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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.
There are various activities that can be done at Chomatistra beach such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and fishing.
Yes, Chomatistra beach is suitable for families with children as the water is calm and shallow, making it safe for children to swim.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Chomatistra beach where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.
Yes, visitors can rent beach equipment such as umbrellas and sun loungers at Chomatistra beach.
The best time to visit Chomatistra beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is perfect for swimming.
Yes, there are several hiking trails near Chomatistra beach that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and coastline.
The water colour of the Chomatistra beach is blue.
The Chomatistra beach has pebbles as its sand type.
The water at the Chomatistra beach is deep.
The sea surface at the Chomatistra beach is usually calm.
The Chomatistra beach is usually quiet with fewer crowds.
There are no facilities available at the Chomatistra beach.
The Chomatistra beach can be accessed through a dirt track or by walking.
Yes, the Chomatistra beach is nudism friendly.
The Chomatistra beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
