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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.
Get directions to Altsi bay
Altsi Bay is a beautiful beach located in the western part of the island of Crete, Greece.
The best time to visit Altsi Bay is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, Altsi Bay is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Altsi Bay where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful view.
Yes, Altsi Bay is a great place for snorkeling. The water is clear and there are many interesting marine creatures to see.
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments near Altsi Bay where you can stay during your visit.
Yes, Altsi Bay is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm, making it safe for children to swim and play.
Yes, there is parking available near Altsi Bay, although it can get crowded during peak season.
The water colour of the Altsi bay is deep blue.
The Altsi bay has sand.
The water at the Altsi bay is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Altsi bay is usually wavy.
The Altsi bay crowds are quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Altsi bay.
The Altsi bay access is a dirt track.
The Altsi bay is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Altsi bay:
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.
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.
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.
Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka on this multi-stop trip from Heraklion. Take in the sights from onboard a ferry and savor a BBQ or tavern lunch. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more.
Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe.
After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you’ll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous.
Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. If you don’t want to visit the archaeological site, you can join a 1-hour boat trip to a secret location and dive into the crystal-clear water (cost not included). After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays.
Get plenty of time for swimming and enjoying BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, seasonal fruit, wine, and Fanta. If your trip is on a Sunday, you’ll get to enjoy dinner in a tavern instead of having BBQ on board.
After a short drive, reach Plaka, a small fishing village. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series.
The last stop of the day is the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni or explore the local shops. Enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back to your accommodation.
10:30 Departure from Elounda with the boat
11:10 Arrival Kolokytha
12:45 Departure from Kolokytha
13:10 Arrival Spinalonga
14:45 Departure from Spinalonga to Elounda
15:00 Arrival Elounda
15:45 Olive oil tasting – Arrival Agios Nikolaos
16:45 Departure Agios Nikolaos – back to the hotels
18:30 Arrival Heraklion.
Route:128 km
Duration:app. 11 hours
Stay in Spinalonga:1 ½ hours
Stay in Kolokytha Bay-Beach:1 ½ hours
Stay in Agios Nikolaos:app.1 hour
ESSENTIALS:
•shoes for the sea
•sun protection
•hat
* Remarks:Please notify us in advance, if you are vegetarian or if you do not eat pork at all, as we have to preorder another lunch for you.
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi prefecture in eastern Crete. A beautiful coastal town popular for its signature sight of the Lake Voulismeni.
Spinalonga is a now uninhabited small island, also known as the “island of the forgotten’’. It was initially built as a Venetian fortress, later used as a settlement by the Turks but it is mostly known for its most recent historical purpose as a leper colony between 1903 and 1957.
Full description:
Your day trip starts early in the morning when our bus and tour guide pick you up from your hotel. While in the bus you get plenty of information about Crete, its history and culture.
Our first stop is the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos where you have free time to scroll around the narrow commercial streets or enjoy a cup of coffee over the “bottomless’’ lake of Voulismeni. After that, we head to the famous village of Elounda that used to be a fishermen village but is nowadays one of the most luxurious areas of Crete, attracting celebrities from all over the world. From there, a short 15 minute boat ride takes us to the beautiful island of Spinalonga.
Arriving on the island, you can enter the historical site and enjoy a guided tour around the old market streets and the houses of the lepers, while learning about the heart-moving story of Spinalonga. Scroll around to find the former hospital and the churches of Saint Panteleimon and Saint George and have a glimpse of the past while discovering the life of lepers on the island.
Following, we board back on the boat and our trip continues to Kolokytha, a beautiful beach where you can relax, have a swim in the clear blue waters and enjoy a delicious BBQ.
Find below the list of hotels near Altsi bay:
Amongst olive trees, 70 metres from the beach of Mochlos, Limenaria offers air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi. Each has a furnished veranda with panoramic views of the Cretan Sea. The village centre is at 500 metres.
A kitchenette with cooking hobs, oven and fridge is included in all units at the Limenaria Apartments. Each comes with a seating and dining area and a satellite TV. A private bathroom with shower and hairdryer is provided.
Guests can relax in the garden that features swings. Outdoor showers are also available.
Shops and taverns serving Cretan specialities are within 500 metres of the property. Ierapetra Town is at 30 km and Siteia is 35 km away. The multilingual staff can arrange car rental and free private parking is possible on site.
Nuez Villas has pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Mochlos, 600 metres from Mochlos Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Nuez Villas offers a picnic area.
Guests can swim in the infinity pool, go cycling or pub crawls or relax in the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 37 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 29 km from Nuez Villas.
from
€62
/night
Featuring mountain views, Villa Maistro provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 700 metres from Mochlos Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 37 km from the villa, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 29 km from Villa Maistro.
Vaia Villas is situated in Mochlos and features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi.
Featuring a patio or a balcony, all units include a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom fitted with a hair dryer. One of the units features a private pool.
The holiday home offers a barbecue.
A bicycle rental service is available at Vaia Villas, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Agios Nikolaos is 36 km from the accommodation, while Elounda is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 94 km from Vaia Villas.
Located in Mochlos in the Lasithi region, Thea Nisaki Mochlos has a balcony. It features a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer.
Mochlos Beach is 300 metres from the holiday home, while Lake Voulismeni is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from Thea Nisaki Mochlos.
from
€135
/night
Boasting mountain views, Mohlos house with Seaview offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 500 metres from Mochlos Beach. It has a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This holiday home is fitted with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Lake Voulismeni is 36 km from the holiday home, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from Mohlos house with Seaview.
Find below list of beaches near Altsi bay:
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.
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.
Tholos, situated 26km to the east of Agios Nikolaos and 4km north of Kavoussi village, can also be referred to as Kavoussi beach. Nestled at the end of a fertile valley and framed by ancient olive groves and vineyards, the region has only seen minor touristic development, making it an ideal spot for a tranquil holiday. Tholos beach, with its combination of pebbly and sandy terrain on the west side and a small harbour, is surrounded by tamarisk trees that offer much-needed shade. Nearby, there are accommodations and taverns. The water at the beach, usually hazy and light blue, is the result of underwater springs from the Thripti mountain massif mixing with salt water.
Legameni Cape beaches
A stone’s throw away to the north of Tholos’ small harbour, two pebbly beaches have formed where two dry streams meet. These beaches, known as Legameni, owe their name to the local cape. It’s fascinating to observe aquatic plants growing out from the rocky sea bed, indicating the presence of fresh water underground. Both beaches provide stunning views of Malavra’s wild cliffs to the east of Tholos beach.
Malavra beach
If you travel 2km east from Tholos, you’ll discover the isolated beach of Malavra, encircled by towering cliffs. Accessible only by boat and typically impacted by northern winds, this beach until recently could be reached by foot from the nearby freshwater spring station at Malavra, via a dirt track from Tholos beach. However, a gate has now been installed to restrict access.
Surroundings and Sightseeing
Kavoussi, one of Crete’s lesser-known but intriguing regions, boasts a wealth of archaeological sites, natural wonders, and traditional villages. Directly opposite Tholos sits Psira Island, a significant Minoan harbour. You can visit Psira by boat from nearby Mochlos and explore its extensive Minoan settlement. The island’s most significant artefact, a carved mural, now resides in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
To the west of Tholos, you’ll find the old frescoed chapel of St. Anthony. A stroll to Kavoussi will lead you to the village square, where you can explore the Venetian church of St. George, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture, and the Temple of the Twelve Apostles at Ligaras.
The archaeological site of Azorias, just 2km east of Kavoussi, is home to one of the most awe-inspiring natural monuments on Crete – an olive tree over 3500 years old and the oldest surviving in the world. This tree, a protected monument, was used to crown the first winner of the Women’s Marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. A short 2km journey south of the monumental olive tree will take you to the canyons of Mesonas and Havgas, some of the wildest in East Crete.
In addition to these, it’s worth visiting the Minoan settlements at Vrondas and Kastro, the ancient copper workshop from the Minoan period at Chrysokamino, and the nearby cave of Theriospilios, known for its unique decor. East of Theriospilios, you’ll find the Minoan settlement of Chylopites.
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