Ever wondered where a Byzantine general’s name lives on? That would be Karteros. It is more than just a beach. Karteros whispers tales of ancient warriors and Minoan secrets.
Karteros is a seaside tourist settlement. It sits at the foot of Mesovouni hill. You will find it just 8km east of Heraklion.
Imagine yourself on Karteros beach. Feel the soft sand. The beach stretches about 3km along the bay. It is ideal for windsurfing. You will see sunbeds and umbrellas. Cafes and restaurants line the shore.
The name Karteros comes from the Byzantine general Kraterus. He landed here in 824 AD. He tried to free Crete from the Arabs.
Look out towards the sea. You may spot Monocharako. It is a small island. You can swim to it or rent a sea bike from Amnisos.
Karteros has a history that goes back millennia. The area was once a city. It had a port serving Knossos. This was during the Minoan era.
Homer wrote about this place. He said Idomeneas King sailed to the Trojan War from here. Odysseus also stopped here on his way back from Troy. Linear B clay plates confirm these stories.
In 1929, Spiros Marinatos started excavating here. He found the Villa of the Lilies. This luxurious villa got its name from a fresco of lilies. You can see it today in Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum. The villa was used again during Venetian times.
On Mesovouni hill stood Venetian houses. They were destroyed when the Ottomans took over. Marinatos also found an open-air sanctuary. It dates back to the 6th century. It was dedicated to Zeus Thenatas. He also found the remains of the Minoan port. It is now underwater.
Even the churches in Karteros have stories. Visit Agios Nikon. It is built in a large cave. Also see Agios Ioannis Prodromos. That is Saint John the Baptist.
If you like hiking, explore the Gorge of Karteros River. The route ends in Mesa Karteros. It is relatively easy.
Karteros is close to the Heraklion airport. You can watch planes landing. The airport fence is only a few hundred meters away.
The beach has a lovely yellow hue. The water is clean. You can rent deckchairs and parasols.
Along the Old Road, you will find cafes and restaurants. There is also a bakery and supermarkets.
Soak in the sun. Listen to the waves. Remember the history that echoes through Karteros. It is a place where legends and modern life meet.