Komos beach is a large and spacious beach, 2 km long and 40 meters wide, ideal for those who can't stand crowds and love free camping. The beach is located approximately 64 km south of Heraklion between the villages Kalamaki and Matala.
Although rocky for the most part, the beach is amazing and crystal clear with turquoise waters and is awarded with a blue flag every year. The northern part of the beach is used by nudists. This part is called Potamos. Around the beach, there are sand dunes and the tamarisk trees reach all the way to the sea. The southern part of the beach is organized with parking, sunbeds, umbrellas and a tavern. However, the beach is very vulnerable to the summer N. W winds and caution is needed.
Next to the parking lot, there is the archaeological site of Komos. Komos was a small Minoan city founded in 1900 BC, destroyed by an earthquake, rebuilt and abandoned around 200 AD. It was the port of Phaistos and was a Customs House in the Bronze Age. The excavations brought to light public buildings, storehouses, olive presses, Minoan houses, a Greek sanctuary, a banqueting hall and a naval station. Many finds are made of materials from various regions of the Mediterranean, from Crete, Greece and Egypt. In a Minoan residence, a wall painting with white lilies was found. The archaeological site is not open to the public.
The view from Komos is unique, as to the north, one can see Psiloritis and to the west Mount Kedros. Across Komos there are the islets Paximadia. The sun sets behind the islets, and depending on the time and the place one stands, they take a different shape. Komos is the ideal location to enjoy the sunset and many people remain on the beach until late in the evening.
Komos is also of ecological interest as it is one of the few beaches where loggerhead sea turtles deposit their eggs. On the beach, there are small reed beds to protect the nests. Many visitors have been lucky enough to see the baby turtles make their appearance at night. The beach has been designated as a protected area and, every year, it is checked for the necessary measures by the Archelon Organization (an organization for the protection of sea turtles). Visitors must respect the nests but must not help the turtles find their way to the sea. It is important that they manage on their own.
Komos beach is a paradise with blue waters and a wonderful sunset and is definitely worth a visit.
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