The beach Mononaftis is 23 km from the town of Heraklion and just 1 km from the popular tourist resort of Agia Pelagia. A very beautiful beach, if only 80 m long, with clear crystalline waters which deepen suddenly: sandy and with small pebbles and a rocky seabed in places, which makes for good fishing and diving.

As the beach lies within an open bay, surrounded by rocks and cliffs, it is not protected but subjected to the strong north winds that blow here.

The beach can get busy, but is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, as well as plenty of chances for water-sports. By it are restaurants, tavernas and cafeterias, and if choose to stay some hotels, and rentable rooms and apartments.

To get to Mononaftis (the Lone Sailor .. supposedly the only survivor of a wreck) take the main north-coast road west out of Heraklion, and turn right following the second sign for Aghia Pelagia AND Achlada. Keep on going north to the sea, and after some 3 km turn left, immediately before a petrol station. From there just follow the signs to the beach.

The next beach after Mononaftis is Psaromoura.