Kroussónas is a town with a rich history that is situated on the eastern slopes of the highest mountain in Crete, Psilortis. The town is built in a semi-circle between the hills of Koupos and Livadiotis, at an elevation of 460 meters above sea-level. It is located 21 kilometers away from Heraklion. For those who love nature, there is a stunning 10-kilometer route from Kroussónas to the wood of Vromonero, which is situated at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea-level. This route is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Beaches in and around Kroussónas
Kroussónas has no beach of its own, and none lies near it. The town stands at 460 metres on the eastern slopes of Psiloritis, 21 kilometres inland from Heraklion, so the closest sea is the north coast at Heraklion itself.
Water still shapes the ground below the town, but it runs downhill rather than lying at a shore. The stream of the Agios Charalambos gorge, 5.6 km away, carries water from the valley east of Prinias village into the Agios Antonios gorge, and the two together form the Xeropotamos river, which reaches the sea at the Pancretan Stadium beach in Heraklion.
What the country around Kroussónas offers in place of a beach is gorge walking, with 4 canyons within 11 km.
- Agios Antonios gorge lies 4.1 km away, west of Ano Asites, where the river deepens into a dramatic canyon. The descent to the canyon bed begins near the Byzantine church of St Anthony, which also has a drinking water spring, and towering plane trees fill the floor. The trail forms part of the European E4 route and ends at the gorge exit in Kerasia, close to the Faneromeni church.
- Agios Charalambos gorge cuts in 5.6 km away, a small canyon south of Ano Asites, named after the church built under a rock near its entrance. It holds water until mid-spring, so walkers keep to the walls instead of the riverbed, and ponds form along the descent.
- Venerato gorge sits 6.5 km from the town.
- Rouvas gorge opens 10.3 km away and is also known as Gafaris.
A beach day from Kroussónas means the drive down to Heraklion, 21 kilometres away, rather than a short hop to a local cove.
Krousonas Map
Uncover Krousonas is located at Krousonas. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
