Quick search
CTRL+KQuick search
CTRL+K
These images are powered by
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.
There are various activities you can do at Koutsounari beach such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and fishing.
Yes, Koutsounari beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Koutsounari beach where you can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as umbrellas and sun loungers at Koutsounari beach.
Unfortunately, Koutsounari beach is not fully accessible for people with disabilities as there are some steep steps to access the Koutsounari beach.
The best time to visit Koutsounari beach is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny.
No, there are no water sports available at Koutsounari beach, but you can enjoy snorkeling and fishing.
Yes, there is a parking area near Koutsounari beach where you can park your car for free.
The water colour of the Koutsounari beach is blue.
The Koutsounari beach has sand, pebbles, and fine pebbles.
The water depth of the Koutsounari beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Koutsounari beach is usually calm.
The Koutsounari beach has a normal crowd level.
The Koutsounari beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Koutsounari beach can be accessed by bus services and a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Koutsounari beach.
Find below list of things to do near Koutsounari Long beach:
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes.
Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!
Find below the list of hotels near Koutsounari Long 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.
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..
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
Zax sea view villas features sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Ierápetra, 1.4 km from Koutsounari Beach.
Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a well-fitted kitchen with a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. An oven, a microwave and toaster are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the villa.
Zax sea view villas offers a seasonal outdoor pool.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy snorkelling and cycling nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
Kakkos bay beach is 1.9 km from Zax sea view villas, while Psaropoula Beach is 1.9 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 53 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€53
/night
Find below list of beaches near Koutsounari Long beach:
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.
Ferma, a small coastal town, is situated 10km to the east of Ierapetra and 45km to the southeast of Agios Nikolaos, lying 4km south of the village, Agios Ioannis. The area is green and verdant, with dense pine forests, a stark contrast to the arid landscape of Eastern Crete. A string of tiny bays stretches along the coast, the largest being Livadi, also known as Ferma beach or Xerokamara. This beach, flanked by hotels, boasts fine pebbles, clear deep waters, and is bordered by lush vegetation and towering smooth rocks and steep cliffs.
Access to the unorganized beach is through two stairways starting from the nearby hotels. The beach features several springs and a small clump of Cretan Date Palm in its center. Following Livadi is Pigadi beach, named after a structure resembling a well. It, along with an adjacent small bay, can be reached via a stairway from the main road. The last beach in the area, Giorgakis, is similarly accessed via a steep path with iron stairs.
Ferma is known for its tranquil ambiance, making it an ideal spot for families to bask in the sun and enjoy the sea, with basic amenities within a short walk. If you’re visiting Ferma, ensure to explore the lush nature around. Check out the village of Agios Ioannis, stroll through its narrow lanes and churches, and visit the springs of Psychro and the Agios Ioannis waterfalls in the Milonas gorge.
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.
The beach of Agia Fotia is situated 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east from Ierapetra. It’s a small bay nestling at the outlet of a stream flowing down from the Thripti mountain. The name of the settlement is derived from the local Church of Agia Fotini, also known as Agia Fotia. The stream is cloaked by enormous plane trees, while the bay is encircled by conglomerate cliffs, adding to the enchanting landscape.
This beach is well-known and a favourite among the inhabitants of the city of Ierapetra. Its shores are covered in coarse greyish sand, while the water is crystal clear and tranquil. The beach is well-equipped with amenities including beach bars, taverns, and hotels. There are tamarisk trees on the beach where one can find shade. Additionally, beach volleyball tournaments are hosted annually at the local court, a recent tradition that has added to its popularity.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
