Koutsouras is a coastal village on the south-east coast of Crete, in the Lasithi region, about 20 km east of Ierapetra on the main road to Makry Gialos. Koutsouras lies in a valley of pine trees, greenhouses and olive groves on the southern slopes of Mount Thripti, with its beach directly below the village. It carries more everyday services than a village of its size usually does: a police station, a pharmacy, a clinic, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. That is what makes it workable as a base rather than a stop.
The resort of Makry Gialos begins 2.3 km east, so the bars and harbour of a larger place are within walking distance while prices here stay lower. Three gorges cut down from Thripti within 6 km, and the coast on either side holds a run of small beaches, several reachable only on foot or by boat.
Five outings lie within about 6 km, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Koutsouras has its own beach plus 4 more within 4 km, and they differ sharply in how easy they are to reach.
Eating splits between the village itself, where everything sits within 500 m, and the wider choice around Makry Gialos 2.3 km east.
Follow the south-coast road east out of Ierapetra and Koutsouras arrives after about 20 km, with Makry Gialos immediately beyond it. The village sits directly on that road, which makes it straightforward to reach by car and keeps it on the bus route along this coast.
Arriving from elsewhere on the island means a longer drive than the map suggests, because the route crosses the mountains rather than following a coast. Our page for Makry Gialos next door gives the road distances for this stretch: about 25 km from Ierapetra, 33 km from Sitia and 60 km from Agios Nikolaos.
Koutsouras lies on the south-east coast of Crete, about 20 km east of Ierapetra, in the Lasithi region on the road towards Makry Gialos.
Yes: the beach lies 200 m below the village centre, and 4 more sit within 4 km, from the organised sand at Lagoufa to the cliff-backed coves of Maheridia that need a boat.
Koutsouras carries the services of a much larger place: a clinic, a pharmacy, a police station, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. Makry Gialos and its harbour lie 2.3 km east, so the resort is within reach without staying in it.
Three gorges come down off Mount Thripti within 6 km. Orino, 4.1 km away, follows one of the steepest rivers on the island; Pefki, 5 km away, runs 4.5 km with a 300 m descent; and the Ahlia gorge lies 5.4 km off.
Makry Gialos begins 2.3 km east of Koutsouras, close enough to walk along the coast road, and the beaches between the two villages fill most of that stretch.
This guided hike walks the 7 kilometres of Richtis gorge in eastern Crete, following the river past old water mills to a 20-metre waterfall. Richtis gorge forms part of the Sitia Geopark, and the route stays green and largely shaded through the Cretan summer, unusual for a gorge on this island. Experiences Crete runs it over 7.5 hours including transfers, from €95, and it holds a 4.91 rating across 51 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The walk follows the riverbed downstream through the gorge, rising and falling gently rather than climbing, and ends near the coast. Four things define the route.
First is the water. A small river runs the length of the gorge, feeding ponds and small falls along the way before the 20-metre main waterfall. Second are the crossings, wooden bridges span the stream repeatedly, which is what keeps the route walkable rather than a scramble. Third are the old stone water mills, left where the river once powered them. Fourth is the flora and fauna, with endemic plants the guides point out as you go.
The terrain is flat and rocky, and the operator rates the activity level as easy. Children from 5 years old can take part.
The hike takes place in one gorge in the far east of the island.
The €95 covers the guide, the transfers and the practicalities, leaving only the gorge entry ticket.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this hike as the best first gorge in Crete, and we mean that specifically. Samaria is 16 kilometres and a serious day; Richtis is 7 kilometres on flat rocky ground with bridges over the water. It gives you the gorge experience, the walls closing in, the river, the shade, the waterfall at the end, without the commitment, and reviewers say exactly that, calling it an excellent introduction to walking in Crete’s gorges and perfect for beginners.
The guiding is the strongest thing here, and the numbers back it. A 5.0 out of 5 dimension score for guiding is rare, and the reviews explain it: the guide, Giorgos, is named again and again by walkers from the UK, Germany and the US, praised for pointing out wildlife and plants that nobody would notice alone, for answering questions properly, and for setting a pace that suits the group.
Group sizes are genuinely small. Several reviewers describe being one of two or three people on the walk with the guide, which is not what €95 usually buys.
The shade matters more than it sounds. One reviewer noted the route is largely in shade, and in a Cretan July that single fact decides whether a hike is pleasant or punishing.
Two things to weigh.
Value is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, still high, but the lowest of the three. At €95 plus the €5 gorge ticket this is not a cheap day, and what you are paying for is transfer, a private-feeling group and expert guiding rather than distance covered.
Some flexibility helps. One reviewer who otherwise rated it five stars noted that a degree of flexibility is advisable for parts of the walk. The grade is easy, not effortless, and the terrain is rock rather than path in places.
Wear real shoes, send your details ahead, and carry more water than the bottle provided.
Pick-up, transfer and drop-off are included, and the day runs 7.5 hours in total. The operator needs the full name and date of birth of every participant after booking.
Bring sunglasses, a hat, hiking shoes and water. The hike suits anyone in normal health and fitness, and children from 5 years old can take part.
The hike covers about 7 kilometres, within a 7.5-hour day that includes the transfers from your hotel.
The operator rates it easy, on flat and rocky terrain with wooden bridges over the river, and reviewers describe it as suitable for inexperienced hikers.
The main waterfall drops 20 metres, with smaller falls and ponds along the river before it.
Children from 5 years old can take part, and the flat terrain and short distance make it one of the more family-manageable gorges in Crete.
The €5 gorge ticket is not included and applies from age 15, so carry cash for it.
Much of the route is shaded, which reviewers single out as the reason it works well in Cretan summer heat.
Check dates and prices for the Richtis gorge and waterfall guided hike.
This quad safari rides the mountain tracks of south-eastern Crete from a meeting point at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. The route crosses olive groves and pine forest to a plateau with a 360-degree view taking in both the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at once, and finishes with a Cretan lunch in a mountain taverna. SOUTHEAST CRETE IKE runs it over 5 hours 30 minutes from €195, with a 4.94 rating across 70 reviews.
The day starts with a briefing and ends with lunch, with five stops in between. The route is a loop from Galini back to Galini.
First is the 09:00 meeting and briefing, covering the vehicle controls and safety rules, followed by a test drive so you are comfortable before leaving. Second, the group heads into the southern mountains through olive groves, stopping at stalactite formations for photographs. Third comes a mountain village and a forest of Mediterranean plant species, then a stop above the Libyan Sea. Fourth, the track climbs past a sheepfold and an isolated Orthodox chapel to a plateau at around 1,500 metres, from there you see Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south. Fifth is the descent to a mountain village for lunch, then the winding roads back to Galini.
You need a driving licence to ride.
The route stays in the mountains behind the south-east coast.
The €195 covers the quad, the fuel, the guiding and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
Bring your driving licence, it is required.
We recommend this one for the viewpoint, which is the single best argument any tour on this page has. Standing on a plateau at 1,500 metres where you can see the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at the same time, Mirabello bay one way, Chrissi island the other, is something Crete offers in very few places, and almost none of them have a road.
At 4.94 across 70 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the delivery is as good as the route. The guide, Jürgen, is named in review after review by guests from Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK and Austria, praised for speaking English, French, German and even Dutch, for explaining how the landscape and the island came to be, and for looking after small groups properly. One German couple were the only two on their tour.
The safety briefing gets repeated praise, which matters on a quad. A French reviewer described the instructions as very clear and said it let them ride with confidence. Another noted the staff explain the day’s schedule and the safety briefing before anything starts, and the test drive means nobody’s first time on a quad is on a mountain track.
The lunch is not an afterthought. Reviewers from France, Germany and the Netherlands all single it out, a family tavern, a typical Cretan meal, properly taken care of.
Two honest points rather than complaints, because this review record contains no criticism at all.
It is €195, which is at the upper end for a half-day activity in Crete. Value for money still scores 4.9, so people who paid it thought it worth it, but go in knowing the number.
Transport is extra. The meeting point at Galini is signposted from the main road, but if you are staying in Heraklion or Chania this is a long drive, and the transfer is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
Bring your licence, ride the test loop properly, and take a layer for the altitude.
The meeting point is at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, marked by a large sign on the main road. The day starts at 09:00 and runs 5 hours 30 minutes.
Bring your driving licence. Transfer from your accommodation is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
The tour runs 5 hours 30 minutes, starting at 09:00 from the meeting point at Galini.
A driving licence is required to ride the quad.
Lunch and drinks at a mountain taverna are included, and reviewers consistently rate the meal as a highlight rather than a filler.
From the plateau you see the Cretan Sea with Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and the Libyan Sea with Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south.
A safety briefing and a test drive come before the route starts, and reviewers who had never ridden a quad describe feeling confident afterwards.
Transfer is a paid option, not an inclusion. The meeting point is signposted on the main road at Galini.
Check dates and prices for the Ierapetra quad safari day tour.
Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.
Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.
When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda area.
This is a small family boat trip rather than a charter: four hours out of Agios Nikolaos marina with Captain Kostas aboard the Monomahos, fishing the bays of Mirabello with rods, stopping to swim, and eating a snack his wife cooks. Fishing Trips Crete run it from €90, with a 4.87 rating across 68 reviews, and reviewers keep saying the same thing, that beginners are welcome.
The four hours divide between fishing, swimming and eating, and the captain reads the weather to decide the order.
First is the marina at Agios Nikolaos, where Kostas meets you at the boat. Second is the run out into Mirabello Bay, the large sheltered gulf that gives eastern Crete its calmest water, to whichever spot is fishing that day. Third is the fishing itself, with rods and tackle provided and the captain baiting and advising as needed. Fourth is a stop in one of the bays for a swim and the snack, with beer, local wine, soft drinks, coffee and water on board.
Reviewers commonly report three different stops in a single trip, and several describe snorkelling between the fishing spots.
The boat works the gulf immediately around the town.
The €90 covers the boat, the captain, the tackle and the food.
Included:
There is nothing listed as excluded, which is unusual and worth noting, the price is the price.
We recommend this one because of who it works for: people who have never fished. That is not the usual pitch for a fishing trip, and it is the single most repeated point in the reviews.
A German guest put it directly, Kostas is attentive, helpful and patient, and that matters when you have people aboard fishing for the first time in their lives. Another German family called it recommended even for inexperienced anglers. A British couple reported their daughter Freya catching her first fish ever. If you have been put off booking because you would not know what to do with a rod, this is the trip that solves that.
The second thing is that it is genuinely a family operation. Kostas runs it with his daughter Katerina, the snack is cooked by his wife, and there is a dog on board that a French reviewer went out of their way to mention. A German visitor said it felt more like being out with friends than on a tour. Guide and transportation both score 4.9 out of 5.
Third, it is not only fishing. Reviewers describe three stops in four hours, snorkelling between them, and the captain explaining the species being caught. A Dutch family of four fished and snorkelled at three different locations. If half your group wants to swim rather than fish, they are catered for.
Two honest notes.
Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, which is still high, but €90 for four hours is a real price, and it reflects a small boat with few passengers rather than a bargain.
Weather decides the itinerary. The operator states that the captain chooses the route and the spot according to conditions on the day, so nothing about the route is fixed in advance.
Say you are a beginner, bring a towel, and come hungry.
The meeting point is Akti Nearchou 18 at the Agios Nikolaos marina. The trip runs 4 hours and the boat is the Monomahos.
Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection. The captain has 30 years at sea and all fishing equipment is supplied, so there is nothing else to bring.
The trip runs 4 hours from the marina, covering fishing, a swim stop and a snack.
No, reviewers repeatedly describe it as suitable for complete beginners, including children catching their first fish.
All fishing equipment is included, along with a snack, water, a soft drink or coffee, and a beer or glass of local wine.
Yes, the boat stops in one of the bays for a swim, and reviewers commonly report snorkelling between fishing spots.
Into Mirabello Bay, the sheltered gulf around Agios Nikolaos, with the exact spots chosen by the captain on the day.
Captain Kostas, with 30 years at sea, working alongside his daughter Katerina, with the onboard snack cooked by his wife.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos fishing trip.
Situated 55km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 20km east of Ierapetra, Koutsouras lies on the primary road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. This coastal village is nestled in a valley surrounded by pine trees, greenhouses, and olive groves, resting on the southern slopes of Mount Thripti. Despite being equipped with a police station, pharmacy, clinic, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and more, Koutsouras maintains a serene atmosphere.
The village is bordered by beaches featuring coarse black sand and tranquil waters. The primary beach, located to the west of the village and adjacent to the old settlement, is well-maintained and dotted with tamarisk trees for shade. A secluded pebble beach near the village harbor offers a quieter option, situated 1.5km west next to the Apiganias woodland. Additionally, the family-friendly Koutsourelis beach, boasting sandy shores, lies 1km east of Koutsouras.
Sights to See
Koutsouras’ surrounding region, a heavenly landscape of Eastern Crete, is worth exploring. The southern slopes of Thripti are blanketed by a lush pine forest, providing an oasis in Lasithi’s arid landscape. Despite significant damage from a 1993 fire, the forest has gradually regenerated. The Apiganias park, 1.5km west of the village, offers a glimpse of the pine trees and also hosts cultural events. This park also marks the end of the Red Butterflies gorge, a unique canyon filled with pine trees and fresh water springs. For a complete experience, consider visiting the village Orino on Mount Thripti, which marks the starting point of the gorge.
Situated on the western side of the Makrigialos settlement, Kalamokanias is 57km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 22km east of Ierapetra. It rests on the western flank of Katovigli hill, which towers over the harbour area. The area is named Kalamokanias after the migratory stilt bird (Himantopus himantopus) – a red-legged creature resembling a miniature stork that frequents local streams.
The beach at Kalamokanias is tranquil, featuring coarse black sand that doesn’t cling to the skin. While not extensively developed, it offers some amenities including tamarisk trees for shade and a few taverns and rental rooms. Mainly frequented by locals, it provides a respite from the more tourist-heavy beach of Makrigialos.
To reach Kalamokanias from Ierapetra, make a right turn toward the sea just 100m before entering Makrigialos. Additionally, a coastal road links the beach with the local harbour.
The beaches of Maheridia by Koutsouras village are a series of three different beaches with high cliffs. These beaches are all beautiful with crystal clear water and are only accessible by boat. The only one that can be accessed from the coast is the last beach to the east, accessed through two different trails hidden in the dense piney wood. The beach is only a few meters east of the well-known woods Apiganias at Koutsouras, in an area with many pine trees.
From the main road, a very short dirt road descends to the parking area where we meet a cluster of high pine trees. From here we have beautiful panoramic views of the eastern bay of Maheridia. Maheridia is a favourite destination for locals and you will very rarely see tourists. The picturesque bays are sandy and pebbly with some scattered rocks in places. The east bay at Maheridi is calm and windless almost all the time, being ideal for families with children.
The area is full of water springs, especially in winter and spring water gushes from everywhere and after a short distance reaches the sea. At some point the water is gathered, so one can see running water even in the dry summer months.
The beach known as Mavros Kolimbos or Agios Panteleimon is situated 51km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 16km to the east of Ierapetra. This quaint coastal settlement has experienced gentle growth over recent years. The area boasts several rental accommodations and small eateries. The beach itself is a charming spot with dark grey pebbles and typically tranquil waters. Some parts of the seabed are rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. Although the beach is not organized, there are tamarisk trees nearby that provide natural shade.
To reach Mavros Kolimbos from Ierapetra, take the main road east towards Makrigialos, which runs along Crete’s southern shoreline. Public bus services are also available to Makrigialos and can stop in the area. If you’re driving, consider stopping by the mountainous Orino village in the Thrypti Range and the Gorge of Red Butterflies. Within the settlement, pay a visit to the Agios Panteleimonas church, from which the beach derives its alternative name.
Located at Vothoni of Kakia Skala, in the province of Ierapetra, you can find the Roman fish tanks carved by the Romans into the soft sandstone, featuring a small opening to the sea to allow fresh water to flow in. There are also some steps in one corner.
It is not difficult to envision a housewife from that time standing on top, pointing, and exclaiming, “I want that one!” This historical site is truly impressive and well worth the effort to visit.
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 Minoan settlement of Vasiliki can be found in the region of the village Vasiliki, within the province of Ierapetra, situated on hill Kasteli. It is located opposite the exit of the gorge of Ha and relatively close to the Minoan settlement of Gournia, occupying an elevated point that controlled the isthmus of Ierapetra. The settlement has been in existence since 2600 BC and flourished due to its strategic position and the fertile valley. The main buildings were destroyed by fire in 2300 BC and later rebuilt on the hilltop. The Minoans appear to have had an impressive knowledge of urban planning since that era.
The site was initially excavated in 1900 by Americans Haryet Boyd and Richard B. Seager, but the most systematic excavations were conducted by Antonios Zois after 1970. The excavations have uncovered a Minoan mansion (on the hill) with storage rooms and a courtyard.
Within the ancient settlement of Vasiliki, remarkable vessels were discovered, primarily pots and teapots, used for transporting liquids with elongated narrow spouts (mouths). These vessels are adorned with characteristic spots that are created with controlled temperature in the ceramic kiln. The style of these vessels found in Vassiliki is referred to as “Vassiliki ware“, and it is believed that Vassiliki was the center of production for this type of vessel, which mainly date from 2300 BC to 1900 BC.
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.
The Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, also known as Virgin Mary of Gournia, is situated northwest of Pachia Ammos and 24km south of Agios Nikolaos. This male monastery is perched on a steep slope at an altitude of 540 meters, offering breathtaking views of the sea. The two-aisled monastery church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Zoodohos Pigi (Source of Life), is built within a cave.
As one of the most renowned monasteries in eastern Crete, the Panagia Faneromeni Monastery attracts pilgrims from all over the island, especially on August 15th, its celebration day. Some even arrive on foot to fulfill a vow.
Constructed on a steep incline, the monastery resembles a fortress overlooking the sea. Its strategic position reflects the defensive nature of the Faneromeni Monastery against the frequent pirate attacks along the Cretan coast. The architecture is reminiscent of monasteries that were restored in the late 16th and 17th centuries.
Legend has it that a shepherd once lost his best ram every afternoon. One day, he decided to follow the ram and witnessed it drinking water flowing from the cave. As the shepherd approached, the icon of the Virgin Mary was “revealed” to him. When he took the icon home, it vanished, only to be found again in the cave where the monastery was eventually built. It is said that the same icon reappears and mysteriously disappears again, particularly on the Assumption and other Marian feasts.
The Axion Esti Monastery is situated on a hill 2km north of Ierapetra. Its full name is the Female Monastery of the Resurrection of Christ and Virgin Mary “Axion Esti”.
Established in 1984, this modern monastery is for women and is encircled by the monks’ cells. The primary temple is a three-aisled church, with each aisle dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Resurrection of Christ, and the Annunciation. Additionally, within the monastery, you can find the chapels of the Nativity of the Lord, All Saints, and Holy Trinity. Outside the complex, the Church of the Transfiguration is also present.
Notably, the monastery’s primary celebrations occur on Easter’s Resurrection and June 11th (Virgin Mary).
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In the vicinity of the verdant and water-rich springs of Orino village, we encounter one of Crete’s most precipitous rivers. The river’s sources are found high up on the Abelia plateau, nestled within the Thripti and Papouri mountains. These springs quickly form a river which traverses the village square before making its way into the rugged Orino canyon. To navigate the canyon along the riverbed, canyoneering gear is necessary. The river carves out stunning waterfalls and pools, with the final section being particularly breathtaking. The last trio of waterfalls at Peristerionas are among Crete’s most beautiful. The river’s water volume is also noteworthy, particularly in the typically dry region of East Crete. Even in the summer, the gorge maintains a steady water flow.
The river continues its journey downstream, passing through the Red Butterflies canyon before reaching Koutsouras beach. Despite suffering considerable damage in a 1993 fire, the gorge’s vegetation remains lush, serving as a green oasis in the warm eastern Crete. The gorge begins near the exit of the Orino Gorge and concludes at Koutsouras after a 3-4 hour walk (starting from Orino village and circumventing the wilder parts of the Orino gorge). Signposts along the route guide the way. At the route’s commencement, there are a few small springs and waterfalls which dry up during the summer. Winter, however, makes hiking in the gorge quite challenging. The gorge earns its name from the red butterflies that flutter amongst the bushes and flowers, creating a truly unique spectacle. Regrettably, their numbers have significantly dwindled in the aftermath of the fire.
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.
Commencing from the west of the village of Skinokapsala, at the Kipos spot, lies the petite yet fairly broad Ahlia gorge. This gorge, blanketed by pine trees, concludes at the Ahlia beach, also referred to as Galini. Throughout the winter season, the Thripti Range feeds a river with its waters, creating a string of waterfalls that vary in height from 5 to 8 meters. The gorge’s sandstone walls are wide enough to make hiking a breeze, eliminating the need for any canyoning gear.
The Mylonas or Saint John Gorge is situated 18km to the east of Ierapetra. It commences near the St. John village at a height of 500m and concludes at the Kakia Skala beach. It is not feasible to descend the gorge from Saint John due to a tall waterfall, necessitating the use of canyoning equipment.
Nonetheless, there are two ascending trails that start near the Kakia Skala beach, providing access to the high fall of the Mylonas canyon. The first trail (easy – 20’) takes you through the pine-wooded side of the gorge, a large portion of which is the old concrete ditch, formerly used to transport water to Koutsounari. The other trail follows the riverbed and can be quite exhausting, especially in winter (takes approximately 1:30 hour).
Upon reaching the end of the ascending trails at a height of 300m, you will encounter the tall fall of Milonas, which stands at 20m. Below it, you will find a small pond filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for a refreshing swim. In winter, and after heavy rainfall, a second waterfall appears to the left of the main fall, creating a breathtaking view.
Boasting garden views, Konstantinos Villa features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 200 metres from Koutsoura Beach. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, diving, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
Beach Maheridi is 2.3 km from Konstantinos Villa, while Kalamokanias Beach is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
Set in Koutsourás, 10 km from Ferma, Paradisos offers elegantly decorated villas with private terraces, garden and free WiFi.
Each unit is fitted with a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area with a sofa and a flat-screen TV. A microwave, a fridge and oven are also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. The villas include a terrace with BBQ facilities. One of the villas boasts an outdoor hot tub while the others include a private pool. Some villas feature a fireplace. A shared washing machine is available.
Ierápetra is 23 km from Paradisos luxury villas next to beach, while Sitia is 36 km away. Sitia Airport is 36 km, while Heraklion International Airport is 114 km from the villa.
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Located in Ierápetra, Okeanis Mystique South provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.
All units come with a seating area, a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen. A fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
The aparthotel offers a terrace.
Elounda is 32 km from Okeanis Mystique South, while Agios Nikolaos is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport,106 km from the accommodation.
from
€89
/night
Blue Sea Villa & Apartments is a beachfront property located in Makry Gialos, 200 metres from Kalamokanias Beach and 1.1 km from Makrigialos Beach. This country house features free private parking and a 24-hour front desk.
With free WiFi, this country house provides a satellite flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are provided in the country house.
The country house offers a barbecue. Guests at Blue Sea Villa & Apartments can enjoy snorkelling and walking tours nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
Koutsoura Beach is 2 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from Blue Sea Villa & Apartments.
from
€123
/night
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