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Situated at the northeasternmost end of Crete, Agios Isidoros lies 32km east of Sitia and 99km east of Agios Nikolaos. It’s positioned at the northernmost point of Cape Sidero, within the territory of Kyriamadi’s Military Naval Station. The area is known for its unique, rugged beauty, shaped by the influence of salt and wind.
Agios Isidoros’ hidden beach lies beneath the church and lighthouse of Saint Isidore, the namesake of Cape Sidero. The church was constructed near the ruins of a 14th-century temple, which is believed to have once been a convent. Underwater ruins of a 4th-century temple have also been discovered. The beach is small and dotted with rocks, forming a semicircular cove enclosed by rocky outcrops that create a slender strip of sea. It’s a perfect spot for solitude and fishing, as the surrounding waters are abundant with fish.
Due to its status as a naval base, access from the coast is restricted. Visitors can only access Saint Isidore on its feast day, February 4th. On this day, hundreds of people visit not just for religious reasons but also to collect the tasty local wild artichoke. You can also make a day trip to the Vai palm grove and Toplou Monastery during your visit.
Get directions to Agios Isidoros beach
Yes, the Agios Isidoros beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming.
Yes, there are several water sports activities available at the Agios Isidoros beach, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, there is a lifeguard on duty during the peak season.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Agios Isidoros beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
Yes, the Agios Isidoros beach is family-friendly. There are several activities for children, and the water is shallow and safe for them to swim in.
Yes, there is a parking area near the Agios Isidoros beach where you can park your car.
Yes, the Agios Isidoros beach is accessible for people with disabilities. There are ramps and other facilities to make it easier for them to access the Agios Isidoros beach.
The water colour of the Agios Isidoros beach is blue.
The Agios Isidoros beach has sand.
The water depth of the Agios Isidoros beach is normal.
The sea surface at the Agios Isidoros beach is usually calm.
The Agios Isidoros beach crowds are quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Agios Isidoros beach.
The Agios Isidoros beach can be accessed by boat.
The Agios Isidoros beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Agios Isidoros beach:
Embark on a day tour to the beautiful Vai Palm Beach, located on the eastern coast of Crete.
This stunning beach is known for its unique palm forest, crystal clear waters, and golden sandy shores.
Vai Palm Forest is said to have been grown from the seeds of dates that were discarded by Arab sailors in the area during the 9th century.
Your day will begin with a comfortable transfer to the beach, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the palm forest, relax on the beach and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant if you wish and soak in the breathtaking views of the beach and surrounding landscape.
After a day of relaxation and exploration, you will be transferred back to your accommodation with memories of a truly unforgettable experience.
Following collection from select areas, the experience starts from Agios Nikolaos heading east. This is an excellent opportunity for you to admire the sublime Gulf of Mirabello, which is Eastern Crete’s riviera. You will then pass through many picturesque villages before reaching the 15th-century Toplou Monastery.
The compound features a small museum with notable exhibits of Christian-Orthodox art, such as sacred utensils and chalcography by the monks of Mount Athos. There is also an olive press which produces olive oil of outstanding quality, as well as wine-making facilities. Both the olive oil and the wine produced in the monastery are exported all over the world.
You may participate in a wine and spirit tasting session (optional) at the monastery’s cellar, after which you will pay a visit to one of the main attractions in eastern Crete, the protected Palm Forest of Vai. It is unique in Europe and is located next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. At this location there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy swimming, as you bask in the rare beauty of the landscape. On your way back, you will stop at Platanos where you can watch the sunset in an area which boasts an enchanting view.
Start your day tour discovering the beautiful east part of Crete!
Visit Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian.
Continue the tour to visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot.
Last stop of the day the cozy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle.
Detailed Time Schedule:
Morning Pick Up
We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning.
Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.
Bus Drive to Toplou: 2 hours amd 30 minutes
1nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes
Our participants willenjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou.There they will spend about 40′ of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors.
Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes
2rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours and 30 minutes
Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy your free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete.
Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes
3rd stop: Sitia – 1 hour and 20 minutes
Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets.
End of the tour – Arrival at resorts:
Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.
Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2 – 3 hours hours
Discover the enchanting allure of East Crete with our meticulously crafted day tour.
Toplou Monastery
The journey starts as we make our way to the storied Toplou Monastery. You’ll be allotted 40 minutes to delve into its rich history, admire its distinctive architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Cretan countryside that envelops this sacred site.
Vai Palm Beach
Next, we venture to the idyllic Vai Beach, celebrated for hosting Europe’s largest natural palm forest. Enjoy two hours of leisure time to swim in its azure waters, sunbathe on its golden sands, relish a tasty lunch, and take in the mesmerizing beauty of this unique landscape through your camera lens.
Sitia Town
Our exploration culminates in the picturesque town of Sitia, a gem that allows you to experience its lively beach road, enjoy a coffee at a traditional café, and indulge in exquisite local sweets over a 40-minute visit.
As the sun sets on this unforgettable day, we return to Heraklion by bus, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories from this enchanting journey through East Crete’s most cherished sights.
Find below the list of hotels near Agios Isidoros beach:
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Find below list of beaches near Agios Isidoros beach:
Here are some sandy bays away from prying eyes, while generally, the rocky bottom is maybe the richest on the island, attracting many fishermen from all over Crete. It is generally very windy and you will almost always see windsurfers. The west bay is called Tenda and is open to west winds and wavy, while the east is called Eligas and the sea surface is usually flat.
Situated 96km to the east of Agios Nikolaos and 26km east of Sitia, just north of the renowned Vai palm forest, you’ll find Itanos. The name is derived from the ancient city Itanos, which was located in this region. Adjacent to the Itanos archaeological site, you’ll discover Erimoupolis, another name for the region, which stretches across three consecutive days. This offers you the unique opportunity to pair your visit to the archaeological site with a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Notably, a portion of ancient Itanos is submerged underwater, providing a singular snorkelling experience over the ruins.
Reaching this location requires you to drive to the archaeological site where you can park. From here, short trails lead to the local beaches. The first beach lies to the south of a small fort that once stood at the tip of a small peninsula, accessible via a path running alongside it. This unorganised and peaceful beach boasts white sand and calm waters. The picturesque scenery is enhanced by a sprinkling of palm trees offering shade.
Opposite the Itanos parking lot, you’ll find Erimoupolis’ second beach. This sandy beach, punctuated with rocks, is excellent for snorkelling and is shaded by several trees. The most stunning beach, however, is concealed behind the hill to the north of the parking area. This longest beach features stunning turquoise waters and fine sand. While it’s not organised, it has become quite popular among visitors.
Several small, secluded beaches dot the Kavo Sidero peninsula, starting from Analoukas. Mavros Kavos, also known as Hohlakia, is one such beach which can be reached via a dirt road. The beach is typically wavy and offers a sense of solitude. A bit further down, there’s another small bay, Magatzedes, which is also accessible by car. Heading west, you’ll find the beautiful bay of Atzikiari, located where the old fish tanks used to operate until 2016. It’s reachable through a dirt road. Lastly, at the base of Cape Aspro Mouri, you’ll find the remote cove of Aspro Avlaki. This cove is completely secluded since there are no surrounding roads.
Situated between the Vai palm forest and the historic Itanos beaches, you’ll find the secluded Voulismata beach. As the most remote beach in the region, it’s seldom visited due to its inaccessible nature – the only way to reach it is by a coastal walk, as no roads lead to it. The beach is characterized by its dense sand, a seabed strewn with rocks, and the deep blue of its waters.
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