Karoumes beach
Karoumes beach, a serene and secluded area, is situated 110km east of Agios Nikolaos and 29km southeast of Sitia. The beach is nestled at the end of the picturesque Chochlakies gorge, a part of the E4 trail. The only way to reach the beach is by trekking through the gorge, as the rough terrain of the region doesn’t permit road access. To get there, you need to park your car in the charming village of Chochlakies and embark on the trail that begins 1km east of the village. The gorge spans 3.5km and is filled with water until springtime. The hike generally lasts 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace and is only feasible when it hasn’t rained. The trail alongside the river offers stunning views as the gorge, with its towering cliffs, weaves through the barren mountains. During the trek, you’ll encounter numerous ponds (in spring) and a vast variety of flora. As you approach the exit, the high cliffs transition into a small valley.
At the valley’s edge, you will discover the tranquil Karoumes beach. This beach features small pebbles, and its eastern orientation ensures calm waters. It’s also home to numerous trees providing shade, and some rocks on the beach’s northern side. The beach’s remote location and challenging access make it an ideal spot for solitude. For those seeking even more isolation, there are two hidden beaches, each only 3-5m long, located 300m and 400m south of the main beach.
Approximately 700m north of Karoumes beach, on the trail from Karoumes to Agathias (near Palekastro), you’ll find an incredible sandy beach called Mavromouri Cape. This beach, surrounded by rugged hills and dotted with rocks in the sea, is well-shielded from waves and wind. Rock recesses offer shade to the few visitors, who typically reach the beach by boat.
If you venture to Karoumes, don’t miss the Pelekita cave, situated 3km south of the beach. Near the cave is an ancient quarry, formerly used for building the Minoan palace in Kato Zakros. Be sure to bring torches if you plan to explore the cave’s interior. From the cave, you can continue south to Kato Zakros via the E4 trail. Alternatively, you can trek from Agathias to the three Skinias beaches and then stroll south along the coastline until you reach Karoumes.
Beach details
- Fine Pebbles
- Blue
- Normal
- Usually calm
- Tranquil
- Boat
- Hiking
- Ideal for snorkeling
- Nudism friendly
- Tree Shade
Location
Karoumes beach is located at Karoumes beach, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
