Mochlos, a charming village situated on the coast of Crete, boasts breathtaking natural scenery and a friendly community of locals who enjoy playful banter. Positioned in the north of Lasithi prefecture, Mochlos is equidistant from three major cities – Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Ierapetra – making it an ideal destination for a holiday or weekend getaway. Visitors can witness the most stunning sunsets and sunrises from Mochlos, with the morning view of the sun rising from the sea being particularly unforgettable. The village is also home to a small island, which features the beautiful Agios Nikolaos church and adds to the picturesque landscape.
~~ Sea Breeze covered house ~~ is a beachfront property situated in Mochlos, a few steps from Mochlos Beach and 36 km from Lake Voulismeni. Featuring mountain and city views, this holiday home also comes with free WiFi.
The holiday home with a balcony and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a terrace.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from ~~ Sea Breeze covered house ~~, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from the accommodation.
In a well-tended garden just 50 metres from the beach of Mochlos, Despina Studios offers air-conditioned rooms with a furnished terrace. Taverns and shops are within a 2-minute walk.
A kitchenette with a fridge and coffee machine is found in all rooms at the Despina. A seating area is provided. Each has a private bathroom with shower.
The scenic town of Agios Nikolaos is at 30 km. Sitia at a distance of 35 km.
from
€65
/night
Boasting mountain views, Filia Studio offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Mochlos Beach. It has a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, a TV, a dining area, and a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Lake Voulismeni is 36 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from Filia Studio.
Hotel Mochlos is centrally located in the fishing village of Mochlos, just 50 metres from taverns and the beach. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Featuring terraces or balconies with partial sea or street views, all the rooms are air conditioned. They include an LCD TV, private bathroom and refrigerator. Some units have a modern bathroom with hydromassage shower panels. A kitchenette with kitchenware and a seating and dining area are featured in some units.
A Continental breakfast is prepared daily. It includes tea, coffee and fresh juice, as well as yoghurt, eggs and jams, which guests can enjoy on the communal terrace.
Hotel Mochlos is less than a 90-minute drive from Heraklion Airport and 70 km from Heraklion. A 30-minute drive will bring you to Aghios Nikolaos, Sitia and the palm forest of Vai. Various restaurants, shops, cafés and bars can be found only 100 metres away.
from
€55
/night
Located near the centre of Mochlos, this air-conditioned villa features free WiFi and a terrace. The property features views of the sea and the beach is just a short walk away.
This beach front, air-conditioned villa includes 3 balconies, kitchenware, a hot tub, outdoor seating area and a fully-equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is offered. Other facilities at Moments include a hot tub.
Guests will find a variety of traditional restaurants in the nearby area.
Elounda is at 51 km from Moments, Vai is 58 km from the property. You can engage in various activities, such as diving and fishing. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from the property.
from
€195
/night
Located in Mochlos, 60 metres from Mochlos Beach and 36 km from Lake Voulismeni, on the sea Despoina apartment at Mochlos Creta offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the apartment.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from on the sea Despoina apartment at Mochlos Creta, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 37 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from the accommodation.
from
€95
/night
Explore one of Crete’s most beautiful landscapes while hiking by the small river that will lead you to the 20m waterfall of Richtis. During the hike you will see some small ponds and waterfalls, as well as many different endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals. Richtis Gorge is part of the Sitia Geopark. On the path you will pass over small wooden bridges, old water mills and amazing view points. The hike is about 7km long. Richtis gorge is a green oasis where you definately want to be during the Cretan summertime.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities.Afternoon sailing trip is suitable for those who prefer waking up late and avoid the hottest hours. The boat trip starts at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities. The yacht cruise starts in the morning at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Departing from the Marina of Agios Nikolaos, our journey promises a semi-private escape filled with delightful socializing and shared experiences. It begins with relaxation, sunbathing on the sundeck, or actively participating in sailing procedures. Marvel at the stunning coastal views as we sail, feeling the invigorating sea breeze against your skin.
After circumnavigating Spinalonga and admiring the Venetian fortress from the sea, we set sail toward Kolokitha. Upon reaching Kolokitha, we drop anchor in one of its beautiful bays, where you’re free to immerse yourself in its pristine waters, explore the coastline, or simply unwind on deck, soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Avanti Sailing ensures your comfort with a delectable meal served on board, featuring locally sourced ingredients and complemented by premium local wine and refreshments of your choice. Enjoy a selection of ripe, seasonal fruits as we gently sail back to the Marina of Agios Nikolaos, leaving you feeling invigorated, revitalized, and prepared for the evening ahead.
Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.
Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.
When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda area.
Start your boat trip from the port of Ormos Bay of Agios Nikolaos and marvel around the calm waters of the gulf, which has been of vital significance for the development of the region and enjoy an unforgetable fishing exprience
The boat provide all the available fishing equipment you need independently you are an experience fisherman or not.
You can try all the available technique of rod fishing such as jigging, live bait fishing, trolling and such more.
You have the opportunity to live with a professional fisherman the relaxing experience of fishing, while enjoying the tour by a local who knows stone by stone the unique destination of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
The captain explains the types of fish that are found in the area depending on the season, talks to you about the history of the island and its culture, guides you to the most beautiful places of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and stops in many drylands until you catch fish.
In addition, you can reach quiet beaches, inaccessible and enchanting, to enjoy your swim in the waters of the Aegean, or indulge in snorkelling to admire the seabed of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
You can choose the cruising places, the places you will like to swim, so that you can enjoy every moment!
Explore the beautiful island of Spinalonga, a fortress-island that was built when the Venetians occupied Crete, which survives to this day. It is a remarkable monument of World Cultural Heritage and is worth visiting! The island’s history was a source of inspiration for many movies and Victoria Hislop’s best seller “The Island”.
Mochlos is a quaint village situated 48km to the east of Agios Nikolaos and 35km to the west of Sitia. It lies 150m across from the islet of St. Nicholas, home to a chapel of the same name and an important archaeological site. The village of Mochlos maintains its traditional Cretan charm, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. The friendly locals, primarily from the village of Sfaka, will make you feel at home from day one. You may even get the chance to participate in local events such as fishing competitions.
The village’s coastal road is dotted with a handful of taverns and cafes where you can savour fresh seafood and refreshing drinks. These establishments have even gained popularity among notable Greeks. An old tax office previously stood next to these taverns but was unfortunately torn down several years ago. The small sandy beach of Mochlos, with its rocky seabed, lies in front of the village. It offers basic facilities but is not officially organized. A second, smaller and rockier bay can be found to the east of the village.
For those seeking solitude, the sandy beach of Limenaria lies 400m west of Mochlos. This beach and the local harbour are well shielded from the waves. In 1986, archaeologists discovered a post-Minoan cemetery with several intact carved tombs in Limenaria. Over 60 decorated vases and a Minoan seal featuring a deer were found at this site.
When visiting Mochlos, it’s worth exploring the neighbouring villages of Sfaka, Lastros, Tourloti, and Myrsini. These villages have preserved their traditional character and house some very old chapels. Furthermore, south of Mochlos, atop a hill, you can visit the scenic chapel of Holy Spirit (Agio Pnevma in Greek), which offers panoramic views of the Mirabello Gulf. Lastly, near the village of Myrsini, you will find the Venetian Tower of Kornaros and the chapel of St. Anthony.
Situated 48km east of Agios Nikolaos and 35km west of Sitia is the quaint village of Mochlos. A short 300m journey eastward, near the Agios Andreas settlement, reveals several secluded bays filled with rounded pebbles. Known by the locals as Kolimbakia or Loutres coves, these spots are perfect for snorkelling and fishing, thanks to the rocky seafloor that houses a multitude of fish. Beyond the coves, you’ll find the well-equipped Stomio beach, fronting a local hotel. It provides amenities such as umbrellas, showers, beach-volley courts, canoes, as well as sailing, windsurfing and diving facilities. Further east of Mochlos, the Mavro Selli beach awaits, characterized by a small stream and large pebbles.
Situated between Mochlos to the east and Malavra springs near Tholos to the west, you’ll find the gypsum quarries of Altsi, named after the Turkish term for plaster. This region is home to two hidden beaches, largely unvisited due to their proximity to the quarries. Access to these secluded Altsi beaches can be achieved through the road that guides you to the mills responsible for grinding the stones; this path is marked as a dead end just before reaching Mochlos. Despite the significant alteration of the scenery by the quarries, these beaches maintain their pristine condition and inherent beauty.
Psira, a small uninhabited island located opposite Kavousi, is renowned for being home to one of the most significant and affluent Minoan settlements discovered on Crete. However, it’s a lesser-known fact that Psira also boasts of remarkable natural beauty, featuring mysterious cliffs, sea caves, and enchanting beaches.
The island houses several petite beaches, with the largest one situated to the north of the settlement, featuring a sandy landscape. Right beneath the ancient settlement towards the south, a small bay hosts two exquisite pebble beaches. It’s noteworthy that all of Pseira’s beaches are on the island’s south side, thereby offering protection from the usual northern winds.
The Koudoumis canyon, situated approximately 27km west of Sitia, is close to the village of Tourloti. You can reach the canyon by foot, but be aware that there are six minor but steep rappels that need careful navigation.
Also known as the Tourloti Gorge, the canyon’s exit is near Tourloti while its entrance is at the small plateau of Monokara, which is a few kilometres further south. The stream that flows through it carries water to the Mavro Seli beach near Mochlos. The canyon’s striking rock formations coupled with the vibrant nature during spring make trekking through the Koudoumis gorge a fascinating experience.
The Richtis Gorge, situated in the Lasithi Prefecture on Crete’s northern side, lies between the cities of Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The trail begins just outside Exo Mouliana village and concludes at Richtis beach, to the east of Kalavros village. The entire route spans roughly 3 kilometres, with an elevation difference of around 350 meters between the starting point and the beach. Even in the summer months, the gorge retains a plentiful water supply, utilized for local agriculture. The water in the gorge is collected from the Drymias peak (918m) of the Orno range via the Lachanas and Mesa Mouliana streams, which converge near the trail’s starting point.
Depending on the hiker’s speed, the journey to the beach takes approximately three to four hours. The trail commences from the 19th-century stone-arched Lachanas bridge, a historic site where Christians reportedly killed local Turks attempting to reach Sitia and board a ship to Turkey during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
The path continues through a verdant landscape along the river, set against the stunning backdrop of Eastern Crete. The air is filled with the aroma of platans, oleander, and sage, and the scent of fresh herbs constantly shifts. Another notable feature is the old water mills that hikers encounter along the path, a testament to the past.
The crowning glory of the gorge is the breathtaking Richtis waterfall, which stands over 20 meters tall and forms a small pond at its base (the term “richtis” translates to “waterfall” in the Cretan dialect). The waterfall maintains its water flow even in the summer, providing a wonderful spot for a revitalizing dip. The trail concludes at the gorgeous pebbly Richtis beach, which features a small park with tamarisk trees, stone seats and tables, and a water fountain offering drinkable water.
Warning: To protect the delicate stream flora and fauna, please refrain from using sunscreen protection when swimming in rivers.
Tip: Many visitors choose to park their car on the main road at Exo Mouliana and walk down the paved road to the Lahanas bridge. By driving and parking next to the Lahanas bridge, you can save around 30 minutes of walking time. From there, it takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach the waterfall. For those less mobile or with young children, the quickest way to reach the waterfall is to drive along the narrow paved road to Richtis beach and walk for around 30 minutes in the opposite direction of the river.
In the eastern region of Crete, the term Havgas is frequently encountered, often used to name canyons and in some variations such as Ha, Havgoudi, and so on. One of the many gorges bearing the Havgas name is located near Kavousi, in the Ierapetra province. This gorge is essentially the lower segment of the wild Mesonas gorge, which originates from the Thripti plateau.
The section known as Havgas begins close to the Minoan settlement of Azorias and concludes its path in Kavoussi. Despite its short length of only 700m, traversing it via its stream demands technical (canyoning) gear due to the presence of six stunning waterfalls. The tallest of these waterfalls reaches 20 meters in height and retains water well into the late winter.
As an alternative, the gorge can be navigated by foot along the ancient hiking trail that skirts the canyon from its eastern side, linking Avgos to Kavoussi.
Located on the northern slopes of the Thripti range, near Kavoussi village and Avgos settlement, you’ll find the short but incredibly wild and imposing Mesonas gorge. This 4km long gorge requires technical canyoneering equipment to traverse its steep waterfalls. The gorge connects the Thripti Plateau to the Kavoussi plain, with its exit close to the Azorias archaeological site. The same stream forms the technical Havgas gorge, crosses the fertile Kavoussi plain, and eventually empties onto Tholos beach.
Starting from the Tsamadi position near Thripti village, there’s a hiking trail that runs high above the gorge bed, following the concrete channel used to transfer spring water to Kavoussi. The breathtaking views of the canyon, surrounding mountains, and Mirabello bay are beyond words. The trail descends to ancient Azorias, from where you can approach Kavousi via the ancient path parallel to the Havgas Gorge, or through the dirt road passing the Monumental Olive Tree of Azorias.
For canyon enthusiasts wanting to traverse the river bed, it’s worth noting that the water levels are generally low, with the flow ceasing mid to late spring depending on seasonal rainfall. The gorge starts out smoothly, with the hiking portion exceeding the steep descent sections. The last part of the gorge changes dramatically, narrowing significantly and forming high waterfalls, with the highest rappel at 30m. A small group of canyoneers can descend its 9 rappels in about 3 hours.
Mochlos is located in Crete, north of Lasithi prefecture, between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia.
Mochlos is known for its picturesque village by the sea characterized as a landscape of exquisite, natural beauty. It is also known for its joyful and peaceful inhabitants who constantly tease each other.
The three major cities near Mochlos are Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Ierapetra, all at an equal distance of 30-35km.
Yes, Mochlos is an ideal place for a holiday or special weekends.
The most beautiful view in Mochlos is the colorful sunset and the beautiful daybreak from any other place. The serenity of the morning open view, with the sun rising from the sea, will be unforgettable.
The small island opposite the village of Mochlos is the small church of Agios Nikolaos, which offers a unique beauty to the landscape.
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