Chomatistra beach
Situated 24km north of Agios Nikolaos and 9km north of Plaka, near Vrouchas village, lies the bay of Chomatistra. It’s located at the Agios Ioannis – Aforesmenos Cape. The area is known for its wild landscape, featuring bare mountains, steep cliffs and frequent strong winds. Amidst this stark landscape, there exists a small bay with calm water, often used by fishermen when the northern Cretan Sea gets stormy. Chomatistra beach, located within the bay, is strewn with rocks and pebbles, making it an ideal spot for fishing. Its seclusion often means you might have the place to yourself.
To reach the beach, follow the road leading to the Aforesmenos lighthouse from Plaka. En route, you’ll pass through Vrouchas village, marked by its old windmills, stone houses and quaint churches. Further along, you’ll encounter a wind park, the white chapel of St. John (Agios Ioannis) and an ancient German observation post. From this point, there’s a dirt track that leads to Chomatistra cove. Although typically locked, it’s accessible by foot. Adjacent to Chomatistra, there’s another path that leads to an abandoned lighthouse at the tip of Cape Aforesmenos, built in 1864 by the French Lighthouse Company.
Cape Aforesmenos is known for its relentless winds. However, its peculiar name, which translates to ‘expelled from church’, stems from a different source. Legend has it that after Caiaphas crucified Jesus, he attempted to journey to Rome to meet Caesar, but died of disease en route. His sailors, intending to give him a noble burial, approached Crete and aimed for the bay of Chomatistra. However, the calm sea turned tumultuous. Despite this, the sailors managed to reach the coast and bury Caiaphas. Consequently, Cape Aforesmenos was named to denote the final resting place of Christ’s crucifier, as it was believed the sea remained restless from that point onward.
Beach details
- Pebbles
- Blue
- Deep
- Usually calm
- Tranquil
- Dirt track
- Hiking
- Ideal for snorkeling
- Nudism friendly
Location
Chomatistra beach is located at Chomatistra beach, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
