Kalo Horafi, situated about 37km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, is the former site of the 317 Agii Pateres Pelekida (317 Holy Fathers) monastery. While the original monastery cells no longer exist, a more recent chapel has been erected in their place. The area, known as Kalo Horafi, is marked by the rugged beauty of the Cretan landscape, complete with the towering Talean mountains and verdant ravines.
A brief unpaved path (200m), starting from the point on the main road where the Chnaris tavern stands, leads to a charming small beach facing the west. The beach, adorned with pebbles, is rarely crowded. Aside from the tavern and a few villas, the area is largely undeveloped. The beach is also recognized as Vossako, as it marks the beginning of the Vossako ravine, which leads to the Vosako monastery after a walk of approximately 1-1.5 hours. The monastery, which is dedicated to Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), was in ruins until recent restoration works unveiled a hidden treasure of the Cretan religious heritage that you should definitely visit (via Doxaro village).
Additionally, there is a second, smaller pebbly beach with a rocky seabed located just behind the northern end of the main beach, which is easily reachable on foot. This beach, named Vrahi beach, is perfect for snorkelling (but only on calm days).
Beach details
Pebbles
Blue
Normal
Usually wavy
Tranquil
Food and water
Dirt track
Ideal for snorkeling
Location
Kalo Horafi beach is located at Kalo Horafi beach, in the Rethymno region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Get directions:Google Maps·Waze
Frequently asked questions
What is Kalo Horafi beach?Kalo Horafi beach is a beautiful beach located in the southern part of Crete, Greece.Is Kalo Horafi beach suitable for swimming?Yes, Kalo Horafi beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming.Is Kalo Horafi beach crowded?Kalo Horafi beach is not usually crowded, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.What activities can be done at Kalo Horafi beach?Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling at Kalo Horafi beach. There are also hiking trails nearby for those who enjoy exploring.Is there any accommodation near Kalo Horafi beach?Yes, there are several accommodations near Kalo Horafi beach, including hotels, apartments, and villas.What is the best time to visit Kalo Horafi beach?The best time to visit Kalo Horafi beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.Is there any restaurant or cafe near Kalo Horafi beach?Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Kalo Horafi beach, serving traditional Greek cuisine and refreshing drinks.What is the water colour of the Kalo Horafi beach?The water colour of the Kalo Horafi beach is blue.What type of sand is found on the Kalo Horafi beach?The Kalo Horafi beach has pebbles as its sand type.What is the water depth of the Kalo Horafi beach?The Kalo Horafi beach has a normal water depth.What is the surface of the sea like at the Kalo Horafi beach?The sea surface at the Kalo Horafi beach is usually wavy.What is the crowd like at the Kalo Horafi beach?The Kalo Horafi beach crowds are quiet.What facilities are available at the Kalo Horafi beach?Food and water are available nearby the Kalo Horafi beach.What is the access to the Kalo Horafi beach like?The Kalo Horafi beach access is through a dirt track.What other activities can be done at the Kalo Horafi beach?The Kalo Horafi beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
User reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
