Guide to Visiting Istron Bay in Crete
A few years ago, we visited Crete. When looking for the most beautiful beaches in Lasithi, Vai and Voulisma popped up. Since Vai is pretty far away, we decided to go to Voulisma. It is one of three beaches in the so-called Istron Bay, at the end of the much larger Mirabello Bay.
Istron Bay got its name from the nearby village of Istro, which was named after an ancient town called Istron that once stood there. Since the remains of the ancient town are still being excavated, no further construction is allowed. That’s why the local beaches still feel pristine.
How to Get to Istron Bay
By Car
The easiest way to reach Istron Bay is by renting a car and driving there. You can either rent one at Heraklion Airport or in downtown Heraklion. If you are already in Agios Nikolaos, there are several car rental agencies there. You can also rent a car online.
Istron Bay is right next to Greek National Road 90, Crete’s main road. From Agios Nikolaos, it’s a 15-minute drive, while it takes just over an hour to reach the bay from Heraklion. Part of the road between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos is being upgraded to a motorway, so the journey will soon be much shorter.
By Bus
It is fairly easy to get to Istron Bay by bus from Agios Nikolaos. About a dozen buses (or more during the high season) cover this route daily. You can catch a bus at the Central Bus Station, near the local hospital. All buses to Ierapetra and Sitia pass through this area.
There are several bus stops along Road No. 90 in the bay. Two are in the village, one is near Voulisma Beach, one is next to Mistral Mar Hotel, and one is near Istron Bay Hotel (Pylos Beach). The journey takes between 15 and 25 minutes and costs between 2 and 4 euros.
By Private Transfer
If you prefer to get there by private transfer but don’t want to drive, you can easily get a taxi in downtown Agios Nikolaos. The whole ride should cost between 13 and 19 euros. Try to agree on the price beforehand or ask the driver to use the taximeter.
If you are landing at Heraklion Airport, you can get a taxi there. However, we strongly suggest booking one online. Our partner Welcome Pickups works with English-speaking taxi drivers, and its entire fleet is modern and clean.
What to Do in Istron Bay
Chill on Pylos Beach
Pylos Beach (incorrectly called Istron Bay) is the smallest of the three beaches. It is also the one furthest away from Agios Nikolaos. Just like every other beach in Greece, it is public, although Istron Bay Hotel occupies its eastern corner.
You can walk along or relax on this 300-meter-long (1,000-foot-long) sandy beach. High hills surround it on one side, while crystal-clear waters stretch out on the other. There are no trees or other sources of shade, so make sure to wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
Have a Cocktail on Voulisma Beach
Voulisma is the middle beach and the most impressive of the three. It is also known as Istro Municipal Beach, but because of its color, locals call it the Golden Beach. Its main section is 450 meters (1,500 feet) long, but there are two smaller beaches to the east and west.
Voulisma is an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. Two restaurants, Kantina Voulisma and Macrame Beach Club, serve food and drinks right by the sea. Both are open from late April to late October.
Walk along AgÃou PanteleÃmonos Beach
The last beach is actually a pair of beaches. Karavostasi is closer to Agios Nikolaos, followed by AgÃou PanteleÃmonos further east. There is a small cape between the two, with an archaeological site containing ruins.
Unlike the previous two beaches, Karavostasi and AgÃou PanteleÃmonos are surrounded by fields. As a result, it can get windier here! There is a children’s playground, a toilet, and a small food truck. These beaches are less impressive, albeit less crowded.
Visit a Nearby Church
At the eastern end of AgÃou PanteleÃmonos Beach, there is a small church that gave the beach its name. Agios Panteleimon Church is a whitewashed, single-nave church with a small bell tower.
If you like walking, there is another small church just outside the village of Istro. Agia Paraskevi Church dates back to 1820 and is a votive church built by a nearby mill owner. Its frescoes date from the early 20th century.
Where to Stay
If you can, stay at Istron Bay Hotel. It is the only hotel in the area directly on the beach. We spent three days there and didn’t want to leave. We loved our spacious room with a balcony overlooking the sea and the hotel’s top-notch hospitality.
If you’d rather stay in a private apartment, there are several great options close to the beach. Anemone Homes is located between Pylos Beach and Voulisma Beach. All its apartments come with a seating area, a dining area, and a kitchenette. The hotel’s terrace offers glorious views.
Where to Eat and Drink
Just like elsewhere in Greece, the food in Istron Bay is delicious. Our favorite restaurant in Istro village is Kavos, right across from Voulisma Beach. They serve delicious Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes such as grilled octopus, fresh calamari, lamb kleftiko, and moussaka.
In the village center, across from the supermarket, we recommend two restaurants: MeRaki for fresh red snapper, octopus, or saganaki prawns, and MamaLoukia & Lotzeta for slow-cooked veal, Greek carbonara, or feta cheese wrapped in kadaifi pastry.
