Crete Locals logo

Maridaki beach

  • Maridaki beach

About

Maridaki is a seaside settlement on the eastern side of Asterousia Mount, 65km south of Heraklion and on the west side of Tsoutsouras Bay. Despite the short distance from Tsoutsouras (2.5 km), there is no direct road linking the two settlements (except a footpath). The village can be accessed via a 15km long poor dirt road that starts before the village Ahedrias (near village Mesohorio). The route passes among the towering cliffs and wild rocks of Asterousia. The same road leads to the monastery of Saint Nikitas. Never leave your car under the trees of Maridaki, because the goats will destroy it.

Maridaki is also called Saint Panteleimon, named after the local church. It is built in the wild and dry landscape of southern Crete, at the exit of the imposing Achendrias Gorge. However, a spring and a small stream bring potable water to the beach all year round, creating an oasis with perrenial plane trees along its banks. At the place of the springs, there is a large square with 200 years old plane trees and a small tavern. Just beyond this place, the locals say that the fairies live. About 15′ minutes from the settlement, you can see the amazing waterfalls of Lichnistis (till early spring). 

In this small village, you will see mostly locals who enjoy the sea and the sun and live in their summer houses, which unfortunately are arbitrarily structured. The shore in front of the village is a lovely beach with fine pebbles and huge vertical rocks around. Along the shore, several coves are formed with sand, where you can find shade. However, attention is needed because goats pass over the edges of the cliffs, causing frequent landslides. The sea is quite deep, but also very cool because of the stream. In Maridaki you will find showers, a small coffee shop, a tavern and some rooms to let. There are two more beaches located at the base of Cape Kerkelos north of the settlement, in the area called Nisakia (i.e. islets) named after two small rocks in the sea.

If you come to Maridaki you should visit the springs of the village and enjoy the cool water. Next to it, there is the church of Saint Panteleimon, which was formerly dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Mamas, patron of shepherds. If you have a car you should visit Saint Nikitas (2km from Maridaki) with the homonymous monastery and the awesome beach of Agios Nikitas, the beautiful palm grove of Saint Anthony (3km) and the chapel of the Holy Cross (1km outside the village).

The trail Maridaki – Tsoutsouras
Maridaki is one of the few places on Crete where access on foot is much faster than by car. When in Tsoutsouras, you can walk to the Maridaki through a beautiful and well-built footpath (20′), passing through a fantastic landscape with wild carob trees, caves, dry grassland and superb sea views. One of the caves that you will meet has been associated with tales of mystery and metaphysical phenomena, like the entire region of Tsoutsouras. It is worth asking a local to tell you such stories. The mysterious cave is called Drakospilia (Dragon’s Cave) and is located in the middle distance. Its entrance is small and is not very well discernible and perhaps you will not see it. After the entrance, the cave is growing and has great depth. If you get through it you may get scared by the bats. There is a very narrow passage, behind which locals say that anyone who went never came back, perhaps due to volcanic fumes. Here exactly lies the mystery of the cave, as the locals say they have seen strange phenomena. It is believed to hide a fabulous treasure and the tomb of a great king. The king is Sarpedon (of Lycia), which’s the body they say is preserved in honey. Others believe that there is the tomb of Alexander the Great, and he was buried here by one of his trusty friends, coming from the area. The mystery continues when you hear the many versions of the locals with monsters and dragons, U.S.A. missions and helicopter patrols when someone enters the cave. Also, the locals say at the place where Tsoutsouras is lastly visible from the sea, if you go by boat in the sunset you will see the dome of a church in the water coming from the lost city of Queen Achendra. 

Photos

FAQ

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 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 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 beach?

The water colour of the beach is deep blue.

What type of sand is found on the beach?

The beach has pebbles as its sand type.

How deep is the water at the beach?

The water at the beach is deep.

What is the surface of the sea like at the beach?

The surface of the sea at the beach is usually calm.

What is the crowd like at the beach?

The beach has normal crowds.

What facilities are available at the beach?

The beach has food and water nearby, as well as showers.

What are the different ways to access the beach?

The beach can be accessed through a dirt track, by boat, or by walking.

What other information should I know about the beach?

The beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, and there are rock shades available.

Beach facilities

  • Food / water nearby
  • Showers

Crowds

  • Normal

Water depths

  • Deep

Beach sand type

  • Pebbles

Sea surface

  • Usually calm

Water colour

  • Deep blue

Accessibility

  • Dirt track

Other information

  • Ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing
  • Rock shade

Review stats

/5
Maridaki beach has received 0 reviews with an average rating of  out of 5

Excellent

0%

Very good

0%

Good

0%

Fair

0%

Poor

0%

Reviews

Location

Get Your Guide

© All rights reserved. Crete Locals