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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.
Get directions to Karoumes beach
Karoumes beach is located in the southern part of Crete, Greece.
No, Karoumes beach is not accessible by car. Visitors need to park their car in the nearby village of Loutro and then take a boat to the Karoumes beach.
The boat schedule to Karoumes beach varies depending on the season. Visitors can check with the local boat operators for the latest schedule.
No, there is no accommodation available near Karoumes beach. Visitors need to stay in the nearby villages of Loutro or Sfakia.
Karoumes beach is a secluded and quiet beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also go snorkeling or explore the nearby caves.
No, there is no restaurant or cafe at Karoumes beach. Visitors need to bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, Karoumes beach is suitable for families with children. The Karoumes beach is calm and shallow, and there are no strong currents or waves.
No, there is no entrance fee to Karoumes beach.
The water colour of the Karoumes beach is blue.
The Karoumes beach has fine pebbles as sand.
The water depth of the Karoumes beach is normal.
The sea surface at the Karoumes beach is usually calm.
The Karoumes beach is usually quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Karoumes beach.
The Karoumes beach can be accessed by boat or walking.
The Karoumes beach is nudism friendly and ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing. There is also tree shade available.
Find below list of things to do near Karoumes beach:
Following collection from select areas, the experience starts from Agios Nikolaos heading east. This is an excellent opportunity for you to admire the sublime Gulf of Mirabello, which is Eastern Crete’s riviera. You will then pass through many picturesque villages before reaching the 15th-century Toplou Monastery.
The compound features a small museum with notable exhibits of Christian-Orthodox art, such as sacred utensils and chalcography by the monks of Mount Athos. There is also an olive press which produces olive oil of outstanding quality, as well as wine-making facilities. Both the olive oil and the wine produced in the monastery are exported all over the world.
You may participate in a wine and spirit tasting session (optional) at the monastery’s cellar, after which you will pay a visit to one of the main attractions in eastern Crete, the protected Palm Forest of Vai. It is unique in Europe and is located next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. At this location there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy swimming, as you bask in the rare beauty of the landscape. On your way back, you will stop at Platanos where you can watch the sunset in an area which boasts an enchanting view.
Start your day tour discovering the beautiful east part of Crete!
Visit Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian.
Continue the tour to visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot.
Last stop of the day the cozy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle.
Detailed Time Schedule:
Morning Pick Up
We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning.
Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.
Bus Drive to Toplou: 2 hours amd 30 minutes
1nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes
Our participants willenjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou.There they will spend about 40′ of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors.
Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes
2rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours and 30 minutes
Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy your free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete.
Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes
3rd stop: Sitia – 1 hour and 20 minutes
Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets.
End of the tour – Arrival at resorts:
Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.
Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2 – 3 hours hours
Discover the enchanting allure of East Crete with our meticulously crafted day tour.
Toplou Monastery
The journey starts as we make our way to the storied Toplou Monastery. You’ll be allotted 40 minutes to delve into its rich history, admire its distinctive architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Cretan countryside that envelops this sacred site.
Vai Palm Beach
Next, we venture to the idyllic Vai Beach, celebrated for hosting Europe’s largest natural palm forest. Enjoy two hours of leisure time to swim in its azure waters, sunbathe on its golden sands, relish a tasty lunch, and take in the mesmerizing beauty of this unique landscape through your camera lens.
Sitia Town
Our exploration culminates in the picturesque town of Sitia, a gem that allows you to experience its lively beach road, enjoy a coffee at a traditional café, and indulge in exquisite local sweets over a 40-minute visit.
As the sun sets on this unforgettable day, we return to Heraklion by bus, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories from this enchanting journey through East Crete’s most cherished sights.
Embark on a day tour to the beautiful Vai Palm Beach, located on the eastern coast of Crete.
This stunning beach is known for its unique palm forest, crystal clear waters, and golden sandy shores.
Vai Palm Forest is said to have been grown from the seeds of dates that were discarded by Arab sailors in the area during the 9th century.
Your day will begin with a comfortable transfer to the beach, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the palm forest, relax on the beach and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant if you wish and soak in the breathtaking views of the beach and surrounding landscape.
After a day of relaxation and exploration, you will be transferred back to your accommodation with memories of a truly unforgettable experience.
Find below the list of hotels near Karoumes beach:
Set in Khokhlakiaí, Mandarini House offers accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The air-conditioned accommodation is 10 km from Palaiokastro and 15 km from Xerokampos.
This holiday home includes 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a washing machine.
A terrace is available on site and hiking can be enjoyed within close proximity of the holiday home.
from
€85
/night
Family-run Olive Coast Suites features up-scale accommodation with views of the Kouremenos Beach or olive groves. It is located in scenic Palekastro, 900 metres from Chiona Beach.
Olive Coast Suites are air conditioned and include free WiFi. Each has a traditional kitchen with dining area, while a 26” LCD TV with satellite channels is featured in the living room . The stone details, traditional niches and the wooden furnishings create an elegant setting.
A spacious sun terrace with sun loungers and BBQ facilities are also provided at Olive Coast Suites.
Upon your arrival at Palekastro Hotel Olive Coast Suites you will be treated to a complimentary bottle of extra-virgin olive oil, local wine, bottled water and fresh fruit.
Olive Coast Suites provides easy access to the most popular beaches of Eastern Crete; Kouremenos Beach (1.2 km), and the splendid beach of Vai (8 km) with the protected Palm Tree Forest. Sitia is 17 km away, while Sitia airport and port are at 19 km.
from
€125
/night
Just a 5-minute walk from Chiona Beach, Rousolakos Apartments is located in Palaikastro Village. It offers a free-form outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. The accommodation provides garden and pool views from its balcony.
A kitchenette equipped with an electric kettle, coffee maker and fridge is standard in all of Rousolakos’ air-conditioned apartments. Each includes a TV with satellite and cable channels, small dining table and private bathroom with hairdryer.
Guests are welcomed to use the on-site BBQ facilities. A variety of fish taverns can be found along the beach area.
Rousolakos Apartments is a 5-minute drive away from the Windsurf Club, situated at Kouremenos Beach. The famous palm tree-lined beach of Vai is 9 km away. It is 17 km from the lively coastal town of Sitia.
from
€62
/night
Anemolia Tiny Stone House offers accommodation in Palekastron, 9 km from Vai Palm Forest. With free private parking, the property is 2.2 km from Kouremenos Beach and 2.4 km from Chiona Beach.
Providing access to a terrace with garden views, the air-conditioned holiday home consists of 1 bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 19 km from the holiday home.
Situated in Palekastron, 700 metres from Chiona Beach and less than 1 km from Kouremenos Beach, HIONA STUDIO N2 offers a private beach area and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free WiFi.
The 2-bedroom holiday home has a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and fridge, and 1 bathroom with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the holiday home.
Vai Palm Forest is 10 km from HIONA STUDIO N2. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from the accommodation.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Hiona Cottage is situated in Palekastron. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, tennis at the tennis court, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the holiday home, while fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Chiona Beach is 700 metres from Hiona Cottage, while Kouremenos Beach is less than 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from the accommodation.
from
€72
/night
Find below list of beaches near Karoumes beach:
Skinias, a secluded region, is situated 94km to the east of Agios Nikolaos and 20km to the east of Sitia, nestled in one of Crete’s most remote eastern corners. This wild terrain is home to three charming little coves, perfect for anyone seeking solitude, located at the end of the Katsara gorge. With no amenities or shade-providing trees in sight, visitors should be prepared with water and an umbrella.
Access to the beach is through a challenging dirt road that leads to the central beach of Skinias. Those with a standard vehicle will need to halt before reaching the beach due to the poor road conditions. The first beach you encounter is the central sandy beach of Skinias, renowned for its stunning water hues. This pebble-strewn beach is recommended for snorkelling and fishing activities. If you tread 200m to the east, following the rocky coastline dotted with numerous caves and vibrant blue waters, you will soon arrive at the eastern pebbly beach of Skinias. Conversely, if you head west from the central beach towards Karoumes, you will find another pebble beach, born from the mouth of a brief, small canyon.
To the east of Hiona’s primary beach, you’ll find numerous tiny inlets where you can swim in solitude and without clothing. The first sandy coast, known as Bondalaki, is arguably the most stunning. If you continue eastward along a rough dirt road towards Cape Plaka, you’ll soon encounter a series of pebbled inlets set against an uncanny landscape of chasms and rugged mountains. The final inlet, Skaria, is Crete’s furthest eastern beach, significantly impacted by sea currents, resulting in an unfortunate amount of litter. The beach before this, Pilos, is set in clay terrain and is the perfect spot for privacy.
Situated 91 km east of Agios Nikolaos, 18 km east of Sitia, and 2km east of the quaint town of Palekastro, Chiona is a beautifully serene sandy beach. Its pristine white sand and crystal-clear shallow blue waters make it a popular spot despite its relatively small size.
The name ‘Chiona’ translates to ‘carob storehouse’ in the local Cretan dialect, a nod to the storage facilities that were typically built near Cretan beaches for transferring carobs via ship due to the lack of roads. Indeed, the area was traditionally known for its carob trade.
Visitors to Chiona can enjoy a perfect day out, especially when combined with a meal at the renowned local fish taverns. While the beach offers minimal facilities (primarily near the taverns), there are tamarisk trees along the coast that provide a respite from the sun. To the east of the main beach, several secluded coves offer a peaceful spot for swimming, including the first sandy beach, Bondalaki, which is possibly the best in the entire area.
From Chiona, one can spot the small Grandes islands. Just beside the beach, in the location of Roussolakkos, the remains of an ancient Minoan port and settlement can be explored. Heading north from Chiona will bring you to the lengthy Kouremenos beach, Crete’s most famed spot for windsurfing. Lastly, a walk to the peak of the hill Kastri, located at the west end of the beach, will reward visitors with stunning views of the sea and the remnants of an old fort.
Kato Zakros, a quaint fishing village, is nestled 107km east of Agios Nikolaos and 40km east of Sitia. It serves as the scenic port of Ano Zakros village, which is located 7km to the west, amidst a fertile valley bordered by rugged mountains and lush olive groves. This remote corner of Crete provides the perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and an escape from the bustling city life, making it a favourite among families.
The village, though small, offers all the fundamental amenities without the trappings of luxury. The villagers primarily focus on the production of world-class olive oil. Rich in archaeological sites, including the renowned Minoan palace of Zakros, the village retains its natural beauty with limited construction. However, you will find a few accommodations, taverns, mini markets, pharmacies, and petrol stations. Regular bus services from Sitia also connect the village. The warm and welcoming locals will make you feel right at home.
The serene beach fringing the village is nestled within a large protected bay. Comprising mainly pebbles and occasional rocks, the beach boasts tranquil waters, offering a peaceful retreat even during the busy month of August. The rocky seabed is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.
When in Kato Zakros, the famous Gorge of Zakros, ominously known as Deads’ Gorge, is a must-visit. Named after the many Minoan graves discovered within its cavernous sides, the gorge offers an adventurous hike from Zakros village that takes around two hours. The Minoan palace of Zakros, the fourth largest after Knossos, Phaestus, and Malia, is a significant archaeological site located near the gorge’s exit. It houses numerous artistic masterpieces from 1900BC and is open to the public, with the most significant findings displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
An old dirt road leading to Zakros, offering breathtaking views of the Gorge’s steep cliffs, is worth exploring if you have a car. Upon reaching the village, take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets and visit its churches. The springs of Zakros, forming a small oasis amidst the wild landscape of Eastern Crete, are also worth a visit.
If time permits, a boat trip (or rigorous hike) to the secluded Cave of Pelekita could be an exciting expedition. As one of Crete’s largest caves, it has traces of Neolithic habitation. A nearby quarry, presumably used by the Minoans for constructing the palace of Zakros, is also an interesting sight.
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