Vathianos Kambos is a popular tourist resort located 15km east of Heraklion. It is named after the village Vathia, located a few kilometers to the south. Vathianos River empties in the area, but it gets dry on the summer. The region has several adjacent coves with golden sand and shallow waters. Because the beach front faces north, waves are quite frequent in July and August. That's why in some places you will see several small piers, breaking the waves, retaining sand and protecting the swimmers.
The most organized beach of Heraklion is located in the westernmost part of Vathianos Kambos (Estavromenos settlement) and is mostly known as Arina after a local hotel. It is a long sandy beach, where thousands of locals gather daily to enjoy swimming! It is full of umbrellas, noisy beach bars and offers many options for beach sports.
East of Arina you will meet the small cove of Agii Theodori with the carved Minoan shipyard still visible in the sea. From thereon you will meet the consecutive coves of Vathianos Kambos, which are not visible from the main road, because of the many hotels in between. The bays are somehow protected because of the small piers. Only a few locals know these small beaches, which extend to Kokkini Hani.