Set in Ierápetra, 1.4 km from Kakkos bay beach and 1.4 km from Koutsounari Beach, Rodamos apartment offers air conditioning. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 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 sea views.
A a baby safety gate is also available at the apartment, while guests can also relax on the sun terrace.
Psaropoula Beach is 1.4 km from Rodamos apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 53 km from the accommodation.
Featuring private pool, Sea view Villa is located on the beachfront in Koutsounari. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.6 km from Koutsounari Beach.
The villa comes with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Kakkos bay beach is 1.6 km from Sea view Villa, while Psaropoula Beach is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 53 km from the accommodation.
from
€315
/night
Zax sea view villas features sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Ierápetra, 1.4 km from Koutsounari Beach.
Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a well-fitted kitchen with a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. An oven, a microwave and toaster are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the villa.
Zax sea view villas offers a seasonal outdoor pool.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy snorkelling and cycling nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
Kakkos bay beach is 1.9 km from Zax sea view villas, while Psaropoula Beach is 1.9 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 53 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€53
/night
Located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, self-catered Koutsounari Traditional Cottages are 1.8 km from Long Beach. All stone houses feature a private terrace while all areas offer free Wi-Fi.
Each air-conditioned cottage at the Koutsounari is built by local craftsmen respecting traditional architecture, with attention to details. All cottages have air conditioning, a private entrance and a seating area. Kitchenettes provide a fridge, oven and a spacious dining area.
Guests of the Traditional Koutsounari Cottages can relax in the garden, surrounded by olive groves, bougainvilleas and herbs. Free access to a swimming pool and a pool bar in a sister property is offered, 800 metres away.
Koutsounari has shops and traditional taverns. Chrissi Island with its exotic beaches can be reached by boat within 20 minutes.
from
€132
/night
Set in Koutsounari and only 1.4 km from Koutsounari Beach, Markos Home offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home provides air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The holiday home is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The holiday home has a garden and sun terrace, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Kakkos bay beach is 1.6 km from Markos Home, while Psaropoula Beach is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 53 km from the accommodation.
from
€116
/night
These fully furnished apartments are close to all Koutsounari’s local amenities and enjoy a hillside setting with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea and the picturesque Cretan mountains.
Filoxenia Villa is a traditional Cretan building offering a variety of comfortable and well-appointed apartments. Each one comprises of a separate bedroom and spacious living area with satellite TV and free wireless internet.
Close by you’ll find a supermarket for all your shopping needs and local tavernas for traditional Cretan food and ouzo. The lovely sandy beach is just 500m away from your apartment.
The location of Filoxenia Villas allows you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday in an idyllic location. The town of Ierapetra is 7 km away. Free private parking is possible on site.
from
€58
/night
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
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
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!
This Land Rover excursion is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete, visiting 2 different plateaus and learning about mythology as well as local life.
We head out in the Land Rover to the plateau of Katharo, passing through the largest forest on Crete. The roads here are basically non-existent and the mountains reach heights of 1,500 meters. You’ll have a refreshment stop at a kafenion (coffee shop) somewhere in the wilderness.
The tour continues on along dirt tracks, through valleys, and across rivers, and the journey starts to get exciting! At the next stop you’ll have the opportunity to take photos from a spectacular viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau. You’ll then head to the plateau to enjoy your BBQ lunch, along with unlimited wine.
After lunch you’ll travel back in time as you visit the Eco Village, where you can see local crafts being made by traditional methods. The next stop will be Zeus’s cave where, according to mythology, the father of the gods was born. If you’d like to enter the cave there is a EUR 4 entrance fee that’s payable at the site.
Your driver/guide will take you on to Seli, where you can take photos of the unique scenery. You’ll continue on to the village of Krassi, noted for its 2,000-year-old plane tree and natural spring water source. As you make your way back you’ll pass through Selinari, an area where you’ll be on the lookout for vultures, now an endangered species.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities.Afternoon sailing trip is suitable for those who prefer waking up late and avoid the hottest hours. The boat trip starts at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities. The yacht cruise starts in the morning at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Koutsounari, a quaint seaside hamlet, lies 6km east of Ierapetra and 43km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. It nestles near the scenic village of Agios Ioannis, set against the backdrop of the Thripti Range. The village is perched on a verdant hill, surrounded by olive groves and pine trees, just a kilometer north of the South Cretan Sea coastline.
A kilometer to the south of Koutsounari is the expansive Long Beach of Agios Ioannis, stretching 5km, one of the longest in Crete. This broad, serene beach features the distinctive coarse grey sand typical of southern Crete. In many spots, tamarisk trees punctuate the landscape, and their length makes the beach appear deserted. The beach is somewhat organized in certain areas (near hotels) and is dotted with hotels, restaurants, mini markets, and a camping site.
If you venture eastward along the beach, you’ll encounter fewer swimmers. On the eastern end of Long Beach, a bay known as Psaropoula (named after an old local tavern) is shaped. Psaropoula features soft sand and tranquil waters, situated in front of a hotel, it is well-equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and water sports. The sea here is typically calm, and the rocky seabed makes it a suitable spot for snorkelling.
Beyond Psaropoula lies another small cove boasting a well-appointed beach with umbrellas, showers, and water sports. This beach, located in front of the Kakkos Bay hotel, is called Villa Despot, translating to “Priest’s Villa” in Greek, named after a priest-owned building nestled between the two beaches. The beach is flanked by large rocks that provide a perfect spot for diving into the sea.
Visiting Long Beach in autumn offers a sight of the rare white sand lilies, signaling the summer’s end. These lilies are protected, so visitors are encouraged to appreciate their beauty from a distance without touching or picking them.
Ferma, a small coastal town, is situated 10km to the east of Ierapetra and 45km to the southeast of Agios Nikolaos, lying 4km south of the village, Agios Ioannis. The area is green and verdant, with dense pine forests, a stark contrast to the arid landscape of Eastern Crete. A string of tiny bays stretches along the coast, the largest being Livadi, also known as Ferma beach or Xerokamara. This beach, flanked by hotels, boasts fine pebbles, clear deep waters, and is bordered by lush vegetation and towering smooth rocks and steep cliffs.
Access to the unorganized beach is through two stairways starting from the nearby hotels. The beach features several springs and a small clump of Cretan Date Palm in its center. Following Livadi is Pigadi beach, named after a structure resembling a well. It, along with an adjacent small bay, can be reached via a stairway from the main road. The last beach in the area, Giorgakis, is similarly accessed via a steep path with iron stairs.
Ferma is known for its tranquil ambiance, making it an ideal spot for families to bask in the sun and enjoy the sea, with basic amenities within a short walk. If you’re visiting Ferma, ensure to explore the lush nature around. Check out the village of Agios Ioannis, stroll through its narrow lanes and churches, and visit the springs of Psychro and the Agios Ioannis waterfalls in the Milonas gorge.
Just past the Peristeras suburb of Ierapetra begins the Katharades area, a chain of small beaches leading up to the popular coastline of the Koutsounari village. Known for its strong winds, it’s considered one of Crete’s windiest locations. The bays of this area are somewhat hidden, despite their proximity to the main road, leading to few visitors to the sequential bays. The area also goes by the name Paplinou, due to the nearby ancient Panagia Paplinou monastery.
The stunning landscape is shaped by numerous rock shelters and unique rock formations, a product of erosion on the conglomerate soil over time. There’s been a slight increase in development in recent years, mainly due to the construction of large hotels near the coast. Consequently, the main road between Ierapetra and Makrygialos boasts a few restaurants, mini markets, and accommodations.
The beach features coarse grey sand, and its seabed has large, smooth rocks interspersed with sandy areas. The surrounding area is dotted with tamarisk trees offering shade, and umbrellas are also available. The beach is well maintained by the nearby hotels and features a beach volleyball court, sunbeds, showers, and water sports facilities.
Situated about 10km east of Ierapetra and 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, within the vicinity of the Agios Ioannis village, lies the beautiful Giorgakis beach. This stunning beach is nestled in the Ferma area, a region renowned for its numerous beaches. Despite being surrounded by towering cliffs, you can reach the beach via stairs originating from the Ferma Solaris Hotel. Once you descend, you’ll find yourself on one of the most picturesque beaches in East Crete, adorned with fine pebbles, rocks, and naturally formed caves.
The beach is segmented into two sections by a low-lying rock. The smaller western beach is the outlet of a local stream that meanders from the Strongyli peak region. Before reaching the beach, the stream creates a stunning waterfall, about 10 meters in height, which showcases vibrant rocks and dries up during the summer.
Ferma’s broader area is a lush oasis within the typically dry landscape of Eastern Crete, enveloped by pine trees and dense vegetation. Nearby, you’ll find several freshwater springs that continue to drip, even in summer, promoting the growth of such lush greenery.
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.
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.
Ha Gorge, a mesmerizing natural wonder carved into the western side of Mount Thrypti, channels water from the Thripti plateau to the Pachia Ammos beach. The gorge’s journey commences near the Saint Anne Byzantine church and the E4 footpath at approximately 800m altitude, and concludes near the Monastiraki village, about 100m above sea level.
Traversing the Ha Gorge demands canyoneering skills and specific gear due to its series of cascading waterfalls, including a 35m high plunge. The gorge tightens to a mere thirty centimetres at certain points, squeezed between cliffs that rise to 400 meters. The Mastoras waterfall, one of Greece’s tallest free falls reaching 215m, contributes substantial water midway through the route.
For those with less experience, a hike from the Monastiraki exit of the gorge provides a peek into its splendour, leading to a charming pond at the base of the final waterfall and past ancient grain mills. The name of the gorge, Ha, originates from the Greek verb “Hasko,” which means to create a gap. However, local folklore offers vibrant alternative explanations. From stories of misleading Saracens to myths of a golden chariot hidden deep within, the Ha Gorge is not only a stunning natural spectacle but also a symbol of intriguing local mythology.
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.
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