Maridaki beach
Beach description
Maridaki, a coastal hamlet on the east side of Mount Asterousia, is located 65km south of Heraklion and on the west of Tsoutsouras Bay. A 2.5 km footpath is the only direct link between Maridaki and Tsoutsouras. However, a rough 15km dirt road starting near the village of Ahedrias (close to Mesohorio) gives access to the settlement. This road takes you through the towering cliffs and rugged rocks of Asterousia and leads to the monastery of Saint Nikitas. It’s advisable not to park your car under Maridaki’s trees, as the local goats may cause damage.
Maridaki, also known as Saint Panteleimon after its local church, is nestled in the arid, untamed landscape of southern Crete, at the mouth of the impressive Achendrias Gorge. A spring and a small stream provide drinking water to the beach all year around, creating an oasis with evergreen plane trees lining its banks. Near the springs, a large square with a 200-year-old plane tree and a small tavern can be found. Locals believe that fairies reside just beyond this spot. A 15-minute journey from the settlement reveals the striking Lichnistis waterfalls, visible until early spring.
In this modest village, you’ll mostly encounter locals enjoying the sun and sea, residing in their summer homes which are casually built. The village’s coastline boasts a lovely pebble beach surrounded by towering rocks. Along the shore, sandy coves provide shade, but beware of goats traversing cliff edges as they often trigger landslides. The sea is deep and cool due to the stream. Maridaki has showers, a small coffee shop, a tavern, and a few rooms for rent. Two additional beaches are situated to the north of the settlement, at the base of Cape Kerkelos in an area known as Nisakia (or islets), named after two small sea rocks.
While in Maridaki, it’s worth visiting the village springs to enjoy the cool water. Nearby, the church of Saint Panteleimon, formerly dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Mamas, patron of shepherds, stands. If you have a car, consider visiting Saint Nikitas (2km from Maridaki), the beautiful palm grove of Saint Anthony (3km), and the chapel of the Holy Cross (1km outside the village).
Maridaki – Tsoutsouras Trail: Maridaki is one of the few places on Crete where foot travel is quicker than by car. From Tsoutsouras, a 20-minute walk along a well-maintained footpath takes you through a breathtaking landscape of wild carob trees, caves, and dry grasslands, offering stunning sea views. One of the caves, Drakospilia (Dragon’s Cave), is shrouded in mystery and tales of metaphysical phenomena. It’s entrance is small and may go unnoticed. The cave expands after the entrance and is home to bats. A narrow passage leads to a point from where, locals claim, no one has returned, possibly due to volcanic fumes. Legends of treasure, the tomb of a great king, monsters, and dragons fill the air, adding to the cave’s mystery. Some locals believe it houses the tomb of Alexander the Great, while others believe it’s the final resting place of King Sarpedon of Lycia, whose body is said to be preserved in honey. The mystery deepens with tales of U.S. missions and helicopter patrols when someone enters the cave. As per local lore, a submerged church dome from the lost city of Queen Achendra becomes visible at sunset from the last point where Tsoutsouras can be seen from the sea.
Beach details
Most frequent asked questions
What is the location of Maridaki beach?
Maridaki beach is located in Greece, on the island of Crete, in the region of Chania.
Is Maridaki beach suitable for families with children?
Yes, Maridaki beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Are there any water sports activities available at Maridaki beach?
No, there are no water sports activities available at Maridaki beach.
Is there any shade available at Maridaki beach?
No, there is no natural shade available at Maridaki beach, so it is recommended to bring your own umbrella or sunshade.
Is there any parking available at Maridaki beach?
No, there is no designated parking area at Maridaki beach, but visitors can park their cars along the road leading to the Maridaki beach.
Is Maridaki beach accessible for people with disabilities?
No, Maridaki beach is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are stairs leading down to the Maridaki beach.
Is there any restaurant or cafe available at Maridaki beach?
No, there are no restaurants or cafes available at Maridaki beach, so visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
What is the water colour of the Maridaki beach?
The water colour of the Maridaki beach is deep blue.
What type of sand is found on the Maridaki beach?
The Maridaki beach has pebbles as its sand type.
How deep is the water at the Maridaki beach?
The water at the Maridaki beach is deep.
What is the surface of the sea like at the Maridaki beach?
The surface of the sea at the Maridaki beach is usually calm.
What is the crowd like at the Maridaki beach?
The Maridaki beach has normal crowds.
What facilities are available at the Maridaki beach?
The Maridaki beach has food and water nearby, as well as showers.
What are the different ways to access the Maridaki beach?
The Maridaki beach can be accessed through a dirt track, by boat, or by walking.
What other information should I know about the Maridaki beach?
The Maridaki beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, and there are rock shades available.
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Stays near Maridaki beach
- 9.8 / 10
- Eparchiaki Odos Tsoutsouros - Kastelion 1st
Featuring mountain views, Antoine Apartment Sea Side provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Tsoutsouras Beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Aliori Beach is a 15-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Antoine Apartment Sea Side, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
- 1.0 km
- 8.4 / 10
- Tsoutsouros
Offering unobstructed views over the Libyan Sea, Lyttos is a self-catering accommodation located in Tsoutsouros Village. Free WiFi access is available.
The studios and apartments will provide you with air conditioning, and a kitchenette with a mini oven and fridge. There is also a TV, and a bathroom with a shower.
At Lyttos you will find barbecue facilities. Heraklion International Airport is located 40 km from the property. The property offers free parking.
from
€49
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- 8.9 / 10
- Tsoutsouros
Just 10 metres from the beach of Tsoutsouros, Venetia offers rooms and apartments with free WiFi. It has a snack bar and provides free sun beds and umbrellas on the beach.
All units at Venetia will provide you with a satellite TV and air conditioning. Featuring a shower, private bathroom comes with free toiletries. Some accommodation types also include a kitchenette complete with a dining area, a refrigerator and cooking rings.
Heraklion International Airport is located 60 km away from the property. Free parking is possible near the premises.
from
€57
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- 9 / 10
- Τσουτσουρος 13
Set in Tsoútsouros, 300 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach and 300 metres from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach, Apollon offers a restaurant, sea views and free WiFi.
All of the air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen and terrace. Some units feature a balcony and/or a patio with mountain views.
Continental and American breakfast options are available every morning at the aparthotel.
There is a shared lounge at this property and guests can go hiking nearby.
Aliori Beach is 700 metres from Apollon, while The Palace of Knossos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from the accommodation.
- 1.6 km
- 7.4 / 10
- Τσούτσουρος
Situated in Tsoútsouros, 300 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach and 400 metres from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach, Eutuxia Sea&Mountain Apartment – Tsoutsouros offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Aliori Beach is 700 metres from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from Eutuxia Sea&Mountain Apartment – Tsoutsouros.
- 1.6 km
- 9.5 / 10
- Επαρχιακή Οδός Τσούτσουρα - Καστελλιανών
Located in Tsoútsouros, 300 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach and 500 metres from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach, Colorful House Tsoutsouras provides air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
This apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Aliori Beach is 700 metres from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from Colorful House Tsoutsouras.
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