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Located 500m east of Xerokambos, you will discover one of the most unique landscapes in Eastern Crete. A vast dried salt lake lies adjacent to the sea during the summer months, which may not seem particularly striking. However, visiting in the spring or winter months will reveal its true significance. During these seasons, the lake, known as Alatsolimni, or Salt Lake, fills with water and transforms into a miniature lagoon. This environment fosters the growth of thousands of microorganisms and serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds waiting for calmer winds. You may spot a variety of bird species such as herons, hawks, and flamingos.
A beautiful sandy beach with shallow waters extends in front of the lagoon, providing an ideal spot for solitude. The most opportune time to visit is early spring, when the lake is still flooded and the surrounding area is adorned with vibrant blossoms. Locals refer to this area as Alykes, which translates to saltpans, a name derived from the form of the shallow waters.
Opposite the bay, the islets of Kavali provide a suitable habitat for the Falco eleonorael. Other species in the area include the Falco peregrines, Aquila chrysaetos, and Hieraaetus fasciatus. During migration, the area is also frequented by the vulture Neoprhon percknopterus.
Get directions to Alatsolimni beach
Alatsolimni beach is located in the region of Epirus, Greece.
Yes, Alatsolimni beach is suitable for swimming.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Alatsolimni beach.
Yes, Alatsolimni beach is a good spot for fishing.
Yes, there are several accommodation options available near Alatsolimni beach.
No, Alatsolimni beach is not easily accessible by public transportation. It is recommended to have a car to reach the Alatsolimni beach.
The water colour of the Alatsolimni beach is blue.
The Alatsolimni beach has sand, with rocks in some places.
The water at the Alatsolimni beach is shallow.
The surface of the sea at the Alatsolimni beach is usually calm.
The Alatsolimni beach is usually quiet.
The Alatsolimni beach has accommodation options and food/water nearby.
The Alatsolimni beach is accessible via a dirt track.
Yes, the Alatsolimni beach is nudism friendly.
Find below list of things to do near Alatsolimni beach:
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Find below the list of hotels near Alatsolimni beach:
Just 350 metres from the nearest beach, Liviko View offers air-conditioned accommodation with Libyan Sea and mountain views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. The property facilities include a restaurant. Zakros Town is 8 km away.
All rooms and apartments at Liviko are bright and open to a balcony. Each has a flat-screen TV and a mini fridge. Some come with a kitchenette.
A restaurant is available within proximity, where guests may enjoy Cretan dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and watch the sea view. A tavern and a café bar can be found within short walking distance.
The village of Ziros is 15 km away. Vai Beach, with its palm forest is 36 km away. Sitia Public Airport is at a distance of 45 km, while Sitia Town is about 44 km. Free private parking is possible on site.
from
€65
/night
Just 400 metres from the beach in Xerokampos Village, Asteras featuresself-catering accommodation that open to a balcony and patio, enjoying Libyan Sea and garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
All air-conditioned accommodation types come with a seating area and a kitchenette with a fridge, cooking rings and a dining table. Bathrooms include a shower and free toiletries.
Various taverns and a mini market lie within 1 km of Asteras Apartments. Guests can also use the on-site BBQ facilities.
The village of Zakros is 8 km away and Ziros Village is approximately at a distance of 20 km. Free private parking is possible on site.
Located in Xerokampos, NOTOS APARTMENTS XEROKAMBOS 3 offers accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. Guests staying at this apartment have access to a fully equipped kitchen.
The apartment has a flat-screen TV.
Agios Nikolaos is 94 km from the apartment, while Ierápetra is 65 km away.
Situated in Xerokampos, 47 km from Sitia, Notos Apartments Xerokambos 1 features a terrace and free WiFi.
Each unit has a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. An oven, a stovetop and toaster are also offered, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
Agios Nikolaos is 94 km from the apartment, while Ierápetra is 65 km from the property.
Located just 190m from Xerokampos Beach, Castello del Mare provides accommodation in Xerokampos with access to a lounge, a garden, as well as a kitchen. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views.
Thea apartments has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Xerokampos, 1.1 km from Alatsolimni Beach.
Each unit has a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The holiday home offers a picnic area.
If you would like to discover the area, windsurfing, diving and fishing are possible in the surroundings.
Xerokampos Beach is 1.6 km from Thea apartments, while Vai Palm Forest is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
Find below list of beaches near Alatsolimni beach:
The remote settlement of Xerokambos is nestled 103km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, 47km south of Sitia, and 69km east of Ierapetra in the Lassithi prefecture. It is primarily accessible via the road that links the cities of Sitia and Ierapetra with Ziros. An alternative route is the asphalt road from Zakros. The journey from Ziros unveils lush green plateaus, abandoned medieval towns like Etia and Chametoulio, and offers breathtaking views of the South Cretan Sea and the rugged Gorge of Lamnoni.
The stark, eerie landscape of Xerokambos is defined by barren rocks and towering mountains. Its sparse vegetation consists mainly of shrubs, with occasional olive groves. Despite its isolation, it has begun to evolve into a small tourist destination, especially after the roads were paved. Xerokambos, ideal for a peaceful retreat, is not recommended for those seeking nightlife. The village offers several accommodations, mini markets, and taverns, while a pharmacy, butcher, and petrol station are available in Zakros, a 15-minute drive away.
The serene sea and beautiful beaches of Xerokambos contrast sharply with the wild mountainous backdrop. The region offers a variety of beaches, including rocky, pebbly, sandy, and even a clay beach for natural spa enthusiasts.
The main region of Xerokambos, Ambelos, lies east of Cape Trahilos. This is where you’ll find the majority of accommodations and taverns. A picturesque blue-domed church, Saint Nicholas, and the remnants of the Hellenistic city of Ambelos are also sights to behold on a nearby hill. The first beach here, Gerontolakkos, or Agios Nikolaos, is followed by a narrow argillaceous beach where visitors often engage in mud baths. This beach is aptly named Argilos, which translates to clay.
Further along is Vourlia, a small bay featuring golden sand and local accommodations and taverns. From here, the coastline becomes rockier, stretching northeast through a protected area for the white sand Lilly.
Alona beach, also known as Krinakia, is located near the exit of the Katsounaki Gorge, to the east of the Xirokambos settlement. A torrent from the gorge flows onto the Potamos beach during winter, situated adjacent to the stunning sandy beach of Alona. The beach is dotted with sand dunes, which are blanketed by white sea daffodils in the fall season. Trekking through the canyon is fairly effortless, highlighting a wild landscape with imposing walls; a trek from the top to the bottom of Alona is possible.
To the west of Alona lies another beach, Potamos, accessible by car. It’s located at the mouth of the Katsounaki river, characterized by large round pebbles. One can reach it by driving along the river towards the sea. While it may not be particularly remarkable, it offers a serene and secluded atmosphere. This beach is also referred to as Italika, named after Italian houses located on the beach.
A 500-meter journey west from the Xerokambos settlement will lead you to the area’s initial hotels and the expansive beach of Mazida Ammos, the longest in Xerokambos. This stunning beach boasts white sands and crystal-clear shallow turquoise waters. To the east, it’s well shielded by Cape Trachilos, at whose tip you’ll find a sea cave named Fokiospilio. Across from Mazida Ammos, you’ll spot the minor islets known as Kavali.
The first beach you encounter when heading west in Xerokambos is Amatos harbour. It’s a naturally encompassed harbour featuring tranquil water. The beach, although remote, is pebbly and offers an ideal environment for spearfishing. Few tamarisk trees dot the landscape and there’s a ramp to facilitate boat launching. An accessible dirt road connects the harbour to the Xerokambos settlement, from which the path to Agia Irini beach starts.
Heading from the harbour to the Xerokambos settlement, after about 100 metres, you stumble upon a hidden bay. It’s filled with fine grey pebbles and has a smaller cove nearby. This area, known as Ligias Lakkos, can be reached via a stone path that winds through the towering cliffs that surround it. The landscape is breathtaking; rugged mountains tower behind you, a peaceful harbour is on your right, and the Kavalli islands are to your left.
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