Ormos beach (Katholiko)

If you’re journeying from Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find the quaint Ormos beach just beyond the Ammoudi beach. This tucked-away cove, nestled between the majestic Minos Palace Hotel and Cape Nissi, is a hidden treasure. Its shoreline, speckled with pebbles and sand, primarily serves as a dock for boats, which makes it less popular for swimming. However, it offers a well-equipped playground that the little ones will love.

At the nearby Cape Nissi, there’s the historic Saint Nicholas Byzantine church, which lends its name to the town of Agios Nikolaos. A scenic coastal road starts from Katholiko and takes you all the way to Cape Nissi’s rocky end, home to World War II pillboxes. And from here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the nearby islands of Agii Pantes (All Saints) and Mikronissi.

Minos beaches

Inside the Minos Palace Hotel premises, there’s a beautiful sandy beach. Well-maintained by the hotel and open to everyone, this beach is a sun-seeker paradise. But remember, it might be a little hard to spot from the main road!