Richtis beach

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Richtis beach (accessible through the Richtis Gorge) is nestled approximately 20km west of Sitia and 45km east of Agios Nikolaos. You can get to the beach via the paved road that starts from Exo Mouliana or opt for a scenic hike through the verdant gorge.

This petite, pebble-strewn cove boasts pristine waters, though its northern orientation often results in waves. The beach, with its round pebbles, may not be ideal for swimming, especially on windy days, but it promises absolute tranquility. Given the lack of nearby amenities, it’s advisable to bring your own food. The beach is dotted with tamarisk trees, encircled by stone seats and tables. You’ll also find a stone water fountain providing drinkable fresh water year-round.

A trip to Richtis beach often includes a trek through the stunning Richtis Gorge, named ‘Richti’ (the Cretan term for Waterfall) because of the 20m high waterfall within the gorge that creates an oasis in East Crete. The gorge is especially worth visiting in the spring.

Richtis beach Map

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Beach details

  • Pebbles
  • Sand
  • Deep blue
  • Dirt track
  • Ideal for snorkeling
  • Nudism friendly

Most frequent asked questions

What is the location of Richtis beach?

Richtis beach is located on the eastern coast of Crete, Greece, near the village of Exo Mouliana.

Is Richtis beach accessible by car?

Yes, Richtis beach is accessible by car. However, the last part of the road leading to the Richtis beach is unpaved and requires careful driving.

Is there a hiking trail to Richtis beach?

Yes, there is a hiking trail that leads to Richtis beach. The trail starts from the village of Exo Mouliana and takes about 30-40 minutes to walk.

Is Richtis beach suitable for swimming?

Yes, Richtis beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and clean, and there are no strong currents or waves.

Are there any restaurants or cafes near Richtis beach?

No, there are no restaurants or cafes near Richtis beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.

Is Richtis beach crowded?

No, Richtis beach is not usually crowded. It is a secluded and peaceful beach, ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy nature.

Is there any accommodation near Richtis beach?

No, there is no accommodation near Richtis beach. The nearest accommodation options are in the nearby villages of Exo Mouliana and Agios Nikolaos.

Is Richtis beach suitable for snorkeling?

Yes, Richtis beach is suitable for snorkeling. The water is clear and there are some interesting rock formations and marine life to explore.

What is the water colour of the Richtis beach?

The water colour of the Richtis beach is deep blue.

What type of sand is found on the Richtis beach?

The Richtis beach has a mix of sand and pebbles.

How deep is the water at the Richtis beach?

The water at the Richtis beach is deep.

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

The sea surface at the Richtis beach is usually wavy.

What is the crowd like at the Richtis beach?

The Richtis beach is usually quiet.

What facilities are available at the Richtis beach?

There are no facilities available at the Richtis beach.

What is the access to the Richtis beach like?

The Richtis beach can be accessed via a dirt track.

Is the Richtis beach nudism friendly?

Yes, the Richtis beach is nudism friendly.

What activities are ideal for the Richtis beach?

The Richtis beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.

Things to do near Richtis beach

Find below list of things to do near Richtis beach:

  • Richtis Gorge

Explore one of Crete’s most beautiful landscapes while hiking by the small river that will lead you to the 20m waterfall of Richtis. During the hike you will see some small ponds and waterfalls, as well as many different endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals. Richtis Gorge is part of the Sitia Geopark. On the path you will pass over small wooden bridges, old water mills and amazing view points. The hike is about 7km long. Richtis gorge is a green oasis where you definately want to be during the Cretan summertime.

  • Stavrochori

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!

Stays near Richtis beach

Find below the list of hotels near Richtis beach:

  • 9.8 / 10
  • Exo Mouliana

Situated in Éxo Moulianá and only 38 km from Vai Palm Forest, Anemomylos House features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation offers a balcony.

The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

Guests can also relax in the garden.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 13 km from the apartment.

from

€65

/night

  • 3.7 km
  • 9.6 / 10
  • Ethniki Odos Agiou Nikolaou Sitias

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Agrilos Οlive Τree Αpartment is situated in Mirsíni. This apartment is 44 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and 45 km from Agios Nikolaos Port.

With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom apartment features a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and microwave. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.

Lake Voulismeni is 44 km from the apartment, while Vai Palm Forest is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from Agrilos Οlive Τree Αpartment.

from

€64

/night

  • 4.6 km
  • 9.5 / 10
  • Ethniki Odos Agiou Nikolaou Sitias

Located in Mirsíni, 44 km from Lake Voulismeni and 46 km from Vai Palm Forest, PALMAR CLUB – Villa Aphrodite provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a patio.

The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.

Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 44 km from the holiday home, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from PALMAR CLUB – Villa Aphrodite.

from

€79

/night

  • 4.7 km
  • 10 / 10
  • Tourloti - Agios Andreas

Situated in Mochlos, Villa 88 features a private pool. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.

The air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hair dryer. A flat-screen TV is available.

Guests can relax in the garden at the property.

Lake Voulismeni is 39 km from the villa, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 38 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 25 km from Villa 88.

from

€45

/night

  • 5.1 km
  • 9.3 / 10
  • Papadiokampos

Featuring mountain views, Papadiokampos Maissonete provides accommodation with free bikes, around 35 km from Vai Palm Forest. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

The villa offers a children’s playground. After a day of snorkelling, diving or cycling, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 10 km from Papadiokampos Maissonete.

  • 5.8 km
  • 9.4 / 10
  • tourloti 1

Situated in Tourlotí, 41 km from Lake Voulismeni and 49 km from Vai Palm Forest, The Mountain House features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.

The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 41 km from the apartment, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 42 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 24 km from The Mountain House.

from

€59

/night

  • 5.9 km

Beaches near Richtis beach

Find below list of beaches near Richtis beach:

  • 1.0 km
Gela beach is located 1.0 km away.

Gela (also known as Tigania) is nestled on the stony and shingle coast of northern Crete, largely shielded from westerly winds. It is situated approximately 58km east of Agios Nikolaos and 26km west of Sitia, nearby the village of Kalavros. To reach Gela from Agios Nikolaos, take the road to Sitia and follow the exit to Kalavros village. From there, follow the 5km dirt track that leads to the sea until you arrive at Gela’s shoreline. The location is incredibly secluded and features several tiny bays with pebble beaches and green-tinted waters, perfect for swimming on calm days. The bays are nestled near the steep, rocky coasts, and the sea here is deep.

The area is perfect for activities like fishing and snorkelling, as well as for those seeking solitude. You’re unlikely to encounter many others in this remote spot.

  • Gela beach
  • Pebbles, Sand
  • Deep
  • Deep blue
  • 5.4 km
Charkomatas beach is located 5.4 km away.

It’s definitely worth your while to venture west from the Papadiokambos settlement, particularly on those seldom windless days. You might consider parking your car roadside, bypassing the wire fence, and taking a brief 2-minute stroll to the mouth of the gorge that stretches from the Liopetro region to the stunning Charkomatas beach, located near Roussa Limni. The breathtaking formations of the Charkomatas gorge, carved from layers of limestone, are sure to leave a lasting impression.

  • Charkomatas beach
  • Pebbles
  • Deep
  • Deep blue
  • 5.9 km
Papadiokambos beach is located 5.9 km away.

Situated 12km west of Sitia and 59km east of Agios Nikolaos, Papadiokambos nests near the Faneromeni Monastery in the Skopi area, just west of Cape Trahilos. Reachable via a well-maintained dirt road, Papadiokambos is home to a long beach scattered with large stones and rocks. You will find a few bays formed with pebbles where swimming is possible. The beach is secluded, so it’s likely you’ll have it all to yourself. However, it’s worth noting that amenities are scarce, so bring your own supplies. Strong winds and large waves discourage most visitors, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing enthusiasts, even in winter. Known as Faneromeni among windsurfers, Papadiokambos is renowned as one of Greece’s prime locations for wave sailing, a thrilling aspect of the sport. The area is characterized by strong currents, large waves reaching 3-4m high, and virtually no beach. Some spots can be hazardous, requiring caution and advanced level skills to avoid damaging your equipment on the rocks.

The beach also houses an excavated Minoan fisherman’s house, a small structure that has provided significant insight into Minoan dietary habits.

  • Papadiokambos beach
  • Pebbles, Rocks in places
  • Deep
  • Blue, Deep blue
  • 6.2 km
Loutres beaches is located 6.2 km away.

Situated 48km east of Agios Nikolaos and 35km west of Sitia is the quaint village of Mochlos. A short 300m journey eastward, near the Agios Andreas settlement, reveals several secluded bays filled with rounded pebbles. Known by the locals as Kolimbakia or Loutres coves, these spots are perfect for snorkelling and fishing, thanks to the rocky seafloor that houses a multitude of fish. Beyond the coves, you’ll find the well-equipped Stomio beach, fronting a local hotel. It provides amenities such as umbrellas, showers, beach-volley courts, canoes, as well as sailing, windsurfing and diving facilities. Further east of Mochlos, the Mavro Selli beach awaits, characterized by a small stream and large pebbles.

  • Loutres beaches
  • Pebbles, Rocks in places, Sand
  • Deep
  • Blue

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