Krassi Village: Beaches, Stays, Things to do

Krassi is a picturesque village that is situated at an altitude of 600 m.asl on the way to Lasithi plateau, 47 km away from Heraklion and 17 km from Malia. It is a part of the Municipality of Malia and is known for its natural beauty. The village is surrounded by lush vegetation, including walnut trees, plane trees, and other plants, which are nourished by the numerous springs that provide free-flowing water. One of the most remarkable features of Krassi is the ancient and enormous plane tree located next to the village’s central spring, which has roots with a circumference of 22 meters, making it one of the oldest and largest plane trees in Crete.

Krassi is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the authentic Cretan lifestyle and explore the island’s natural beauty. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the village’s narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture of the houses, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The village also has several taverns and cafes where visitors can taste the local cuisine and relax with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Moreover, Krassi is an excellent starting point for hiking and cycling tours, as it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

In conclusion, Krassi is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the true essence of Crete. Its natural beauty, traditional architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal place to relax and unwind.

Beaches in and around Krassi

Krassi has no beach of its own, because the village sits 600 m up on the road to the Lasithi plateau; the nearest coast is at Malia, 17 km away. From there a single run of sand stretches west to Stalida and Hersonissos and east to Sissi, and 5 beaches along it are within reach of the village. Malia and Potamos are the 2 closest to Krassi.

• Malia beach is a long, lively sandy beach in front of Malia town, about 35 km east of Heraklion. It forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalis, has fine sand and shallow clear water, and carries sunbeds, water sports and beach bars along its length, which makes it one of the busiest resort beaches in the Heraklion region: Malia beach. The town behind it has its own page, Malia town.
• Potamos beach lies about 3 km east of Malia, named after the small river beside it. It sits just east of the port, between the Malia wetland and the Minoan Palace of Malia, and stays far quieter than the main beach; the eastern end is undeveloped because of the archaeological site and the protected wetland behind it: Potamos beach.
• Stalida beach sits about 30 km east of Heraklion and 3 km east of Hersonissos, at the western end of the same bay as Malia. The water is shallow and slopes gently, and sunbeds, tavernas and water sports sit in front of the resort, so it suits families: Stalida beach. The resort itself is covered on Stalis (Stalida).
• Drapanos coves form a string that starts 2 km east of Hersonissos port and runs to Cape Drapanos. Star Beach is the loudest of them, and the sandy and pebbly coves further east are quieter, some with cool water from freshwater springs in the sea. The Lychnostatis Folklore Museum stands next to them: Drapanos beaches.
• Sissi is a seaside village 41 km east of Heraklion and 26 km west of Agios Nikolaos, built around a natural harbour of deep green water. The coast here is mostly rocky with few sandy stretches and the sea is often choppy, so the calm swimming is at the small harbour beach, Limani, which has a few umbrellas and showers. Harkoma bay east of the village holds the well kept sandy Boufos beach: Sissi beaches.