Part Nine: East Coast
53. Chiona Beach
2 km east of Palaikastro
A quiet sand beach near the Petsofas hill with a Minoan peak sanctuary, the ruins of the Minoan town of Rousolakkos, and the flat Kastris hill, where once a Venetian fortress stood; the preferred beach of some middle-aged and elderly people from the Palaikastro area; coves to the southeast that offer more privacy; a wetland used by migratory birds nearby
7/10
54. Kouremenos Beach
2 km northeast of Palaikastro
A long wide sand beach that hardly ever gets too crowded; the more quiet southeastern end dominated by the dramatic shape of the northernmost cliffs of the Kastris hill, with some slippery stones in the low water; one section popular with windsurfers; one of the most relaxing beaches in Crete
10/10
55. Maridati Beach
5 km northeast of Palaikastro
A hidden beach at the end of a rough dirt road in a valley of natural importance; tamarisk trees, some sand, pebbles and crystal clear water; few people, even at summer weekends; a real hidden gem
10/10
56. Vai Beach
8 km north of Palaikastro
The largest surviving grove of the rare Cretan date palm (phoenix theophrasti); a former hippie hangout turned into a popular tourist beach, the most famous in Eastern Crete; clear yellow sand and turquoise water, scenic paths on both ends
9/10
57. Itanos Beach
2.5 km north of the Vai beach
A quiet sand beach south of the archaeological site of Itanos, with ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian eras; some palm trees and low vegetation; away from the hustle and bustle of the Vai beach and the parking lot
9/10
58. Erimoupolis Beach
North of the Itanos beach, on the other side of the archaeological site
Beautiful beaches overlooked by most daytrippers to the nearby Vai beach; fine sand and water so clear that a swimmer can see the seabed far away from the coast; some shelter offered by rocks; cool atmosphere
10/10
59. Kato Zakros Beach
20 km south of Palaikastro
A place that feels like the end of the world, away from big settlements and hard to access, but of breathtaking beauty; ruins of a Minoan palace and a gorge with Minoan cave burials known as the Valley of the Dead; sand and pebble beach, some slippery rocks with sea urchins in the low water
9/10
Extra
60. Lake Kournas
4 km south of Georgioupoli
A scenic freshwater lake surrounded by mountains; some tourism on the east side and deep green water with rich biodiversity on the west side; rare diamondback terrapins, water snakes, eels and various species of birds
9/10
grande flânerie 