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Just past the Peristeras suburb of Ierapetra begins the Katharades area, a chain of small beaches leading up to the popular coastline of the Koutsounari village. Known for its strong winds, it’s considered one of Crete’s windiest locations. The bays of this area are somewhat hidden, despite their proximity to the main road, leading to few visitors to the sequential bays. The area also goes by the name Paplinou, due to the nearby ancient Panagia Paplinou monastery.
The stunning landscape is shaped by numerous rock shelters and unique rock formations, a product of erosion on the conglomerate soil over time. There’s been a slight increase in development in recent years, mainly due to the construction of large hotels near the coast. Consequently, the main road between Ierapetra and Makrygialos boasts a few restaurants, mini markets, and accommodations.
The beach features coarse grey sand, and its seabed has large, smooth rocks interspersed with sandy areas. The surrounding area is dotted with tamarisk trees offering shade, and umbrellas are also available. The beach is well maintained by the nearby hotels and features a beach volleyball court, sunbeds, showers, and water sports facilities.
Get directions to Katharades beach
Katharades beach is located in the island of Milos, Greece.
No, Katharades beach is not accessible by car. Visitors need to park their car at the nearby village of Fourkovouni and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the Katharades beach.
Katharades beach is a small secluded beach with a length of approximately 50 meters.
No, there is no natural shade available at Katharades beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or sunshades.
No, there are no restaurants or cafes near Katharades beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, swimming is allowed at Katharades beach. However, visitors should be cautious as there are no lifeguards on duty.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Katharades beach.
No, camping is not allowed at Katharades beach. Visitors are advised to respect the natural environment and not leave any trash behind.
The water colour of the Katharades beach is blue.
The Katharades beach has fine pebbles and rocks in some places.
The water depth at the Katharades beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Katharades beach is usually calm.
The Katharades beach is usually quiet.
The Katharades beach has accommodation options, food and water nearby, umbrellas and beds, sports facilities, and showers.
The Katharades beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
The Katharades beach is nudism-friendly, ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, and has tree shade.
Find below list of things to do near Katharades beach:
This quad safari rides the mountain tracks of south-eastern Crete from a meeting point at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. The route crosses olive groves and pine forest to a plateau with a 360-degree view taking in both the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at once, and finishes with a Cretan lunch in a mountain taverna. SOUTHEAST CRETE IKE runs it over 5 hours 30 minutes from €195, with a 4.94 rating across 70 reviews.
The day starts with a briefing and ends with lunch, with five stops in between. The route is a loop from Galini back to Galini.
First is the 09:00 meeting and briefing, covering the vehicle controls and safety rules, followed by a test drive so you are comfortable before leaving. Second, the group heads into the southern mountains through olive groves, stopping at stalactite formations for photographs. Third comes a mountain village and a forest of Mediterranean plant species, then a stop above the Libyan Sea. Fourth, the track climbs past a sheepfold and an isolated Orthodox chapel to a plateau at around 1,500 metres, from there you see Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south. Fifth is the descent to a mountain village for lunch, then the winding roads back to Galini.
You need a driving licence to ride.
The route stays in the mountains behind the south-east coast.
The €195 covers the quad, the fuel, the guiding and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
Bring your driving licence, it is required.
We recommend this one for the viewpoint, which is the single best argument any tour on this page has. Standing on a plateau at 1,500 metres where you can see the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at the same time, Mirabello bay one way, Chrissi island the other, is something Crete offers in very few places, and almost none of them have a road.
At 4.94 across 70 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the delivery is as good as the route. The guide, Jürgen, is named in review after review by guests from Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK and Austria, praised for speaking English, French, German and even Dutch, for explaining how the landscape and the island came to be, and for looking after small groups properly. One German couple were the only two on their tour.
The safety briefing gets repeated praise, which matters on a quad. A French reviewer described the instructions as very clear and said it let them ride with confidence. Another noted the staff explain the day’s schedule and the safety briefing before anything starts, and the test drive means nobody’s first time on a quad is on a mountain track.
The lunch is not an afterthought. Reviewers from France, Germany and the Netherlands all single it out, a family tavern, a typical Cretan meal, properly taken care of.
Two honest points rather than complaints, because this review record contains no criticism at all.
It is €195, which is at the upper end for a half-day activity in Crete. Value for money still scores 4.9, so people who paid it thought it worth it, but go in knowing the number.
Transport is extra. The meeting point at Galini is signposted from the main road, but if you are staying in Heraklion or Chania this is a long drive, and the transfer is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
Bring your licence, ride the test loop properly, and take a layer for the altitude.
The meeting point is at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, marked by a large sign on the main road. The day starts at 09:00 and runs 5 hours 30 minutes.
Bring your driving licence. Transfer from your accommodation is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
The tour runs 5 hours 30 minutes, starting at 09:00 from the meeting point at Galini.
A driving licence is required to ride the quad.
Lunch and drinks at a mountain taverna are included, and reviewers consistently rate the meal as a highlight rather than a filler.
From the plateau you see the Cretan Sea with Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and the Libyan Sea with Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south.
A safety briefing and a test drive come before the route starts, and reviewers who had never ridden a quad describe feeling confident afterwards.
Transfer is a paid option, not an inclusion. The meeting point is signposted on the main road at Galini.
Check dates and prices for the Ierapetra quad safari day tour.
Find below the list of hotels near Katharades beach:
Offering garden views, Evgenia Apartment is an accommodation situated in Ierápetra, 500 metres from Koutsounari Beach and 1.9 km from Kakkos bay beach. The apartment has access to a restaurant and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views. The air-conditioned apartment also features a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with a bidet and a shower.
Psaropoula Beach is 1.9 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 54 km from Evgenia Apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
These fully furnished apartments are close to all Koutsounari’s local amenities and enjoy a hillside setting with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea and the picturesque Cretan mountains.
Filoxenia Villa is a traditional Cretan building offering a variety of comfortable and well-appointed apartments. Each one comprises of a separate bedroom and spacious living area with satellite TV and free wireless internet.
Close by you’ll find a supermarket for all your shopping needs and local tavernas for traditional Cretan food and ouzo. The lovely sandy beach is just 500m away from your apartment.
The location of Filoxenia Villas allows you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday in an idyllic location. The town of Ierapetra is 7 km away. Free private parking is possible on site.
from
€58
/night
Located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, self-catered Koutsounari Traditional Cottages are 1.8 km from Long Beach. All stone houses feature a private terrace while all areas offer free Wi-Fi.
Each air-conditioned cottage at the Koutsounari is built by local craftsmen respecting traditional architecture, with attention to details. All cottages have air conditioning, a private entrance and a seating area. Kitchenettes provide a fridge, oven and a spacious dining area.
Guests of the Traditional Koutsounari Cottages can relax in the garden, surrounded by olive groves, bougainvilleas and herbs. Free access to a swimming pool and a pool bar in a sister property is offered, 800 metres away.
Koutsounari has shops and traditional taverns. Chrissi Island with its exotic beaches can be reached by boat within 20 minutes.
from
€132
/night
Featuring sea views, Apple apartment provides accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 600 metres from Koutsounari Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a toaster and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Kakkos bay beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Psaropoula Beach is a 10-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 53 km from Apple apartment.
from
€75
/night
Boasting mountain views, A Cretan house in the garden. Offers accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 600 metres from Koutsounari Beach. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Kakkos bay beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Psaropoula Beach is a 10-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 53 km from A Cretan house in the garden..
Boasting mountain views, SAMIRAM offers accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 1.7 km from Koutsounari Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Staff at the villa are available to provide information at the 24-hour front desk.
SAMIRAM offers a hot tub. A car rental service is available at the accommodation.
Kakkos bay beach is 2.1 km from SAMIRAM, while Psaropoula Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 54 km from the villa.
from
€372
/night
Find below list of beaches near Katharades beach:
Koutsounari, a quaint seaside hamlet, lies 6km east of Ierapetra and 43km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. It nestles near the scenic village of Agios Ioannis, set against the backdrop of the Thripti Range. The village is perched on a verdant hill, surrounded by olive groves and pine trees, just a kilometer north of the South Cretan Sea coastline.
A kilometer to the south of Koutsounari is the expansive Long Beach of Agios Ioannis, stretching 5km, one of the longest in Crete. This broad, serene beach features the distinctive coarse grey sand typical of southern Crete. In many spots, tamarisk trees punctuate the landscape, and their length makes the beach appear deserted. The beach is somewhat organized in certain areas (near hotels) and is dotted with hotels, restaurants, mini markets, and a camping site.
If you venture eastward along the beach, you’ll encounter fewer swimmers. On the eastern end of Long Beach, a bay known as Psaropoula (named after an old local tavern) is shaped. Psaropoula features soft sand and tranquil waters, situated in front of a hotel, it is well-equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and water sports. The sea here is typically calm, and the rocky seabed makes it a suitable spot for snorkelling.
Beyond Psaropoula lies another small cove boasting a well-appointed beach with umbrellas, showers, and water sports. This beach, located in front of the Kakkos Bay hotel, is called Villa Despot, translating to “Priest’s Villa” in Greek, named after a priest-owned building nestled between the two beaches. The beach is flanked by large rocks that provide a perfect spot for diving into the sea.
Visiting Long Beach in autumn offers a sight of the rare white sand lilies, signaling the summer’s end. These lilies are protected, so visitors are encouraged to appreciate their beauty from a distance without touching or picking them.
The city of Ierapetra, in close proximity to the Agia Fotini church, boasts the longest beach which spans 4km eastwards and is known as the East Beach of Agios Andreas. The name is derived from the Saint Andrew church, constructed at the exit point of the Kotovianou river. Initially, you will encounter the municipal beach, well-structured and surrounded by numerous large hotels. However, as you venture further east, the beach becomes more private. Despite this, it’s not suitable for nudists due to the main road that connects the city with Makrigialos and Sitia along the coast. The beach near the city center is sandy, but as you advance east, the sand gives way to small, grey pebbles and rocks, particularly up to the Livadia area.
The easternmost point of the extensive Ierapetra beach is known as Livadia, and beyond that, is named Peristeras. This secluded region is enveloped by towering cliffs. The beach itself is sandy, interspersed with several smooth rocks. The farthest part of Agios Andreas can be accessed by walking down the road. In addition to this, there is another sandy beach hidden behind the rocky end of the expansive beach in Peristeras, which can be reached via the road. This area is significantly shielded from onlookers, however, it’s quite rocky.
Ierapetra, the southernmost city of Greece, is nestled 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos on Crete island. This city, located in one of the warmest regions of Crete, is a popular holiday destination, often frequented until late autumn. Ierapetra and its surrounding areas boast a vast beachfront, renowned for its stunning beaches adorned with unique fine black pebbles that do not stick to your feet, coupled with a typically calm sea.
In proximity to the town, there are three primary beaches for swimming. Starting from the west, the first is Limanakia, situated west of the city next to the old mosque. The beach features coarse sand, patches of a rocky seabed, and shallow waters, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Given its closeness to the city, all necessities are readily available. Limanakia also hosts a channel in the middle of the beach that leads to a small man-made salt lake.
A short stroll eastward will bring you to the Fort of Kales, which guards the harbour of Ierapetra. Adjacent to it is Apovathra Beach, a sandy beach with shallow waters. This beach is well-equipped with numerous facilities for water sports and scuba diving, making it the most organized beach in the town.
Situated about 10km east of Ierapetra and 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, within the vicinity of the Agios Ioannis village, lies the beautiful Giorgakis beach. This stunning beach is nestled in the Ferma area, a region renowned for its numerous beaches. Despite being surrounded by towering cliffs, you can reach the beach via stairs originating from the Ferma Solaris Hotel. Once you descend, you’ll find yourself on one of the most picturesque beaches in East Crete, adorned with fine pebbles, rocks, and naturally formed caves.
The beach is segmented into two sections by a low-lying rock. The smaller western beach is the outlet of a local stream that meanders from the Strongyli peak region. Before reaching the beach, the stream creates a stunning waterfall, about 10 meters in height, which showcases vibrant rocks and dries up during the summer.
Ferma’s broader area is a lush oasis within the typically dry landscape of Eastern Crete, enveloped by pine trees and dense vegetation. Nearby, you’ll find several freshwater springs that continue to drip, even in summer, promoting the growth of such lush greenery.
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