The picturesque Listi Spilios, situated 7km south of Agios Nikolaos along the old road to Sitia and Ierapetra, has become a bustling tourist spot over the years with a variety of accommodations, ranging from large hotels to smaller lodges. The beach is characterized by its rocky terrain and sandy patches, with a charming smaller beach nestled to the north of the main area. Unfortunately, recent extensive alterations by a major hotel in the vicinity have significantly changed the original rocky nature of the coastline, including the construction of a pier to retain sand. Visitors can enjoy amenities like umbrellas, a snack bar, water sports and a beach volleyball court. The quieter western side of the beach, boasting lush vegetation due to nearby freshwater springs, provides a serene escape.
The beach’s intriguing name, Listi Spilios, translates to ‘Robber’s Cave’ in Greek. This stems from a tale from the Middle Ages when the primary road used by locals to commute to island cities ran through this area. On the beach’s west end, there’s a petite peninsula home to several small caves, which, as the legend tells, were used as hideouts by robbers who targeted travellers on the road.
Get directions to Listi Spilios beach
Listi Spilios beach is a beautiful beach located in the eater part of Crete, Greece in Lassithi Region.
Yes, Listi Spilios beach is suitable for swimming. However, it is recommended to be cautious as the water can be deep in some areas.
Yes, there are water sports activities available at Listi Spilios beach.
Yes, Listi Spilios beach is accessible by car. There is a parking area available near the Listi Spilios beach.
Yes, there a some hotels and apartamnets next to the Listi Spilios beach.
Yes, Listi Spilios beach is suitable for families with children. The water is calm and shallow in some areas, making it safe for children to swim.
Yes, there is cafe available at the Listi Spilios beach.
Listi Spilios beach has moderate crowd.
The water colour of the Listi Spilios beach is blue.
The Listi Spilios beach has pebbles, fine pebbles, and rocks in places.
The water depth at the Listi Spilios beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Listi Spilios beach is usually calm.
The Listi Spilios beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, and showers.
The Listi Spilios beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Find below list of things to do near Listi Spilios beach:
Visit Santorini on this full day-trip from the island of Crete. After pick-up from your hotel, head to the harbor and begin your sightseeing boat tour on the Cretan Sea.
Upon arrival, see the white houses of Fira that lie high above the edge of the crater, and decide whether you would like to spend more time on this volcanic island. Wander the small town of Fira or visit the picturesque town of Oia.
Enjoy the leisurely Greek lifestyle and visit a taverna or two. Relax on the beach, enjoy the day by the sea, and simply leave your cares behind.
The ideal way to discover the island of Crete is with a private tour. Share a car and enjoy a full day with your group. Embark on an incredible island adventure with your friends or family, after planning the tour together with your professional guide. Beginning with pickup at your accommodation in Elounda, Agios Niklaos, Ierapetra, Malia, Crete, Hersonissos, or Ammoudara, the world is your oyster.
Settle into a comfy and luxurious Land Rover Discovery equipped with 6 seats and air conditioning. Discover local sites, hit the beach, or simply drive around taking in panoramic views. Perfect for a wedding trip or a birthday, relish in total privacy and the utmost luxury. Included in the tour is a fresh, high-quality dinner at a local taverna.
In this interactive Walking tour & Cretan food tasting, we will walk the coastline of Agios Nikolaos passing through Taurus Zeus with Europe and the horn of Amalthea telling the Greek myths, beaches and sightseeing continuing inside the town showing you local spots, telling information about area(shared also via email & maps) and we will enjoy a meal with 4 different meze(like tapas) talking about everyday living, general facts about Crete’s culture and traditions, sightseeing’s and myths.
Walking is about 40 minutes easy walking, about 2klm.
After we will visit the most famous restaurant in lake of Agios Nikolaos having a meal with 4 different meze(each person) that you can choose between fish or meat menu.
Water & one drink is included, wine, raki, beer or a soft drink.
Vegetarian or vegan menu can be arranged.
Changes in menu can be adjusted upon request.
Feel free to contact me for more information.
Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe.
It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where epers could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated, can be explored individually.
Leaving Spinalonga Island, we have free time to explore the unique Elounda village or go for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Elounda Bay your pita gyros take away.
Before we take the road back to Heraklion, we will visit Ag. Nikolaos, a town with 14.000 inhabitants which is built on the side of the Gulf Mirabello. In the center of Agios Nikolaos is the lake Voulismeni, probably created by an earthquake. Where, we can have a coffee break or a walk around the lake, which gives you a great view from above, over the center and the harbor of Agios Nikolaos. Next to the lovely harbor are shady thee-lined streets filled with shops give you the opportunity to do some “serious shopping”.
Our last stop is at the olive factory in Malia and taste the famous Cretan olive oil.
This full-day tour combines a visit to one of the most beautiful parts of Crete, the bay of Merabelo and the attractive town of Agios Nikolaos, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, the island of Spina Longa.
At the same time you will get to know the customs and traditions of Crete through your visit to an authentic olive oil production factory and you will enjoy a delicious and traditional Cretan meal
Our journey into Cretan culture begins with our introduction to “liquid gold” in the traditional, four-generation, olive oil production factory.
You will learn about the history of the olive, the way of harvesting from ancient times until today and you will also have the opportunity to taste excellent quality olive oil, an experience that will elevate your senses!
Next spot is Agios Nikolaos,an international cosmopolitan resort ,built on three hills, it will enchant you with its character and its small, winding streets. The lake Voulismeni is the most beautiful jewel of the city, with thousands of legends to make it even more impressive. Later we will be greeted by the emblematic bay of Merabelo with the clear blue waters.
We will visit the traditional fishing villages of Elounda and Plaka where one of the most unique authentic corners of Cretan beauty is revealed in an area that hides within it all the beauty and essence of the Cretan landscape.
From the port of Plaka we will board a boat that will take us to the historical island of Spinalonga where we will admire the fortress and the former settlement of lepers.
Αlternatively you can browse the picturesque alleys of Plaka, enjoying the view of the Cretan sea or swim in the deep blue waters of Merabelos bay.
We end up in the traditional village of Fourni where under the plane tree we will enjoy a meal of pure products of the blessed Cretan land.(Optional)
On this excursion you will see and experience Crete through the eyes of a local
Discover the beauty of the island of Santorini on a bus and catamaran tour from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos. Capture pictures of the classic blue and white houses in Oia and have some free time to explore Fira in the shadow of the Santorini volcano.
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up directly from your accommodation. Sit back and relax on the air-conditioned bus transfer to the high-speed catamaran in Heraklion harbor.
Sail across the Mediterranean to the island of Santorini. Hop off the boat to take a tour of the beautiful island in a comfortable and climate-controlled bus. Listen to live commentary about the history of one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
Travel to the village of Oia at the northernmost tip for magnificent views of the typical blue and white houses across the hillside and stunning views of rolling hills meeting the sea.
Continue to the capital at Fira and have some free time to browse the shops or enjoy a drink at a bar with views of the volcano and the returning boat in the evening. Cruise back to Heraklion and transfer back to your hotel.
Find below the list of hotels near Listi Spilios beach:
Situated in Agios Nikolaos, 300 metres from Cave Thief Beach and 1.3 km from Ammoudara Beach, Ammoudara Bay Villa offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Ammoudara Bay Villa.
Vathi Kritsas Beach is 2.4 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 5.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 59 km from Ammoudara Bay Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€272
/night
Panorama Villas – Adults Only are nestled upon a hill, in the quiet area of Amoudara, a short drive from Agios Nikolaos, enjoying breathtaking sea views. Free WiFi is available throughout.
The stylish apartments/villas are tastefully decorated and surrounded by beautifully shaped gardens. Each is equipped with kitchenette or kitchen, air conditioning, DVD/CD player and satellite TV.
Panorama Villas – Adults Only is a self catering resort featuring BBQ facilities, and an outdoor swimming pool. Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.
Sandy beach with water sports is only 200 m away. Other various beaches are located in a short distance.The city of Agios Nikolaos, considered the Cretan St Tropez, is the administrative, communications, cultural and commercial centre of Lasithi, and home to many boutiques, supermarkets, tavernas, bars and cafes.
from
€88
/night
Blue Senses Villas features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Agios Nikolaos, 400 metres from Ammoudara Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Blue Senses Villas offers a year-round outdoor pool.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Cave Thief Beach is 500 metres from Blue Senses Villas, while Almiros Beach is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 60 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€588
/night
Mirabello Sea House has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Agios Nikolaos, 500 metres from Cave Thief Beach.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and Mirabello Sea House can arrange a bicycle rental service.
Ammoudara Beach is 1.4 km from the accommodation, while Vathi Kritsas Beach is 1.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 59 km from Mirabello Sea House.
Situated in Mardhátion and only 600 metres from Cave Thief Beach, Anthy Villas department 1 features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Ammoudara Beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 5.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 60 km from Anthy Villas department 1.
from
€84
/night
Situated directly on the coastline, family-run Villas Vangelis offers unobstructed views over Mirampelos Bay. The traditional villas feature a 7,000 m2 garden, a seaside Cretan restaurant and a swimming pool. The nearest sandy beach is a 5-minute walk away.
All Vangelis Villas units include a private balcony with Mediterranean Sea views or garden views. The air-conditioned rooms also have a fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi access.
Breakfast is served daily and guests have the option of ordering it in the room. Guests can enjoy traditional flavours at the on-site restaurant prepared with local products.
Villas Vangelis’s guests are greeted with free Cretan raki, a bottle water, fresh fruits and juices. Guests have access to an outdoor pool and car/bicycle rental.
Find below list of beaches near Listi Spilios beach:
Situated 6km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, along the old route that links Agios Nikolaos to Sitia and Ierapetra, is Ammoudara Beach. This developed area boasts a variety of hotels, rental properties, taverns, and restaurants. There’s a beautiful sandy beach fronting the tourist settlement, with crystal-clear, light-blue waters. Thanks to its eastward orientation, the beach typically enjoys calm seas as the prevalent winds in Crete blow from the west. Beachgoers can enjoy amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports facilities.
Ammoudara provides an ideal setting for family vacations, but the beach’s small size can lead to it feeling somewhat crowded. For those seeking a less populated spot, heading west to the expansive Almiros beach might be a good alternative.
Situated just 10km south of Agios Nikolaos before reaching Istron’s beaches, you’ll discover the lesser-known beach of Vathi. This hidden gem wasn’t on the map before 2010, as it’s a man-made creation and is not visible from the main road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Eastern Crete.
Nestled within a well-protected cove, Vathi remains largely unaffected by wind, except for the infrequent easterly gusts. The beach is characterized by its pristine white sand that enhances the mesmerizing hue of the sea. Managed by the nearby luxury resort, Daios Cove, the beach is well-equipped with amenities.
For non-hotel guests, accessing Vathi involves a descent down a concrete pathway and staircase. To find the entrance, take a left just before the hotel gates and follow the road until it leads to a narrow path heading towards the stairs. Vathi is an excellent choice for families thanks to its calm, waveless waters. For those keen on exploring, snorkelling along the rocky edges of the bay offers another dimension of this unique beach.
Almyros beach (Almiros) is located 2.5km south of Agios Nikolaos and 12 km from Elounda. It is shaped near the exit of Almiros River, which empties on the south part of the beach. Next to the beach, the protected wetland of Almiros hosts several rare birds, towering eucalyptus trees, reed and some palm trees.
The beach is quite long – 300 m – and very well-organized. It is sandy and the water is shallow and usually calm, making it ideal especially for young children. There are a lot of trees behind the beach, and to the east, you can see the pretty Thrypti Mount. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers, families with children, seniors etc. It is partially crowded during the high season. The area has a few canteens, while there are also many options for water sports. The sea water is very cold in some places due to the river that flows all year round. On the south side of the beach, there are small hotels and apartments.
To reach the beach from Agios Nikolaos city centre, if you do not have a car, you should walk the pedestrian street (5 ‘) which runs along the rocky coasts north of the beach. The pathway starts from Gargadoros beach, which is located 5 minutes south of the town’s marina.
Beti beach is nestled just a kilometre away from the bustling city of Agios Nikolaos, and a mere five-minute stroll from Almyros beach. This small slice of paradise often remains undiscovered by the typical crowd, providing an idyllic retreat for those in search of tranquillity.
This diminutive yet delightful beach, embraced by the natural landscape, boasts soft, sun-kissed sand that warmly greets your feet. Thanks to its sheltered location, Beti beach is often protected from the region’s wind and waves, making it a calm oasis amidst the vibrant surroundings. A visit to Beti beach gives you an opportunity to savour the serene ambience, far removed from the usual throngs of beachgoers, adding an element of seclusion to your Cretan beach adventure.
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