Gournia beach
Gournia, situated 17km east of Agios Nikolaos and just 2km west of Pachia Ammos, is renowned for its ancient Minoan town, built atop a small hill. Named after the stone and wooden troughs (‘urna’ in Venetian) found in the vicinity, the original Minoan name of the town remains a mystery.
Nearby, a brief 1km journey north of the archaeological site of Gournia, lies the secluded Frouzis beach. Accessible by car, it sits nestled within a rocky bay, featuring pebbly shores and zero commercial facilities. While the broader area boasts beautiful sea caves and natural rock pools, the beach tends to accumulate litter carried by sea currents. This is also the case for the neighbouring beach, which houses an abandoned camping site.
One of Crete’s most breathtaking natural pools is found near Gournia. This serene rock-bound pond offers an inviting swim, especially when the nearby sea is choppy. The vast cave next to it also provides a fascinating sight.
A trip to Gournia would not be complete without exploring the archaeological site to understand the layout of a small Minoan city. Having thrived in 1500BC, the city has been thoroughly excavated, revealing well-preserved walls, staircases, and streets. The city, centered around a hill housing a small palace, a market, and a temple, appears to have been destroyed by an earthquake around 1450BC, and it was completely abandoned by 1200BC. The Gournia cemetery was discovered in the Sfougaras region, near Kamini.
Beach details
- Pebbles
- Deep blue
- Deep
- Usually wavy
- Tranquil
- Dirt track
- Nudism friendly
- Tree Shade
Location
Gournia beach is located at Gournia beach, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the location of Gournia beach?
Gournia beach is located in the eastern part of Crete, Greece, near the village of Gournia.
Is Gournia beach suitable for swimming?
Yes, Gournia beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it safe for swimmers of all levels.
Are there any water sports available at Gournia beach?
No, there are no water sports available at Gournia beach. However, visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the clear waters.
Is Gournia beach accessible for people with disabilities?
No, Gournia beach is not accessible for people with disabilities. The Gournia beach has pebbles and rocks, making it difficult for wheelchair users to access the water.
What is the water colour of the Gournia beach?
The water colour of the Gournia beach is deep blue.
What type of sand is found on the Gournia beach?
The Gournia beach has pebbles as its sand type.
How deep is the water at the Gournia beach?
The water at the Gournia beach is deep.
What is the surface of the sea usually like at the Gournia beach?
The surface of the sea at the Gournia beach is usually wavy.
What is the crowd like at the Gournia beach?
The Gournia beach is usually quiet and not crowded.
What facilities are available at the Gournia beach?
There are no facilities available at the Gournia beach.
What is the access to the Gournia beach like?
The Gournia beach can be accessed through a dirt track.
Is the Gournia beach nudism friendly?
Yes, the Gournia beach is nudism friendly.
Is there any tree shade available at the Gournia beach?
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Gournia beach.
