Skotini beach
Beach description
Skotini Beach is situated 32 kilometers northwest of Agios Nikolaos, north of Finokalias village. It is found at the exit point of Skotini gorge, one of the most secluded and untamed areas of Crete island. This isolated location houses a University of Crete research station for aerosol studies, established here due to the clean, unpolluted air and lack of human interference.
To get to the beach, one can follow a small canyon from Finokalias village until it meets the sea. A short path leading northwards will take you to the gorge bed. As you walk, you’ll encounter a stunning, undomesticated landscape dotted with bare rocks, sparse vegetation, and a plethora of herbs and spices. The gorge houses 2-3 water wells and numerous caves within its towering walls. According to local folklore, a mysterious woman named Datserolenia once lived in one of these caves, its entrance still guarded by a stone wall. A little further along the path, you’ll stumble upon the secluded Skotini beach.
Alternatively, from Finokalias, you could take the dirt road to St. Andrew’s monastery nestled amidst a pine forest on Cape Drepani. Part of the church is built into the mountain rock, with an inscription indicating it was restored using funds from Spinalonga patients. To get to the beach from the monastery, walk eastwards along the coastline. Eventually, you’ll come across an old fountain that still gushes fresh water.
The beach itself is characterized by pebbles and patches of rocks. The rocky seabed, coupled with frequent waves, makes swimming a challenge and occasionally hazardous. However, on a calm day, you’re likely to enjoy a refreshing, solitary dip in Skotini’s cool waters.
The name “Skotini” translates to “Dark” in Greek, likely a reference to the high and closely spaced walls of the canyon that block out the sun. This, along with the tree canopies overhanging the edges, creates a “dark” environment within the gorge. Another theory suggests the name comes from the numerous caves found within the gorge.
Beach details
Most frequent asked questions
What is Skotini beach?
Skotini beach is a beautiful beach located in Greece.
Is Skotini beach suitable for swimming?
Yes, Skotini beach is suitable for swimming.
Are there any water sports available at Skotini beach?
There are no water sports available at Skotini beach.
Is Skotini beach crowded?
It depends on the time of year. During peak season, Skotini beach can be crowded.
Is there any shade available at Skotini beach?
There is limited shade available at Skotini beach.
Is there any parking available at Skotini beach?
There is limited parking available at Skotini beach.
Is Skotini beach accessible for people with disabilities?
Skotini beach is not accessible for people with disabilities.
Is there any accommodation available near Skotini beach?
There is limited accommodation available near Skotini beach.
Is there any restaurant or cafe available at Skotini beach?
There are no restaurants or cafes available at Skotini beach.
What is the water colour of the Skotini beach?
The water colour of the Skotini beach is blue.
What type of sand is found on the Skotini beach?
The Skotini beach has pebbles and rocks in some places.
How deep is the water at the Skotini beach?
The water at the Skotini beach is deep.
What is the surface of the sea like at the Skotini beach?
The sea surface at the Skotini beach is usually very wavy.
What is the crowd like at the Skotini beach?
The Skotini beach is usually quiet.
What facilities are available at the Skotini beach?
There are no facilities available at the Skotini beach.
How can the Skotini beach be accessed?
The Skotini beach can be accessed by walking.
Is the Skotini beach nudism friendly?
Yes, the Skotini beach is nudism friendly.
Is there any shade available on the Skotini beach?
Yes, there is rock shade available on the Skotini beach.
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User reviews
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Things to do near Skotini beach
Stays near Skotini beach
- 8.7 / 10
- Elounda
Located in Elounda Village, Almond Tree offers accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen and private balconies. A swimming pool surrounded by a garden with sun beds is available. Plaka Beach is at 4 km.
Formerly used as stables, the stone-built Almond Tree apartments and villas are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings and iron beds. The furnished terrace features a traditional Greek clay oven. The property includes a dining and a seating area with fireplace, and is equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, microwave and mini fridge.
Guests can enjoy local cuisine in a variety of traditional restaurants and cafes at nearby villages.
Within 30 km, you can visit the Minoan town of Gournia, while the Minoan Palace of Malia is at 35 km. The fishing village of Plaka connecting to the island of Spinalonga is at 5 km. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
from
€178
/night
- 5.8 km
- 10 / 10
- Eparchiakos Odos Agio Nikolaou - Vrouxas
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Leyla Luxury Villa is situated in Pláka. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 7 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 7 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa.
Plaka Beach is 1.3 km from Leyla Luxury Villa, while Spinalonga Beach is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€756
/night
- 6.0 km
- 8 / 10
- Epar.Od. Agiou Nikolaou - Vrouchas Hylios
Set in Vrouhas and only 1.3 km from Plaka Beach, Beautiful Villa Helios with stunning sea view! offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine, and 3 bathrooms with a shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. Guests at Beautiful Villa Helios with stunning sea view! can enjoy cycling and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Spinalonga Beach is 3 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from Beautiful Villa Helios with stunning sea view!.
from
€187
/night
- 6.0 km
- 9 / 10
- Elounda, Ιsland View Villas
Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Elounda, 700 metres from Plaka Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain 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 bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas offers a hot tub.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Spinalonga Beach is 1.5 km from Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€971
/night
- 6.0 km
- Elounda
Set in Elounda, Villa Danae by Elounda Island View Villas offers a balcony with sea and pool views, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
Featuring a DVD player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 5 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bidet. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
At Villa Danae by Elounda Island View Villas guests are welcome to take advantage of a hammam. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Plaka Beach is 300 metres from Villa Danae by Elounda Island View Villas, while Spinalonga Beach is 1.9 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the villa, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
from
€1129
/night
- 6.0 km
- 9.4 / 10
- Plaka Eloundas
Situated near Plaka Village of Elounda, Elounda Luxury Villas features a garden with trees and aromatic herbs. It offers fully equipped and stylishly decorated accommodation, each with a private pool and unobstructed sea views. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Fitted with a fireplace, stone details, Coco-Mat items and hand-picked artwork, all split-level units are air conditioned and have a satellite, flat-screen TV and blu-ray player. All units include a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven with hobs, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle. Each has an indoor and outdoor dining area and 2 bathrooms, one with shower and one with bath or spa bath, along with bathrobes and slippers. Towels and bed linen are provided.
Elounda Luxury Villas also includes a barbecue.
Heraklion International Airport is 63 km away. Free private parking is available on site.
from
€61
/night
- 6.0 km
