Voyager in Crete

15/07/2026

Maridaki is a seaside settlement on the eastern side of Asterousia Mount, 65km south of Heraklion and in the west side of Tsoutsouras Bay. Despite the short distance from Tsoutsouras (2.5 km), there is no direct road linking the two settlements (except from a footpath). The village can be accessed via a 15km long poor dirt road that starts before the village Ahedrias (near village Mesohorio). The route passes among the towering cliffs and wild rocks of Asterousia. The same road leads to the monastery of Saint Nikitas. Never leave your car under the trees of Maridaki, because the goats will destroy it.
Maridaki is also called Saint Panteleimon, named after the local church. It is built in the wild and dry landscape of southern Crete, at the exit of the imposing Achendrias Gorge. However, a spring and a small stream brings potable water to the beach all year round, creating an oasis with perrenial plane trees along its banks. At the place of the springs, there is a large square with 200 years old plane trees and a small tavern. Just beyond this place, the locals say that the fairies live. About 15' minutes from the settlement, you can see the amazing waterfalls of Lichnistis (till early spring).
In this small village you will see mostly locals who enjoy the sea and the sun and live in their summer houses, which unfortunately are arbitrarily structured. The shore in front of the village is a lovely beach with fine pebbles and huge vertical rocks around. Along the shore, several coves are formed with sand, where you can find shade. However, attention is needed because goats pass over the edges of the cliffs, causing frequent landslides. The sea is quite deep, but also very cool because of the stream. In Maridaki you will find showers, a small coffee shop, a tavern and some rooms to let. There are two more beaches located at the base of Cape Kerkelos north of the settlement, in the area called Nisakia (i.e. islets) named after two small rocks in the sea.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Maridaki beach cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/central-crete-beaches-heraklion/maridaki-beach

11/07/2026

The thousands of visitors arriving daily by boat from Ierapetra to Chrissi island mainly swim on the beach of Belegrina or Golden Beach. Bright blue water, white sand with pink shades from the thousands of broken shells, and the junipers that hold the sand with their huge roots are the backdrop that makes anyone fall in love with this place.
The island can be accessed from Ierapetra by ferry and the trip lasts about 50 minutes. The beach is surrounded by a protected juniper wood and access within the boundaries of it is not allowed. Collecting shells, sand, and anything else on the island is strictly forbidden, and great care is needed not to break branches from the protected junipers. The beach is initially rocky and then turns sandy.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Golden Beach Belegrina cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/east-crete-beaches-lassithi/chrissi-island-beaches-ierapetra/golden-beach-belegrina

09/07/2026

Kolimbari is a small seaside town with a population exceeding 5000 inhabitants, located 24km west of Chania, at the westernmost point of the long bay of Chania, at the east base of Peninsula Rodopos. Kolimbari is fairly well developed, mainly due to the beautiful long beach that stretches in front of the village and extends east to Tavronitis. The beach in Kolimbari is sandy and in some places has small pebbles. The water is not too deep, but the sea is usually wavy (like most open beaches of northern Crete). Next to the beach there are many options for accommodation, food and entertainment.
If you seek for a quieter beach, you can visit the small coves near the monastery of Gonia, 1km northwest of Kolimbari. Boats run from the port of Kolimbari to Cape of Rodopos, with its imposing cliffs and the small quiet beaches; Menies is the most famous.
The historic Monastery of Gonia is located 1km northwest of the town. The monastery, which reminds of a fortress, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary Odigitria (i.e. Guide) and has a significant collection of Byzantine icons. Moreover, near Gonia there is the Orthodox Academy of Crete, where several nationwide and global conferences on theological and general subjects take place.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Kolimbari beach cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/kolimbari-beach

04/07/2026

Prasonisi beach is located in the Louros area, in a rocky location south of Mount Vouvala and the Pyrgos peak, between Agia Galini and Agios Pavlos. At the points where the mountain slope meets the sea, several small beaches with rocky bottoms and wonderful views of Paximadia islets are formed.
The Agiovasiliotikos road runs parallel to the coastline, so locating these beaches is not particularly difficult. Starting from Agios Georgios, next to Agia Galini, heading towards Agios Pavlos, we first come across the secluded beaches of Armenopetra.
In the Alikambos area, two kilometers before reaching Agios Pavlos we come across and shortly after the church of Agios Markos (Saint Mark), there is a small island, which the locals call Prasonisi. The name (praso is leek) comes from the wild leeks.
In Prasonisi the sea is usually calm and you may happen to see a few families of residents from Saktouria, to whose territory it belongs. The seabed is suitable for mask and fishing. East of Prasonisi there are other beaches, where access is more difficult.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Prassonissi beach at Louros cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/central-crete-beaches-rethymnon/louros-beaches-agia-galini

01/07/2026

29/06/2026

Tsoutsouras or Tsoutsouros (deriving from the Venetian word Zuzzuro) is located 63km south of Heraklion, at the exit of the imposing Gorge of Mindris. It is built on the site of the ancient city Inatos, which was the port of Priansos (located near Kasteliana village). More precisely, Tsoutsouras consists of the two united settlements of Pera Tsoutsouros and Tsoutsouros, which today are the harbor of Arkalochori. The area is very well organized and developed touristically, but still is a destination for quiet holidays.
In front of the village, there is the small harbor of Tsoutsouras. East and west of the port, there are two long sheltered bays with a total length of 2km, which have lovely coarse sand and crystal clear water. The beach is slightly organized with umbrellas and several tamarisk trees around. It is ideal for family holidays because all the necessary facilities for accommodation, entertainment, and food are in close proximity. To remain secluded, you can walk to the east end of the beach with the sandhills. The easternmost part is called Limniara and hosts the sea cave Pourgonero. You can also use Tsoutsouras as a base for exploring the other surrounding beaches.
It is noteworthy to mention that swimming in Tsoutsouras has been traditionally considered therapeutic and healing by many Cretans, because of its high concentration of salt and iodine, assisting with healing musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems.

27/06/2026

Sissi (or Sisi) is located 26km west of Agios Nikolaos and 41km east of Heraklion, in close proximity to Malia. It is a peaceful traditional seaside village with narrow streets and beautiful taverns; its trademark is the natural harbor with the deep green calm water. The coastline around Sissi is mainly rocky, except for a few small beaches. Moreover, the sea is usually wavy. Thus, the only beach in Sissi town, where you can swim protected by waves is located inside the harbor (Limani). It is a very small beach with a few umbrellas and showers.
If you want to visit another nearby beach, you can head eastwards until you meet Harkoma Bay with the well-organized beach of Boufos. It is sandy and open to the winds.
Next to the beach, you will find the smaller beach of Avlaki, formed at the exit of a narrow bay.
Just a few meters to the east, you’ll meet the sandy beach in front of the hotel Kalimera Kriti, called Kalimera. It is well organized, by the hotel, and has shallow waters, ideal for children. On the other side of the hotel, you’ll find the last beach in Sissi territory, Spiliada. Spiliada has sand, and a lot of tamarisk trees and is quieter than the other beaches. The name comes from spilia, meaning cave, after the cave that is located insite the hotel territory.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Sissi beaches cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/east-crete-beaches-lassithi/sissi-beaches

22/06/2026

Afrata is a small village, located 3.5km north of Kolymbari and 28km west of Chania, at Cape Rodopos. The small lovely beach of Afrata is shaped 1km east of the village, inside a well protected calm bay.
The beach is pebbly and has nice water colors. It is primarily preferred by local residents, as it is not affected by the winds blowing in the area. The wild beauty of Rodopos Cape, combined with the scenic calmness of the sea and the picturesque village, makes Afrata an ideal choice for quiet holidays. On the beach there is a small canteen from where you can buy water and food. There are some umbrellas and tamarisk trees, offering shade.
The road from Kolimbari is asphalt, but be careful because it is narrow. After the village, follow the road that heads to the beach through a beautiful gorge. On the road, below Odigitria Gonia monastery you will also meet the small coves of Odigitria which are mainly rocky and very quiet.
The road to Afrata from Kolymvari passes from the historic monastery of Panagia Odigitria Gonia and the Orthodox Academy. The Monastery is very important for the island's history. The Turks started the occupation of Crete from here in 1645. In 1897, the Greek army landed at this point on the island and this was the reason for the declaration of the Greek-Turkish war of 1987. The monastery is built close to Kolymbari port and consists of the main temple, the inner courtyard, it’s cells and the walls that protected the monastery from pirates, Turks and other enemies. On the northeast side, inside the walls, you can still see holes caused by the guns with which the Turks had fired against Gonia Monastery.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Afrata beach cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/afrata-beach-kolimbari

20/06/2026

The valley of Agios Georgios is located 3km west of Agia Galini, 69km southwest of Heraklion, and 60km south of Rethymno. There are two small bays with wonderful pebbly beaches, which are separated by a rocky shore. The weather here is almost always very mild, making the beaches ideal for swimming all year round.
Although the area is not developed, on the east beach, which is called Lichnistis, there are a few rooms, a tavern, and umbrellas. If you come to Agios Georgios, you can stroll in the wild Cretan countryside and walk to the old Monastery of St. George (500m northern). Note the slope of the church walls, which has been damaged due to aging and soil sedimentation; the church interior bears very old frescoes.
If you want to stay more secluded, you can go to the west beach called Kolimbistiri (i.e. “swimming area”). Here you can swim almost alone. Moreover, the seabed is ideal for snorkeling. To access the beaches of Agios Georgios, you can follow the asphalt road leading here from Agia Galini to Agios Pavlos. Moreover, there are boats running from Agia Galini to here.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Agios Georgios cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/central-crete-beaches-rethymnon/agios-georgios-agia-galini-beaches

19/06/2026

Pourgonero beach is located at Krassas area, just 500m east of the port of Tsoutsouras, beyond the east end of settlement. It is actually the east part of Tsoutsouras bay, located in front of the hill Sarakinos. According to the legend, the eternal sarcophagus of King Minos, the mythical king of Knossos, is burried below this place. Pourgonero has two coves with huge sand dunes. The beaches in front of sand dunes have rocks and sand, mixed in places. They are completely secluded, very suitable for isolation.
Pourgonero area is very important for the nesting of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles. The nesting season is from May until autumn. Moreover, if you visit the beach in late summer, you will see the beautiful white sand lilies (also known in Crete as lilies of Knossos). Access to the beach is not particularly difficult, since it is very close to Tsoutsouras. From there, you should follow the road leading to Dermatos and you will see the dunes on your right hand. There are footpaths that lead down to the beach.
Krassas area hosted the first Aloe vera plantation in Greece.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Krassas beach cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/central-crete-beaches-heraklion/krassas-beach-tsoutsouras