Hiliaderfia beaches

On the middle section of Koufonisi’s southern coastline, you’ll find the isolated and untouched Asprougas beach. The name ‘Asprougas’ translates to ‘white’ in the Cretan dialect, aptly describing the soft, white clay rocks found in the area. This same clay, abundant throughout the region, was responsible for the island’s ancient name, Lefki, meaning ‘white’. Known for its healing properties, the clay is perfect for mud spa treatments.

Asprougas could be likened to an open-air geological museum, with a wealth of fossils, particularly on one slope where an extinct snail species is abundant. The area’s morphology is as fascinating as its fossil collection, with white and striped rocks littering the landscape. The water here is shallow, and the sand bears a light reddish hue.

Many rocks in the area bear marks from the Roman era, left by visitors who wished to imprint their presence on this enchanting corner of the world. Because of these inscriptions, the beach has also become known as ‘Stories’.

Situated on the island of Koufonissi, Kamarelles beach is a striking sandy spot nestled beside the ancient Roman theatre and the Roman buildings of Lefki, and directly across from the petite islet of Marmaro. A snorkelling expedition reveals remnants of ancient pillars submerged underwater. The southern edge of the beach showcases two magnificent natural arches, known as Kamarelles. Directly opposite, the islet of Makroulo can be seen, home to a secluded, tiny sandy beach.

Koufonissi is a modest, barren island, situated 3 miles south of Cape Goudouras and 80km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. The island is accessible by taking an excursion boat from Makrigialos. Koufonissi is encircled by 36 extraordinary sandy beaches with crystal clear, turquoise waters, making it a well-kept secret from the rest of the world.

The longest stretch of sand on Koufonissi, also known as Lefki, is located on the southeastern part of the islet, facing Africa. The water is incredibly clear and the rocky seabed is perfect for snorkelling, complemented by the smooth sand. However, the lack of shade can be an issue. If you dare to ascend the somewhat steep sandy inclines of the beach, you’ll find remnants of Koufonissi’s old lighthouse, erected on the site of an ancient temple.

The beach is called Prosfora, named after a round rock visible from the shore. Local lore suggests that this rock resembles a prosphoron, which is a small loaf of leavened bread used in Orthodox Christian liturgies.

The Heromilia beach, situated in the Agia Triada region of Sitia province (also known as Tso), is just a 2km journey eastward from the Atherinolakkos Power Station. It holds the distinction of being the most western beach of the Livari beaches.

The beach forms at the mouth of the compact canyon Tripiti. The canyon derives its name from a unique hollow rock that stands a few meters north of the coastline; ‘tripiti’ translates to “with a hole.”

To reach the beach, one must descend from the summer residences of Agia Triada’s inhabitants towards the stream and then walk towards the sea. These are the first houses one encounters before reaching the main beach of Livari.

The small beach boasts clear blue waters and fine pebbles. However, its allure is somewhat marred by the Atherinolakkos Power Station. Despite this, the sea remains pristine, and the factory smoke only reaches the beach when the winds blow from the west.