The beach is fully organised with sunbeds and a great variety of coffee bars, taverns and restaurants to enjoy your stay there. Also, for the lovers of sea activities, you will find a scuba diving school to take an underwater walk, while canoes and sea bicycles are available for rent. Agia Pelagia beach is also suitable for family excursions due to the seashore. However, you must be careful because the waters deepen a bit abruptly.
If you have time to walk inside the settlement, you will surely find many little shops with products for tourists and souvenirs, mainly around the beach. You will also find shops with basic needs products and private parking, and there is also a regional clinic of the Municipality there.
