Faflagos beach

Sidonia beach is located 1.4 km away.

Sidonia, alternatively known as Syndonia or Kato Psari, is nestled in a small valley, 89km southeast of Heraklion city, 9km east of Ano Viannos, and 1km south of Psari Forada village, also known as Mesa Psari. It’s also referred to as Psari Forada beach. It is thought to be located on the ancient town site of Sidonia. This once was a coastal village of fishermen and farmers from the village of Kalami, 9km to the north. Both Psari Forada and Sidonia are tucked away in a ravine created by a small stream.

The region’s warm climate is ideal for cultivating olive trees, subtropical fruits like bananas, and early outdoor vegetables. Recently, Psari Forada has seen modest tourist development and is now a peaceful, traditional place perfect for relaxed family vacations. The beach, stretching from Cape Theophilos in the east to Sedona hill in the west, is a beautiful coastline with dark grey coarse sand and clear, calm waters. It is dotted with tamarisk trees offering natural shade, although beach umbrellas are also available. The area boasts a few restaurants, taverns, a mini market, apartments, and a pharmacy. Water sports and beach volleyball courts are on offer.

For those seeking solitude, a secluded beach called Thiofilo is located eastwards, just behind Cape Theophilos with its small lighthouse. Opposite Thiofilo is a large rock known as Psaroharako by locals. The area has deep waters and a small natural harbour. The western part of the main beach is quieter than the central section. Throughout August, the Cultural Association of Kalami village organizes beach parties and musical events. They also hold a sports event called “Sidonia,” featuring a variety of games including beach volleyball, beach football, swimming, canoeing, tug, backgammon, table tennis, racing, basketball, and shooting. Participation is open to everyone.

The name Psari Forada has a couple of origin stories. One suggests it comes from a tale of a Turkish Aga who displayed his grey mare until it died of thirst. The more commonly heard story relates to the Byzantine Era when the Saracens occupied the island. The Byzantines sent a fleet led by General Theophilus to expel them. Upon arriving at the location now known as “Thiofilo”, Theophilus’ favourite grey mare could no longer walk. Rather than put her down, he had her tied under a large olive tree and asked the locals to care for her until her death.

Tertsa beach is located 4.5 km away.

Tertsa, a quaint village, is nestled 91km south of Iraklion and 54km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, positioned between Myrtos and Psari Forada. The village, situated in a lush valley carved by the Tsounas river, houses a fresh water spring within a small gorge formed by the river. The majority of the land in Tertsa is owned by settlers from the northern village of Sykologos, just 7.5km away. Originally, the structures in the settlement served as storage depots for carobs and citrus fruits harvested in the region. Presently, the handful of villagers continue their agricultural pursuits, their land teeming with greenhouses of bananas and fields of tomato, pepper, cucumber and more. The Byzantine church of St. George is a significant landmark near the village.

The village overlooks a tranquil beach adorned with rough grey sand. Despite its lack of development, Tertsa retains its traditional Cretan charm, with just a few taverns and rooms available. The settlement is shaded by several tamarisk trees. The beach extends westward to Vourdolakos bay, beyond the rock of Psaroharako. The beach beyond the rock, also named Psaroharako, is more secluded and beautiful than the one in front of the settlement.

Arvi beach is located 5.0 km away.

Arvi, a sizable coastal community, lies 79km southeast of Heraklion and 35km west of Ierapetra, nestled in a small valley before the towering Arvi Gorge. The village is constructed on the site of the ancient city, Arvi. The valley and surrounding areas are home to numerous greenhouses, with the local population primarily engaged in agriculture. The region’s warm climate supports the cultivation of bananas, fresh vegetables, and olive oil. The Arvi bananas are distinctive for their aroma and unique taste, gaining nationwide fame in Greece after a banana import ban in 1981.

In recent years, Arvi has seen the development of its tourism sector, largely owing to its proximity to stunning beaches. The village is peaceful and family-friendly. The main beach, situated west of the small harbour, boasts coarse sand and occasional pebbles. It is well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas and water sports, and there are plenty of options for accommodation and dining nearby. A short walk westward leads to a lengthy pebble-strewn beach, a more secluded spot near the main road to Amira’s village and adjacent to the pebble beach of Kolimbi settlement.

A five-minute walk west of Kolimbi takes you to the secluded sandy beach called Makis, also known as Vahoudianos Xerokambos. Nestled in a remote bay, this beach, with its fine sand and clear water, is a sanctuary for those seeking solitude.

Arvi’s history extends back at least to 2600 BC, as evidenced by Neolithic artefacts found in the area, likely attracted by the region’s favourable climate. During the Roman period, Arvi was a significant Mediterranean port. A Roman bath discovered near the Saint Panteleimon church and numerous tombs, unfortunately looted, bear testament to this era. The most notable discovery is a marble sarcophagus adorned with Dionysiac scenes, unearthed by locals near the sea in the 19th century. Regrettably, the sarcophagus was broken by locals in search of gold and is now displayed and restored at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. A similar fate befell a second sarcophagus belonging to the region’s Roman ruler, which was broken to build the church’s altar, although its lid was saved and is also displayed in the same museum.

The village of Arvi derives its name from the temple of Arvios Zeus, worshipped on nearby Arvion Mount. It is believed that the sanctuary was constructed at the mouth of the wild Arvi Gorge, where the Monastery of Saint Anthony now stands. The monastery’s unique location on the steep slopes of the gorge is truly remarkable. Some scholars suggest that Arvi was the landing point for the Saracens when they took over Crete in 828 AC.

Kalikovrechtis beach is located 6.6 km away.

The Kallikovrechtis beach, situated 19km west of Ierapetra and 4km east of the scenic town of Myrtos, can be accessed via an asphalt road from Myrtos or Tertsa. This beach is part of the Ghodia village outskirts and is created at the Kalikovrechtis stream’s exit, nestled between the peaks of Kolechtos and Kako Oros, right on the boundary that separates the counties of Heraklion and Lassithi.

Kallikovrechtis is home to only a handful of cottages, and the beach itself is entirely untouched. It boasts beautiful, fine, greyish pebbles, and the water is typically tranquil. A few tamarisk trees provide shade, and due to the high and steep slopes, the beach gets shaded early in the afternoon. The road linking Teresa and Myrtos runs directly above the beach, making access quite easy.