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Situated on the western side of the Makrigialos settlement, Kalamokanias is 57km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 22km east of Ierapetra. It rests on the western flank of Katovigli hill, which towers over the harbour area. The area is named Kalamokanias after the migratory stilt bird (Himantopus himantopus) – a red-legged creature resembling a miniature stork that frequents local streams.
The beach at Kalamokanias is tranquil, featuring coarse black sand that doesn’t cling to the skin. While not extensively developed, it offers some amenities including tamarisk trees for shade and a few taverns and rental rooms. Mainly frequented by locals, it provides a respite from the more tourist-heavy beach of Makrigialos.
To reach Kalamokanias from Ierapetra, make a right turn toward the sea just 100m before entering Makrigialos. Additionally, a coastal road links the beach with the local harbour.
There are various activities you can do at Kalamokanias beach such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Yes, Kalamokanias beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Kalamokanias beach where you can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as umbrellas and sun loungers at Kalamokanias beach.
Unfortunately, Kalamokanias beach is not fully accessible for people with disabilities as there are some steps to access the Kalamokanias beach.
Yes, you can go fishing at Kalamokanias beach, but you need to obtain a fishing license first.
Yes, there is a parking area near Kalamokanias beach where you can park your car for free.
The water colour of the Kalamokanias beach is blue.
The Kalamokanias beach has fine pebbles as sand.
The water depth of the Kalamokanias beach is normal.
The sea surface at the Kalamokanias beach is usually calm.
The Kalamokanias beach has a normal crowd.
The Kalamokanias beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, and umbrellas/beds.
The Kalamokanias beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Kalamokanias beach.
Find below list of things to do near Kalamokanias beach:
Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes.
Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
Find below the list of hotels near Kalamokanias beach:
Situated a few steps from Kalamokanias Beach, Stratos by mRoom Apartments offers a garden, and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a kettle.
Makrigialos Beach is 800 metres from Stratos by mRoom Apartments, while Lagoufa Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
from
€54
/night
Boasting sea views, MMM Apartment offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Kalamokanias Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a toaster, a washing machine, a fridge and a stovetop. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Makrigialos Beach is 800 metres from the holiday home, while Lagoufa Beach is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from MMM Apartment.
Located in Makry Gialos Village, the family-run Villa Victoria is just 100 metres from the nearest beach. It offers self-catered accommodation with Libyan Sea and garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
All bright and air-conditioned studios at Victoria open to a balcony. Each has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A mini oven with cooking hobs and a mini fridge are included in the kitchenette.
The sight of the Roman Villa is 30 metres away. Several supermarkets, restaurants and cafes can be found 150 metres away. The port and airport of Sitia Town are 35 km away. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at a distance of 120 km. Free private parking is possible on site.
Plakakia Luxury Apartments features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Makry Gialos, a few steps from Kalamokanias Beach.
Each unit is equipped with a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with shower, slippers and a hair dryer. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at the apartment.
Makrigialos Beach is less than 1 km from Plakakia Luxury Apartments, while Lagoufa Beach is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
Located in Makry Gialos in the Lasithi region, Olivias house has a balcony. The accommodation is 200 metres from the Kalamokanias Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
Leading onto a terrace with garden views, the air-conditioned holiday home consists of 1 bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV is featured.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Makrigialos Beach is 800 metres from the holiday home, while Lagoufa Beach is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from Olivias house.
from
€85
/night
Just a short walk away from the sandy beach of Makrys Gialos, Palmira Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with a furnished sea-view balcony set around a flowery courtyard with tables and benches.
The air-conditioned apartments at Palmira are spacious, each with a separate bedroom. They all include a kitchenette equipped with electric kettle and mini fridge, as well as 2 TV sets.
In the centre of Makrys Gialos, guests will find seaside taverns, bars and cafes. The town of Sitia is 35 km away, while Ierapetra is at 29 km. Free parking is available on site.
Find below list of beaches near Kalamokanias beach:
Lagoufa, situated just beyond the easternmost point of Makrigialos main beach, is located about 59km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Ierapetra. It is composed of two neighboring coves close to the upscale hotels of Makrigialos. The first cove boasts fine golden sand and shallow, azure waters, and is well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, bars, showers, and water sports facilities, courtesy of the nearby hotel. Despite its seemingly private nature, the beach is accessible to all as there are no privately owned beaches in Greece.
Entry to the Lagoufa beaches can be gained either via the hotels or by traversing the rocky eastern edge of Makrigialos beach, a journey that requires a brief walk through shallow waters. From the first cove, a wooden walkway leads to the beach furthest east. Below this walkway, tiny beaches have formed in the rocky limestone, and in certain areas, fresh water can be seen seeping from the rocks or sand.
Diaskari, situated 27km to the east of Ierapetra and 62km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, is in close proximity to Makrigialos, about 4km away. This extensive beach features rough light sand and crystal-clear water. However, caution is advised when entering the water due to the presence of slick rocks in certain areas.
Diaskari is a tranquil beach that offers a secluded atmosphere. The western end is home to a small cluster of tamarisk trees, a tavern, and a few umbrellas. This section is the most populated area of Diaskari, marking the end of the road that begins at the eastern exit of Makrigialos. For those seeking solitude, the eastern side of the beach is the ideal spot.
Following Diaskari, the expansive beach of Lagada is even more secluded. In 1972, archaeologists discovered a late Minoan settlement with significant architectural structures on a hill to the north of Diaskari.
The beach’s name, Diaskari, originates from the sanctuary of the Dioscuri, which was constructed on the hill that separates it from Lagada beach to the south.
Situated 55km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 20km east of Ierapetra, Koutsouras lies on the primary road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. This coastal village is nestled in a valley surrounded by pine trees, greenhouses, and olive groves, resting on the southern slopes of Mount Thripti. Despite being equipped with a police station, pharmacy, clinic, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and more, Koutsouras maintains a serene atmosphere.
The village is bordered by beaches featuring coarse black sand and tranquil waters. The primary beach, located to the west of the village and adjacent to the old settlement, is well-maintained and dotted with tamarisk trees for shade. A secluded pebble beach near the village harbor offers a quieter option, situated 1.5km west next to the Apiganias woodland. Additionally, the family-friendly Koutsourelis beach, boasting sandy shores, lies 1km east of Koutsouras.
Sights to See
Koutsouras’ surrounding region, a heavenly landscape of Eastern Crete, is worth exploring. The southern slopes of Thripti are blanketed by a lush pine forest, providing an oasis in Lasithi’s arid landscape. Despite significant damage from a 1993 fire, the forest has gradually regenerated. The Apiganias park, 1.5km west of the village, offers a glimpse of the pine trees and also hosts cultural events. This park also marks the end of the Red Butterflies gorge, a unique canyon filled with pine trees and fresh water springs. For a complete experience, consider visiting the village Orino on Mount Thripti, which marks the starting point of the gorge.
Lagada, positioned 29km to the east of Ierapetra, 62km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, and 6km east of Makrigialos, nestles within a verdant valley rich with olive groves and flanked by the towering Thripti mountains. In recent years, the area has seen the development of a few hotels and rental properties, yet the beach has managed to maintain its secluded charm.
To reach Lagada from Makrigialos, travel along the Sitia road and look out for the signs for Moni Kapsa. Within 500-800m, you’ll spot numerous greenhouses with the expansive Lagada beach to your right. Several roads starting near the greenhouses will lead you straight to the beach.
Lagada’s beach is characterized by its small pebbles and crystalline water. It’s entirely unpopulated and devoid of any facilities, making it a perfect getaway for naturists and campers. There are a handful of spots with tamarisk trees for shade. Towards the west, the Andromilos torrent cools the water. The beach, which is exposed to the southern winds, is recognized as an excellent spot for windsurfing in Crete, despite the rocky seabed posing some risks.
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