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Situated 34km northwest of Agios Nikolaos and 16km east of Hersonissos, on the western fringes of the Mirabello province, lies Milatos. This coastal village has managed to preserve many of its traditional attributes. Just 1km north, one can find the coastal settlement known as Beach of Milatos or Paralia Milatou in Greek. The region is renowned for the Milatos cave, near the village, where a significant massacre of locals by the Ottomans took place in 1823. Today, Milatos is a popular tourist spot with a significant fishing port. The area is dotted with ancient olive groves and the shoreline is speckled with small, rocky inlets, some of which are suitable for swimming.
About 1km east of Milatos, in Pigada, you’ll discover small isolated bays with narrow sandy beaches nestled between towering cliffs. These secluded coves of Milatos are perfect for those seeking solitude, though the waves can be quite high. As you approach the village, just before reaching the harbour, you’ll encounter the main beach of Milatos. This sizable beach is comprised of pebbles and rocks in certain areas, and while it’s not fully facilitated, it’s conveniently close to the village’s amenities. Regrettably, this beach is also affected by the waves. The next beach is situated within the harbour (Limani), close to the village taverns. It’s a small sandy beach that’s quite well-maintained. This beach is the most frequented, as the water is always tranquil and safe for children.
The inventory of Milatos’ beaches would typically end here, but human intervention has altered this. Following the coastal road west from the village will lead you to the Minos Imperial hotel port. For the sake of tourism and revenue, the hotel has constructed two artificial beaches in the Volaki area, both bordered by a cement pier. Previously a natural rocky coast with a stunning seabed, it has now been transformed into a profitable sandy beach, organized by the hotel owners.
The village of Milatos was established near the remnants of the Minoan city Milatos, which was destroyed in the 3rd century BC by the rival city of Lyttos. Homer referenced it as one of the seven Cretan cities that sent troops to Troy. According to legend, Milatos was the name of a boy who was raised in a forest by a wolf. Upon reaching adulthood, he killed the city’s tyrant and fled to the coasts of Asia Minor. There, he founded the famous Miletus colony in 1500BC, which later became the birthplace of several distinguished philosophers such as Thales, Hippodamus, and Anaximander.
The Milatos beaches are a collection of small beaches located in the village of Milatos, on the north coast of Crete, Greece.
Yes, the Milatos beaches are suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming and other water activities.
No, there are no water sports available at the Milatos beaches. However, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Milatos beaches.
No, there is no nightlife near the Milatos beaches. The area is quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for those who want to relax and unwind.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Milatos beaches. Visitors can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and drinks while enjoying the beautiful views of the sea.
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments near the Milatos beaches. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options to suit their budget and preferences.
The water colour of the Milatos beaches is blue.
The Milatos beaches has pebbles as its sand type.
The Milatos beaches has a normal water depth.
The sea surface at the Milatos beaches is usually wavy.
The Milatos beaches has a normal crowd.
The Milatos beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Milatos beaches can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No, there is no other information available about the Milatos beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Milatos beaches:
What about a daily fishing tour combined with swimming in crystal clear blue sea? Starting off at the renowned fishing village of Elounda, you will board a small boat and when you are out in the open sea a local fisherman will show you various fishing techniques and will help you catch your fish. Enjoy your time by fishing with rod. Then it is time to swim and do snorkeling in the clear crystal sea of Elounda bay and enjoy the serenity of the place. The tour ends with a delicious meal onboard, including the fishes that you have catched, during our return to the port.
The excursion can take place at different times of the day (09:00-14:00 / 12:00-17:00 / 16:00-21:00).
The calculated time includes the transfer time to the boat and return.
In the city of Gouves, our group of adrenaline enthusiasts undergoes a safety briefing and receives quad bikes and helmets.
The trip does not take place on public roads. The entire route is laid out on dirt roads, olive groves, and rough terrain.
On this journey, Tez Tour paid maximum attention to safety! The group moved in a column, with drivers maintaining distance and not overtaking each other.
On the way, we encounter small ravines and hills, and rocky hills. We ride through olive groves and groves of wild carob trees. As we advance, we get further and further away from civilization. Along the way, there are thickets of impassable Mediterranean shrubs and grass.
Our path leads deep into the islands, to the cave of St. Paraskeva (Skotino). On the way to the cave, our convoy of quad bikes moves along the upper edge of the Skotino canyon. The landscapes that open up are simply breathtaking.
From a bird’s-eye view, we see the bottom of the gorge, where we will pass through thickets of green shrubs and reeds on the way back.
While moving in a column, guests can enjoy the views and nature, but for full safety, it is not possible to “squeeze out the maximum” potential of the quad bike. Experienced drivers or adrenaline lovers may have a huge desire to try something more.
During the stop near the cave, guests can ride “almost without restrictions” on a wide dirt road. Those who have enough adrenaline can also visit two small mountain churches built right above the entrance to the cave.
When the group is ready, the guide hands out headlamps and helmets, takes a large flashlight, and we begin an exciting exploration of the underground world of the Skotino cave. First, we discuss safety techniques and then descend to the bottom of the cave. The entrance is hidden in dense green vegetation, and there is no one around except us.
The cave is one of the largest in Crete and Greece, about 10 times the size of the famous Zeus cave. The descent is not difficult. Non-professional cavers only need about 1-1,5 hours to explore the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites.
After visiting the cave, the group of quad bikes returns to Gouves.
This tour is a special way to discover the countryside of Crete in a top buggy! You will experience the ultimate adventure, crossing gorges, in an breathtaking manner and being guided to places you have never been. Come and have a try. You will follow our experienced guide starting from our base to the archeological site, Minoa palace, where you will be shown around by a tour guide and then we continue by driving through the beautiful villages of Sissi , epano Sissi and Milatos where we will visit the Milatos cave.
The cave is large, measuring 2,100 square meters, with eight small and large entrances. It is 73 meters long, and its widest point is 63 meters. We will come across a little church built in 1935, and a memorial of those slaughtered by the Turks.
We will continue our tour by driving up the mountain and crossing some gorges. The longest stop of the tour will be made at the village of Sisi where lunch will be served in traditional tavern.
After eating and chatting, our trip will continue to the village of Neapoli where we will visit Vasilakis olive factory and have a friendly olive tour in an award-winning Cretan olive press.
After that we will drive to the village of Vrahasi in a beautiful ethnic museum where you will have the opportunity to learn about the way the local people lived in the past ( if the museum is open) . Nearing the end of our tour we will continue back to Malia where we will have our final stop at a small beautiful private beach, then we will drive back to our base where our journey began.
It doesn’t matter if you have never driven a buggy before as the vehicles are user-friendly, and everybody will get a detailed instruction and practice on the spot before we start our tour. What makes our tour unique is the fact that we reach the most hidden spots on the island where we meet the friendly locals. The distance of the tour is approx. 80km.
Get on board on the two-seater buggy with your partner and cruise along the endless rural roads of Crete with its amazing landscape. we wait for you !!!!!!
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Lasithi region, where every moment promises adventure and discovery.
Psychro Cave or Cave of Zeus: Embark on a 1-hour and 40-minute exploration of the legendary Psychro Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at its awe-inspiring formations.
Vidiani Monastery: Discover the tranquility of Vidiani Monastery, nestled at the foot of Louloudaki Mountain. Explore its spiritual surroundings for 25 minutes.
Village of Krasi: Begin your day in the picturesque village of Krasi, renowned for its freshwater springs and the oldest and biggest tree on the island of Crete. Explore its traditional streets and landmarks during our 20-minute stop.
As a delightful conclusion to our tour, we will visit the site of the “Olive Oil Festival” in Sisi. Nestled in a picturesque location in the mountains, surrounded by carobs, wild olives, herbs, and grazing goats and sheep, this festival is a perfect blend of culture and nature. Here, you will be educated on various local productions such as olive oil, soaps, and honey.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet lunch prepared right before your eyes in a specially designed outdoor area, available at an extra cost. The festival also features an exhibition of locally produced items available for purchase, ensuring you can take a piece of this authentic experience home with you. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and flavors in a truly beautiful setting.
Experience the essence of Crete on this enriching journey through its history, culture, and natural beauty.
After the tour, participants will return to their respective points by bus, with the duration varying based on traffic conditions and individual pick-up locations.
Upon arrival at the farm, we’ll immerse ourselves in a comprehensive experience that spans approximately 4 hours.
The educational segment of the tour will feature workshops covering various traditional practices:
Olive oil: From the 18th-century mill to the modern ecological olive mill, learn about the history and production of olive oil.
Local Honey: Gain insights into honey-making from local beehives and discover the fascinating world of bee activity.
Raki: Delve into the traditional production of Raki, an integral part of Cretan culture, and understand its significance.
Soap: Explore the art of soap-making from olive oil and its numerous benefits.
Please note that although we won’t demonstrate production processes at the farm, local farmers will lead workshops to share their knowledge and insights.
The gastronomical part of the tour offers a delightful journey:
Wine Tasting: Experience the flavors of exceptional wines crafted from local Cretan grape varieties and learn about ancient winemaking traditions.
Homemade Cretan Food in Wood Fired Oven: Indulge in authentic cuisine cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, featuring seasonal greens, fava beans, French fries, garden salads, and appetizers prepared with olive oil.
Live Show: Immerse yourself in Cretan culture with lively Greek music, dance performances, and a captivating orchestra.
Before concluding the tour, explore the Local Products Market to browse and purchase high-quality local products directly from the producers, including those sampled during the experience.
Start with pickup from your hotel and first pass the Selinari monastery with its impressive gorge, and reach the small town of Neapolis. Visit the Vassilakis Estate, one of the oldest and most successful olive oil producers in Crete. Enjoy a detailed tour of their production facility and learn how olive oil is made.
Continue to the provincial capital of Agios Nikolaos where you can admire the shimmering blue waters of the bay of Mirabello. Walk along the harbor and over the bridge to the freshwater Lake Voulismeni. Visit a local market and browse for specialty local products such as honey, olive oil, and spices.
After a Greek coffee in one of the cozy cafes, continue to Kritsa, one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Admire the views of the whitewashed houses of the village located below a steep rocky slope. Take a break for some lunch at your own expense, followed by a stroll through the village.
Finally, travel to Amazonas Park and discover a sanctuary for the conservation of endangered species. Take a guided tour of the sanctuary and see a variety of colorful parrots and curious monkeys. See rare parrot species which will eventually be released back into their natural habitat, and enjoy the fantastic views of the foothills of the Dikti Mountains.
Find below the list of hotels near Milatos beaches:
Set in Milatos, a few steps from Volia Beach and 100 metres from Plaka Beach, TerraZeus – Stone House Beachfront 3 offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
Balos Beach is 300 metres from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from TerraZeus – Stone House Beachfront 3.
from
€122
/night
Situated 200 metres from Plaka Beach, 300 metres from Balos Beach and 27 km from Lake Voulismeni, Minoas Apt Next to the Beach features accommodation set in Milatos. The accommodation is a few steps from the Volia Beach and has free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned apartment features 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 35 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Minoas Apt Next to the Beach.
from
€167
/night
Set 200 metres from Plaka Beach, 300 metres from Balos Beach and 27 km from Lake Voulismeni, Akali Apt Next to the Beach offers accommodation situated in Milatos. The accommodation is 50 metres from the Volia Beach and has free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 35 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Akali Apt Next to the Beach.
from
€131
/night
Boasting mountain views, Jenny’s Apartments features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Volia Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
This apartment with sea views has tiled floors, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer. There is a seating area and a kitchenette equipped with kitchenware.
The apartment features a garden and sun terrace, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Balos Beach is 200 metres from Jenny’s Apartments, while Plaka Beach is 300 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from the accommodation.
Milatos Seaside Suites has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Milatos, a few steps from Balos Beach.
The aparthotel provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Milatos Seaside Suites offers a picnic area.
Volia Beach is 200 metres from the accommodation, while Aspes Beach is 200 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Milatos Seaside Suites.
SeaSide Apartments has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Análipsis, 90 metres from Milatos Port Beach.
Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also offered in the kitchen, as well as a coffee machine.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Plaka Beach is 400 metres from the apartment, while Volia Beach is 500 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from SeaSide Apartments.
from
€66
/night
Find below list of beaches near Milatos beaches:
Sissi, also known as Sisi, is a tranquil traditional seaside village nestled 26km west of Agios Nikolaos and 41km east of Heraklion, not far from Malia. The village is renowned for its natural harbour, characterized by tranquil deep green waters, and its charming taverns nestled within narrow streets. The Sissi coastline is predominantly rocky, with only a few sandy stretches. The sea around here is typically choppy, making the only calm swimming spot the small beach within the harbor (Limani). This petite beach offers a few umbrellas and showers for visitors.
If you desire to explore other beaches, you can travel east to Harkoma bay, home to the well-kept Boufos beach. This sandy beach is exposed to the wind. Adjacent to it, you’ll find the smaller Avlaki beach, situated at the exit of a narrow bay.
Moving further east, you’ll find the sandy Kalimera beach, located in front of the Kalimera Kriti hotel. Managed by the hotel, the beach is well-organized and boasts of shallow waters, making it perfect for children. On the opposite side of the hotel is Spiliada, the last beach within the Sissi territory. Spiliada is a sandy beach shaded by numerous tamarisk trees, offering a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the other beaches.
In the region of Anogia, located in the northern part of the Mirabelo province east of Milatos, you’ll come across several tiny, rocky coves. You can reach this area by driving through the rugged terrain. Vlychada Tzavlidon is one such beach, characterized by large pebbles. The beach walls display remarkable layers of conglomerate rocks, and at the western end, there’s a small arch at the base of which is a fresh water spring. This beach is situated at the exit of the gorge known as Christopatimata, or Christ’s Steps. The walls of this gorge are home to some peculiar formations, which are not easily noticeable. According to local lore, these are the footprints of Christ!
The Agia Varvara beach, positioned 41km to the east of Heraklion and nestled between Malia and Sissi, earns its name from a church in the east dedicated to Santa Barbara. This sandy haven forms a petite bay in front of a hotel, with the islet of Agia Varvara just across the bay, an ideal spot for swimming, although one should be careful of the strong currents. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and tamarisk trees are scattered around for added shade. However, be aware that this beach, like many others in northern Crete, is often subject to the frequent northwest winds.
The primary beach of Malia, situated in the heart of the town, is often teeming with visitors. As a result, those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle tend to head towards the sandy stretches to the east of Malia’s port, conveniently located near the Palace of Malia. The most easterly of these beaches is named Potamos (meaning River), due to a small stream that flows along its eastern edge, adjacent to Malia’s wetlands.
Potamos is a lengthy, sandy expanse that is well maintained, yet typically less populated than Malia’s main beach. The eastern portion of the region remains relatively untouched due to its archaeological significance. However, to the west of the beach, a number of hotels can be found, each boasting its own sandy cove.
The Malia Swamp is a wetland of unparalleled ecological importance, home to an expansive reed bed that provides habitat for numerous bird species. This area also preserves several types of coastal vegetation that have been lost elsewhere on Crete. The entire area is irrigated by water that flows from Mount Selena, forming a stunning river in the winter months, mere meters from the shore, resulting in crystal clear waters that feed into Potamos beach. The sea here is so fresh, locals can even drink from it! It’s not an uncommon sight to see goats descending from the mountain, swimming in the sea and drinking the water due to its fresh scent. Surrounding Potamos are smaller sand dunes, which come autumn, are adorned with stunning white sand lilies.
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