After arrival by bus in Makris Gialos to the southern coast of Crete, the boat trip begins with on the pirate ship “Eydokia” to Koufonisi. The trip through the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea takes about an hour. Approaching the island admire the views of caves and the steep cliffs.
The island is surrounded by 36 fantastic beaches and a walk around the island gives you the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, the emerald waters, and the fine golden sand.
The self-service bar is open throughout the cruise so you can enjoy lunch, snacks, salads, and drinks.
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!
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
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.
Goudouras, a coastal village, is nestled 37km to the east of Ierapetra and 73km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. It is situated in a vast valley surrounded by untamed mountains and inaccessible canyons. Goudouras is essentially an amalgamation of two settlements, Asprolithos and Goudouras. Positioned near the edge of Cape Goudouras, formerly known as Cape Erythrae, the village takes its name from the cape. The name Goudouras is derived from the local plant “agoudouros” (Hypericum triquetrifolium), which is abundant in the area and was traditionally used as a base for drying fruits like figs and raisins. The region’s extremely warm climate is conducive to cultivating olives and greenhouse vegetables, although this has unfortunately impacted the area’s natural beauty.
Tourism development in the village has been mild, resulting in a serene and peaceful destination even during the peak month of August. A road runs alongside the coastal village, leading to a large pebbly beach with clean, cool water. While it’s not heavily organized, there are spots with umbrellas and nearby taverns. We recommend visiting the neighboring Votsalaki beach, located to the west. To reach Goudouras from Ierapetra, take the road to Makrigialos and then turn towards Goudouras. There are also bus services from Ierapetra to Goudouras.
Within Goudouras, you’ll find the stone-built Church of the Ascension. From here, you can journey to the charming village of Agia Triada, situated 8km north, where you can take in the enchanting beauty of the wild Cretan countryside and ancient olive groves. Afterwards, head to Ziros and Xerokambos and unwind on the seemingly endless golden beaches.
Votsalaki, also known as Botzalaki, sits 71km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 36km east of Ierapetra, at the west end of Goudouras in a region known as Aspra Chomata (translating to white grounds in Greek). It is nestled within the dry and rugged terrain of Eastern Crete, conveniently situated near the Gorge Asprolithos exit.
The beach of Votsalaki is one of the most stunning on Crete island. It boasts small pebbles and crystal clear waters. The sea’s color is enchanting, displaying shades of green, blue, and red due to the local soil. Despite its proximity to the main road, Votsalaki remains relatively secluded. The beach’s west end is a popular spot for naturists, as the surrounding cliffs provide a natural barrier from unwanted viewers.
To reach Votsalaki, drive east from Ierapetra along the main road towards Sitia, following the south coastline of Crete. After passing Makrigialos, take the road leading to Goudouras and stop 2.5km past Kapsa Monastery.
Another beach worth visiting is Thodori’s. If you travel towards Makrigialos from Votsalaki, you’ll come across a remote sandy beach scattered with pebbles, known as Thodoris Limani. The name likely comes from a former landowner named Thodoris. The beach is split into two adjacent coves. Unfortunately, there are no facilities or natural shade, so remember to bring an umbrella and water. Despite these minor inconveniences, the beach’s extraordinary sea colors, with green and pink hues, make it a must-visit spot.
Atherina beach, a hidden gem, is situated approximately 70 km southeast from Agios Nikolaos and 34 km east of Ierapetra, just before reaching the coastal village of Goudouras. To get there, you must follow the narrow, deep, and dry stream that drains from the Vigla region. This stream can be found about 300 meters past the Agii Saranda church in Kalami. Following it will lead you directly to the sea, providing easier access to the beach. Alternatively, there is a rough dirt road that ends just above the beach’s eastern edge.
Atherina is an exquisite secret cove, perfect for swimming. The landscape features a small canyon formed by rocks, accompanied by a large stone platform on its side. This secluded beach has pebbles and crystal clear blue waters that make swimming a surreal experience. Shadows are easily found by the sides of the small gorge’s conglomerate walls, providing a respite from the sun.
The surrounding sea area is dotted with natural salt pans, yielding ample sea salt that can be harvested with a spoon from the rocks. In the vicinity, you can explore and discover several other remote and tiny beaches.
The quaint village of Kalami is situated 70 kilometers southeast from Agios Nikolaos and 34 kilometers east of Ierapetra, in close proximity to Goudouras. It’s an area abundant with serene, secluded coves which offer respite from crowded city centers, and are easily reached since the road runs adjacent to them.
The first beach you encounter is Kalami, aptly named after the Greek word for reeds, which can be found growing in the stream that trickles through the center of the beach. It’s a picturesque pebble beach, a sanctuary with its own fresh water spring. While the beach lacks tall trees, the rocks provide a natural canopy, offering shade throughout the day. To find the beach, look out for the chapel of Agii Saranda, as the beach lies directly beneath it. However, be aware that the path from the road to the beach can be challenging due to the surrounding high rocks, but it’s not impossible.
Adjacent to Kalami beach are several tiny, secluded coves. The first beach to the west is nestled at the mouth of a narrow ravine with cavernous walls. Named Atherina, this is one of the area’s most beautiful private beaches. A mere 100 meters to the east, another small bay faces westward.
The thin yet often wavy stretch of sea dividing the islands of Koufonissi from the opposite coasts of Crete did not hinder the continuous presence of humans in ancient times. The ancient name Lefki (meaning white) was inspired by the shimmer of white limestone and marl in the sunlight.
Koufonissi was an economic and cultural center from the Minoan until the Greco-Roman Times and was claimed by all major cities of the region. As recorded on the inscription of the Magnites, currently embedded on the facade of the Toplou monastery church, there was a significant dispute between Itanos and Ierapytna about the island. In 132 AD, the island was owned by Itanos.
The history of the islands is closely tied to sponge fishing and processing of Tyrian purple, the red dye used by Ancients and Byzantines, which was extracted from the gastropod Murex brandaris. According to Aristotle and Pliny, live shells were collected in early autumn or winter and were then put in pots until many of them were gathered since each shell produced just one drop of dye. After that, the smaller shells were broken with stones. The larger mollusks were pierced and then a small gland called “flower” was extracted. Then, they put the milky liquid in salt, added a little vinegar, and left this in the sunlight. Its color turned red from yellow and was then diluted or condensed with boiling. The dye, the Tyrian purple, was sold at that time as it weighed in silver. If they added hyacinth blooms, the color was violet, but it was considered of inferior quality.
In 1976, excavations began on the island, uncovering remarkable findings. On the northwest edge of the island, at Anemertia, opposite the Marmara islet, and a short distance from the beach, the excavations revealed a well-preserved stone theater. The auditorium was damaged only on its west side, while a significant part of the central seats has completely disappeared. The auditorium has twelve rows of seats and a maximum length of 34 m. The distance of the twelfth row to the orchestra floor reaches 6 m. It is estimated that the auditorium could accommodate about 1000 people.
The orchestra, almost chamber, was paved with clay tiles. The stage, completely corrupt in its western part, should have a length of 20m while the width is estimated at about 9m. At the eastern end, one can make out the paraskenion, the pulpitum or stage, the hyposkenion, and also the east parados which was vaulted. The theater had rich decoration, which was vandalized. The theater was destroyed and burned with ferocity at the end of the 4th century.
East and south of the theater, the excavations revealed a settlement that seems to have been destroyed, such as the theater. Excavations have unearthed a large house or villa of which 8 proper rooms still exist. One enters through a small but impressive porch (propylon) facing the road which leads to the east parados of the theater. The kitchens were identified and also the household workshop for the preparation of purple dye. Two formal rooms for entertaining were found with mosaic floors of black and white geometrical designs (based on the rhombus and the cross) framed by a surround. In the main part of the settlement, other houses have been excavated; 16 rooms have been cleared – probably houses of fishermen since installations for the preparation of purple dye were found and also fishing equipment such as hooks and lead weights for nets.
The most important building of the settlement – following the theater – is the imposing building of the Public Baths (Balinea), which was in use from the 1st to the 4th AD century. The pathological love that Romans had for the public baths, combining physical cleaning with training and discussing, is well known. The Baths building was necessary not only in cities but also in small dorps. In rich houses, there was a separate area, a miniature of the public Baths (Balinea), while the imperial Baths (Thermae) were famous for their luxury.
The Bath complex of Koufonisi includes all the spaces that followed the standards of the Roman Baths: Around a garden, there are rooms such as that for the central heating system (whose walls are preserved at a height of 4 m), two hypocausts (perhaps for men and women separately), baths for sweating, warm, hot and cold bath, and changing rooms. Luxury is still visible in some rooms, in the preserved parts of the marble floor and walls. A large number of vaulted tanks with pipelines is impressive. They were used to bring water from the springs located north of the Temple to the other side of the island.
In the south part of the island, a temple was found, which unfortunately has suffered from predatory looting from the authorities (in 1920) to build a huge lighthouse, only 5m from the eastern short side of the temple where the entrance would have been, even though another stepped entrance was found on the north side. The overall dimensions of the temple were 18m x 15,7m with a crepidoma, while next to the north-west corner two large pieces of the colossal cult statue of the temple seen were found. This represented a deity enthroned on a cube-shaped seat. The fragments found are: a part of the seat with the left side of the pelvis, and the right leg from the draped or folded waist of the garment down to the ankle. Unfortunately, it is very damaged, but it appears to be of the Hellenistic period, and the height of the whole statue must have been over 2,50m.
The rest of the statue, however incredible it may seem, must have been broken up by the workmen and used as building material for the lighthouse (which was bombed in 1944). Here the lumps of marble can be seen wedged among the other stones, also the huge symmetrical blocks which were uprooted from the temple of which only the steps and the filling remain – even the flooring has disappeared. As if all this were not enough, in more recent years, a metal automatic lighthouse pylon (now removed) had been set up over the floor of the temple, placed perhaps, who knows, by the ironical hand of fate right where the colossal statue of the deity, worshipped by the people of Lefki, used to stand in all its splendor.
Praesus (now known as Pressos) stood atop three hills, approximately 13km south of Sitia and a mere 2km from today’s Nea Pressos, formerly Vaveli. Established by the Eteocretans, who fled the Minoan cities after the Dorian invasion around 1100 BC, they settled in Crete’s secluded regions. Two ports served Praesus, one near Sitia (Etea) and another on the southern coast (Stales).
Initially, the Eteocretans maintained their Minoan traditions, language, and religious practices. Archaeological finds here include inscriptions in the Minoan language using Greek characters, offering significant insights into deciphering the Minoan language. Over time, the city adopted a democratic constitution, akin to the Dorian city-states.
All its hills functioned as strongholds, with the tallest encircled by a defensive wall and remnants of a grand mansion. One hill reveals traces of an altar and various artefacts from sacrificial rites. Remarkably, an athlete’s tomb was discovered here, along with possible Panathenaic Game awards.
As a dominant Cretan city, Praesus minted its own coins bearing various icons like Hercules and Zeus. The city vied with Itanos and Ierapytna for control over Palekastro’s Zeus temple and Koufonissi island. However, by 155 BC, Ierapytna overpowered and razed Praesus, leading its inhabitants to retreat to the Etea port and establish New Praesus.
Italian archaeologists Halbherr and Mariani initiated the site’s excavations in the 1880s. Presently, visitors can explore a sprawling archaeological area dotted with ancient churches, temples, fortifications, and more.
The sheltered harbor and verdant valley of Makrigialos made it a prime spot for settlements over the years. A testament to this is the Roman villa discovered at Katovigli in 1977 by archaeologist N. Papadakis, located above today’s Makrigialos port. Before this, the site had revealed plundered graves and a 4th-century AD headstone.
This grand mansion, active from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD, spanned at least 1500 sq.m. Its layout featured a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, storage spaces, and a bath system with reservoirs. The entrance showcased a mosaic floor adorned with floral and geometric designs, while rooms boasted marble flooring. The estate also housed a burial chamber, an oven with a vaulted entrance, and ash remnants, indicative of the site’s multifaceted history.
The peaceful region of Makrigialos, with its small fertile plane and sheltered sandy beach, was not overlooked by the Minoans, who left significant evidence of their presence. The primary discovery is a rural mansion, a miniature Minoan palace, located in Plakakia and found in 1971 by Kostas Davaras.
Dating back to 1480-1425 BC, the villa was likely a center for commercial control of the Makrigialos plane and its harbor. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire. The mansion featured a large central courtyard, tiled floors, sturdy external walls, secondary courtyards, rooms, a sanctuary, and a location where a sacred palm tree stood; this can be seen in a stamp depicting a sacred ship, a priestess, and a palm tree.
The Kapsas Monastery of St. John is situated 9km east of Makrigialos, adjacent to Goudouras, and is owned by the Toplou Monastery near Sitia. It is dedicated to the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, which is commemorated on August 29.
This monastery is constructed like a fortress on a steep, rocky slope above the sea, along the edges of the stunning Pervolakia gorge. A picturesque pebble beach can be found in front of the monastery.
It is said that the monk Joseph Gerontoyannis, who lived in a nearby cave, made the monastery famous due to his miraculous abilities. He was able to experience divine visions, walk on the sea to the neighboring island of Koufonissi, and cure any sickness. Today, he is honored on August 7.
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The Kapsas gorge, a wild and majestic natural wonder, is situated 8-9km to the east of Makrigialos and 33km to the east of Ierapetra. It is also known as Pervolakia, named after the charming and remote village located near its northern entrance. While in the area, it’s worth taking a stroll through the neighboring traditional village of Pezoulas, known for its stunning houses. The gorge concludes by the Kapsa Monastery, opening up to the Libyan Sea. Here, visitors can enjoy a peaceful swim on the serene pebbly beach, just opposite the gorge’s end.
The gorge spans approximately 4km, and hiking through it is a moderately challenging task. The trek takes around 2 hours if you decide to start from the southern end (the Monastery) and head towards Perivolakia. However, if you opt for the less strenuous route, descending from Perivolakia to Kapsa Monastery, it takes roughly 1.5 hours.
The gorge’s interior is a sight to behold, characterized by towering walls and sparse vegetation, giving it a desolate and arid appearance. The trail features several climbing points and signposts. The road that links Makrigialos and Goudouras runs adjacent to the gorge’s exit, near the Monastery. Public transportation is available, with buses running between Goudouras and Ierapetra. Alternatively, you can drive to Pervolakia or Kapsa Monastery and then hail a taxi in Makrigialos to return to your vehicle.
The gorge is also a habitat for one of the rarest plant species in Crete, the Limonium of Cornaros (limonium cornarianum). This plant is found only in certain limestone maritime rocks within the gorge and a tiny islet named Agia Fotia.
The Agia Irini gorge, located near the quaint town of Ziros, begins from the Agia Irini village and concludes at the stunning Agia Irini beach. An ancient path through the gorge leads to the Xerokambos area. Before reaching the sea, it converges with the Platyvolo gorge, which drains the small Hametoulo plateau where a dirt road leads to the beach.
Both gorges are rugged and untamed, characterized by steep inclines and towering walls. The westernmost branch, in particular, can be intimidating and hazardous for those unaccustomed to canyon hiking, though it doesn’t require any technical skills. A hike through the gorge typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your speed. The steep inclines, which start at an altitude of 500m and descend to sea level, can put significant strain on your knees. There are no marked trails, so hikers must navigate their own way.
The Xerokambos Canyon, also known as Ziros Canyon, Hamaitoulo Canyon, or Lamnoni Canyon, is among the driest gorges in Eastern Crete. This gorge once served as a pathway from Ziros to Xerokambos. A hike through this gorge is relatively easy, taking roughly two hours to complete. The canyon is renowned for its rugged charm, featuring towering bare walls and sparse vegetation. As you traverse the gorge, you’ll be able to glimpse the expansive South Cretan Sea in the distance. During the summer, the area can become quite hot with little shade available. It’s recommended that one person in your group drives to the top entrance of the canyon at the small Lamnoni plateau or to the second entrance near Hamaitoulo village, then meets the rest of the group in Xerokampos. There, they can enjoy the area’s stunning sea views and emerald beaches.
Traveling from Xerokampos to the Ziros plateau, the gorge’s exit is clearly visible. From Ziros, head towards the abandoned Lamnoni settlement, approximately 4 km east. Here, you can follow the ravine that soon becomes the gorge. Initially, you’ll come across a small water fountain and may need to open a few gates to allow goats to graze. From this point, you can enter the gorge and walk towards its exit near the Ziros – Xerokampos road. The gorge then extends to Lygia beach.
The Pefki Gorge, also known as Anegyrous Gorge, is a stunning small gorge located in East Crete. Its beauty is characterized by breathtaking rock formations molded by nature and lush greenery. The gorge extends for approximately 4.5 km, with an elevation difference of 300 meters between the entrance and exit. The gorge begins south of Pefki village and concludes at the Aspros Potamos settlement, 2km north of Makrigialos. The stream running through the gorge collects water from the area south of the Romanati peak (937m) and carries it to the Analipsi beach. The gorge features a well-defined path that traces the riverbed for most of its length. At certain points, benches are available for rest. A 2-hour journey through the gorge is part of the E4 European long-distance path.
The Journey
The journey through the gorge commences slightly south of Pefki, where the familiar black and yellow E4 signs direct you to the entrance, adjacent to the old Ilias water mill (1925). From here, an easy path skirts the edges of the canyon before descending to the river bed at the heart of the gorge. The canyon is vibrant with pine trees, while the riverbed is predominantly surrounded by platans and herbs. Spectacular white rock formations, unique to Crete and over 100 meters tall, flank the sides of the canyon.
Upon reaching the southern exit of the gorge, you’ll find a spring of clean, drinkable water for refreshment. The gorge’s exit is located in the Pisokaminos area, near the Aspros Potamos village, rather than by the sea. Further along, you’ll encounter the remarkable large rock known as Volakas Sarakinou (Saracen’s rock). Legend has it that a Saracen pirate once took refuge here after being left behind in Crete. The rock is covered in small pebbles, believed to be the remnants of an old children’s game. The kids would throw stones at Volakas, and if a stone stayed on the rock, they would find food at home. If not, they wouldn’t. Following Aspros Potamos village, you’ll reach the main road connecting Makrigialos and Pefki. If no one is waiting to pick you up by car, you’ll need to walk the remaining 2km to Makrigialos.
Casa di Olive, all seasons accommodation is situated in Goúdhouros and offers free bikes. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests at Casa di Olive, all seasons accommodation can enjoy cycling nearby, or make the most of the garden.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 43 km from the accommodation.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Beachfront Villa Atalandia with Heated Pool, Gym, BBQ & Office is set in Goúdhouros. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa comes with 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a fitness room. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Beachfront Villa Atalandia with Heated Pool, Gym, BBQ & Office, while cycling and fishing can be enjoyed nearby.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 41 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€698
/night
Situated in Makry Gialos, 100 metres from Koutsounari Beach and 200 metres from Staousa Beach, ISALO Villa offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. A an indoor play area is also available for guests at ISALO Villa.
Anaskelou Beach is 400 metres from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 37 km from ISALO Villa.
from
€133
/night
Kalo Nero Apartments features garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Makry Gialos, 200 metres from Koutsounari Beach.
Offering sea or mountain views, each unit comes with a kitchen, a satellite flat-screen TV and DVD player, wardrobe, a washing machine and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. An oven, a microwave and toaster are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a barbecue.
Guests at Kalo Nero Apartments can enjoy snorkelling and cycling nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
Staousa Beach is 300 metres from the accommodation, while Anaskelou Beach is 500 metres away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 37 km from Kalo Nero Apartments.
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