Salamias beach

Vourlidia beach is located 0.5 km away.

The petite stone-strewn beach, Vourlidia, situates at the termination point of the Flomias gorge, on the western region of Salamis bay, and at the bottom of Cape Oxa. This remarkable beach is accessible after a demanding hike from either the Agios Ioannis settlement to the east or from Tripiti beach to the west. The area surrounding the beach can be reached via a poorly maintained dirt path from the villages of Koumasa or Kapetaniana.

Katarti beach is located 1.5 km away.

Katarti, a small beach nestled at the mouth of a narrow gorge, is situated 73km south of the city of Heraklion, at the base of Cape Oxa on Crete island. This secluded beach is enveloped by the untamed and majestic landscape of the Asterousia Range, lying southwest of Kofinas peak. One rugged dirt track from Salamias bay provides road access to the beach, but primarily, it is reached by boat or on foot from Agios Ioannis or Tripiti beach, located 2.5km westward.

The region is a haven for fishing enthusiasts as the rocky seabed still teems with fish, despite the damaging illegal use of dynamite by some locals. Katarti’s coastline is adorned with white pebbles and its waters are crystal clear and deep, while the surrounding rocky shores are strikingly beautiful. The beach is flanked by tall cliffs, a natural extension of the gorge’s walls into the sea, offering both wind protection and shade.

The name Katarti, translating to mast in Greek, is inspired by a tall boulder in the sea nearby. Some locals also refer to it as Arkouda, meaning bear, asserting that the rock formations resemble a bear!

Leprias beach is located 1.9 km away.

Located in the Kalokambos region, approximately 73km south of the city of Heraklion, Leprias, also known as Lepries, is a quaint pebbly beach nestled amidst the rugged and awe-inspiring landscape of the Asterousia Range, southwest of Kofinas peak. The beach is accessible via a hiking trail that starts at Tripiti beach and leads to Agios Ioannis. Leprias beach is set against a steep dirt slope that erodes and crumbles, reminiscent of a leper’s skin, giving the beach its name, derived from the Greek word for leper.

The safest way to descend to the beach from the trail is from the bay’s western end. The eastern part of the beach boasts impressive caves that provide shade throughout the day. As you travel between Leprias and Tripiti, you will encounter other beautiful beaches in the Kalokambos area, characterized by their rocky bottoms and favored by local fishermen.

Agios Ioannis beach – Heraklion is located 3.2 km away.

The quaint seaside village of Agios Ioannis, situated 73km south of Heraklion, lies just south of Kapetaniana village. Kapetaniana is nestled near the highest point of the Asterousia Mountains, the Kofinas Peak. It’s worth taking time to explore the Byzantine Church of the Panagia and the Church of the Holy Cross in Kapetaniana, or try your hand at the local climbing track.

You can journey from Kapetaniana to Agios Ioannis via an 8km dirt road. Beginning at an elevation of 750m, the route offers breathtaking views of the South Cretan Sea and the rugged landscape of Asterousia. At the end of a dusty, bumpy ride, you’ll arrive at the settlement where residents, primarily from Kapetaniana, spend their summers. Unfortunately, illegal construction mars the splendid southern Cretan scenery. Agios Ioannis derives its name from the ancient cavernous monastery of Saint John, adorned with striking frescoes.

The village of Agios Ioannis is nestled at the base of and along the small Ponda peninsula. To the west of Ponda, lies the serene Agios Ioannis beach, a haven of small pebbles and vibrant turquoise waters. Its rocky seabed is ideal for fishing. While it’s not officially organized, you’ll still find locals enjoying the beach. A few taverns, a mini market, and some accommodation options are available. Camping is also a great way to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

If you prefer more solitude, the beach of Eligia to the east of the peninsula is a must-visit. This beautiful beach, adorned with fine pebbles, is rarely crowded. Located at the end of the Volahas gorge, named after the Cretan word for rock, volakas, Eligia houses a small cave rumored to contain a princess’s treasure after her demise, hence the name Princess cave. Locals, however, refer to it as Gourounospilios or Pig Cave, after the pigs that were once kept there. There’s also a remarkable well on the beach, known as Kakopigado, where you can drink fresh water all year round. For those seeking even more seclusion, Agios Antonios to the east is worth exploring.