Kokkinos Pirgos is a small beach resort in the south of Crete in the Heraklion district, between Matala (15 kilometer distance) and Agia Galini (10 kilometer distance), and about three kilometers from Timbaki. It's also know as the Timbaki beach. Timbaki is situated a bit inland and is a larger village with all amenities like supermarkets, shops, banks and a supermarket, and once a week on a Friday there is a market where you can buy local products. There are a couple of hotels and rooms for rent in Kokkinos Pirgos, and there are a couple of tavernas. On the route from Mirtos to Agia Galini there are two exits that you can take in order to go to the beach of Kokkinos Pirgos.

The beach of Kokkinos Pirgos is rather attractive with sand a some pebbles, stretching for a few kilometres, and it's definitely much more quiet than the beaches at Agia Galini or Matala. It was named after a red tower that once stood here. Kokkinos means "red" and Pirgos means "tower". The beach of Kokkinos Pirgos stretches all the way southeast to Kommos beach and in the eastern part there are some sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Because of its position there can be some wind on Kokkinos Pirgos Beach from time to time. The walk to Agia Galini along the coast takes about two hours. In Kokkinos Pirgos there is also a small harbour with kaiks (Greek boats). In front of the village lie the small Paximadia islands.

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Just 20 metres from Kokkinos Pyrgos Beach in Heraklion, the family-run Astrinos Hotel offers rooms with views over the Libyan Sea and the mountain. It has a snack bar and offers free Wi-Fi throughout. Opening to a balcony, the simply decorated rooms of Astrinos are air conditioned and equipped with a TV and a fridge. The private bathroom comes with shower. Taverns, bars and mini markets can be found within 50 metres from the property. Heraklion Town and Port are 67 km away and Rethymno Town is 62 km away. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at a distance of 70 km. Free public parking can be found nearby.

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This cozy tavern is located on the beach of Kokkinos Pirgos. There are nice dishes on the menu and the waiter of the tavern is very friendly. We order the tzatziki, the soutzoukakia (meatballs in tomato sauce), the Greek salad, half a liter of white wine and (never seen on a menu) vegetarian mousaka. The vegetarian mousaka was a bit of a gamble but is very tasty. No piece of lukewarm mousaka that has been standing in the display for half a day, but fresh and hot from the oven. The rest of the food is also very tasty.

Our verdict: very good, a 9 out of 10.