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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.
There are several beaches in Sissi, including Boufos Beach, Avlaki Beach, and the main Sissi Beach.
Yes, the Sissi beacheses in Sissi are generally safe and suitable for families with children. However, it’s always important to keep an eye on your children and follow any safety guidelines.
Yes, there are opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving at some of the Sissi beacheses in Sissi. You can inquire with local tour operators or dive shops for more information.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near the Sissi beacheses in Sissi. You can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the beautiful views of the sea.
The best time to visit the Sissi beacheses in Sissi is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the Sissi beacheses can be crowded during this time, so plan accordingly.
The water colour of the Sissi beaches is blue.
The Sissi beaches has sand, with rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Sissi beaches is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Sissi beaches is usually wavy, but can also be calm.
The Sissi beaches usually has a normal crowd level.
The Sissi beaches has accommodation options, food and water nearby, umbrellas and beds, sports facilities, and showers.
The Sissi beaches can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No other information is available about the Sissi beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Sissi beaches:
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.
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.
Just before we start for this unforgettable guided and self-driving quad tour experience, the experts of our quad safari will teach you everything about the atv vehicles, including lessons for beginners so that everyone is ready to discover Crete safely, with lots of fun and excitement!
Let’s start by heading uphill through an off-road path surrounded by olive groves to reach the chapel of the Prophet Elias. There, we will take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Next, we’ll hit the off-road trail again and traverse a lush landscape filled with vibrant colors as we safari through the vineyards and olive forest, immersing ourselves in the stunning beauty of Crete.
We will then visit a local olive oil factory and learn the process of extracting olive oil. And, of course, we’ll finish with a delightful tasting session!
As we continue our safari tour we will drive our quads through the narrow streets of the beautiful villages until we reach the traditional village of Sissi, a peaceful escape from our safari tour. Take a walk, relax or swim to recharge before continuing our adventure!
Prepare yourself to have unlimited fun on an amazing dynamic dusty-sandy off-road route!
After this amazing Off-roading through the dirty roads , we will enjoy our dinner.
Having experienced an incredible Safari Experts quad trip in Crete and the chance to learn about authentic Cretan life, we are sure you will come back full of amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
Set out on a self-driving quad safari and explore the Cretan countryside with a guided tour with hotel transfers from Malia, Heraklion, Sisi, and surrounding spots. Drive to Milatos, featuring rock-hewn caves and a little beach. Visit an olive oil factory, and discover the Palace of Malia.
Before starting your quad tour experience, get acquainted with your ATV vehicle, including lessons for beginners, by an instructor. Begin by going uphill on off-road terrain to reach your first stop, the chapel of the Prophet Elias, where you will be greeted by panoramic views of the surroundings.
Descending through this lush place, hit an off-road route between the vineyards and olive groves to explore Cretan nature in all its glory. Stop at an olive oil factory to see how locals extract olive oil, followed by a brief tasting.
Continue on the dirt roads to Milatos to explore a series of caves hewn into rocks, surrounded by mountains, rich flora, and fauna. This is your chance to collect some local herbs and be one with nature.
After the hike on the path to Milatos cave, head to Milatos beach for a swim. Next, it’s time for a seaside safari tour through the narrow streets of the quaint fishing villages of Milatos and Sissi.
Then, we’ll drive through impressive off road around the picturesque countryside, where the Malia palace archaeological site once stood. Finally, unwind over lunch after a full day of adventure in Crete.
Find below the list of hotels near Sissi beaches:
Just 200 metres from a sandy beach, Pela Apartments is located in the small fishing village of Sissi. The self-catered accommodation features a TV, safety deposit box and mountain views from its balcony.
A well-equipped kitchenette offering an electric kettle, fridge, electric oven and cooking hobs is featured in all the apartments at Pela. It includes a small dining table and bathroom with shower. Air conditioning is available upon request with surcharge.
A minimarket is conveniently located right across from Pela Apartments. It is 45 km from Heraklion City. A water park can be found 10 km away. Free parking is provided on site.
from
€74
/night
KaDeView Luxury features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Sissi, 1.2 km from Kalimera Kriti 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 a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool at KaDeView Luxury.
Avlaki Beach is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while Boufos Beach is 1.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 39 km from KaDeView Luxury.
Situated in the fishing village of Sissi, the 4-star Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments offers accommodation with cooking facilities next to the sea. It has a sea-water swimming pool and offers free Wi-Fi access in all areas.
Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments are tastefully decorated. They are equipped with flat-screen TV, refrigerator, hairdryer and iron. In the kitchenette, guests can prepare their meal and enjoy it in the privacy of their balcony or veranda. All units feature garden or sea views.
The swimming pool is ideal for a refreshing swim. In the sun terrace guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful sea views while relaxing in the sun loungers.
Just 50 metres from Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, guests can find many seaside taverns serving traditional Cretan specialties. Knossos Palace is a 50-minute drive from Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, while Heraklion airport is 40 km away. Free public parking is available near the hotel.
from
€92
/night
Featuring sea views, Aphrodite Apartment provides accommodation with a terrace and a kettle, around 700 metres from Boufos Beach. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Avlaki Beach is less than 1 km from Aphrodite Apartment, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 1.7 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Sissi, within less than 1 km of Boufos Beach and a 14-minute walk of Avlaki Beach, Maria Hotel Sisi features accommodation with a terrace and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring a garden, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides room service and a 24-hour front desk for guests.
At the hotel, the rooms have a desk, bed linen and a balcony with a city view. All rooms include a safety deposit box and some rooms are fitted with pool views. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
Kalimera Kriti Beach is 1.9 km from Maria Hotel Sisi, while Lake Voulismeni is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 37 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€77
/night
Offering a garden and quiet street view, Sissi Olive home is situated in Sissi, 1.2 km from Avlaki Beach and 2 km from Kalimera Kriti Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1 km from Boufos Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views.
A a baby safety gate is also available at the apartment, while guests can also relax on the sun terrace.
Lake Voulismeni is 26 km from Sissi Olive home, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
from
€94
/night
Find below list of beaches near Sissi beaches:
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.
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 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.
Situated 35km to the east of Heraklion, Malia is a vibrant hub known for its dynamic nightlife and historic appeal with the third largest Minoan palace in Crete, the Malia Palace. Malia’s appeal is augmented by its sandy beaches, a key catalyst for its tourism development.
The main beach in Malia forms the eastern stretch of a 6km long bay commencing from Stalis. This vast beach boasts fine sand and shallow water, often thrumming with life, so much so that there’s barely a gap between sunbeds! Catering to all your comfort needs, the beach offers not only standard amenities such as umbrellas and water sports but also exclusive services like beachfront massage, a beach gym, pool bars at the hotels, and more.
However, if tranquillity is what you’re after, Malia might not be the best fit. You could consider venturing east, beyond the local port, towards the serene beaches of Pirgos and Potamos.
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