Tholos is a small coastal settlement on the north coast of eastern Crete, in the Lasithi region, about 26 km east of Agios Nikolaos and 4 km north of Kavousi village. Tholos sits at the end of a fertile valley framed by old olive groves and vineyards, and the beach below it is also known as Kavousi beach. Tourism has touched this stretch only lightly, which is the main reason people come.
Behind the settlement the Thripti range rises steeply, and three gorges drop from it into the Kavousi plain within a few kilometres. The Minoan sites of Gournia and Azorias lie close by, so a stay here mixes quiet swimming with archaeology and hard walking rather than resort life.
Five things are within about 8 km, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Five beaches lie within 8 km along this coast, and they range from a roadside village beach to a cove that can only be walked into.
Three canyons come down from the Thripti range within 5 km, and they differ sharply in what they demand.
Eating here is a short list, with one place in the village and the rest a few kilometres along the coast road.
Take the road east from Agios Nikolaos towards Sitia, turn off at Kavousi and drop down the valley to the coast. Pachia Ammos, where the roads to Sitia and Ierapetra divide, is the junction most drivers pass through on the way.
A car matters here, because the beaches, the gorges and the Minoan sites are spread along several kilometres of coast and hillside. Sitia has the nearest airport, and Heraklion is the usual arrival point for anyone flying in from further afield.
Tholos lies on the north coast of eastern Crete, about 26 km east of Agios Nikolaos, 4 km north of Kavousi village in the Lasithi region.
Yes, the beach goes by both names. It lies at the foot of the valley that runs down from Kavousi, and the village 4 km inland is what gives it the second name.
This stretch has seen only minor tourist development, so it stays quiet compared with the resorts west of Agios Nikolaos. Olive groves and vineyards still take up most of the valley behind the beach.
Havgas, 800 m away, is the accessible one. Mesonas above it runs 4 km with steep waterfalls and needs technical canyoning gear, and Agriomandra, 2.2 km off, doubles as the only route to its beach.
The Minoan town of Gournia, 7.8 km west, is the main site. The Azorias excavation sits at the exit of the Mesonas gorge, and the Chrysokamino copper workshop stands 2.2 km from Kavousi.
Situated in Kavoúsion, 25 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and 26 km from Agios Nikolaos Port, Amelia offers air conditioning. The accommodation is 26 km from the Lake Voulismeni and has free WiFithroughout the property.
This apartment has 1 bedroom, a kitchenette with an oven and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 39 km from the apartment.
from
€45
/night
Elpida’s house is situated in Ierápetra, 26 km from Lake Voulismeni, 25 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa), and 27 km from Agios Nikolaos Port. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. The air-conditioned holiday home also features a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with free toiletries.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 39 km from the holiday home.
Boasting pool views, New Villa Of the hill with heated Pool, BBQ & Kids Playground features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 27 km from Lake Voulismeni. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
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 balcony with mountain views.
The villa offers a sun terrace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at New Villa Of the hill with heated Pool, BBQ & Kids Playground, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 27 km from the accommodation, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 40 km from New Villa Of the hill with heated Pool, BBQ & Kids Playground, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€275
/night
Located in Thólos, Evexia Villa offers accommodation with a private pool and sea views. This villa provides free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a garden.
This villa will provide you with a satellite flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a living room. There is a seating area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.
Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Hersonissos is 65 km from the villa, while Agios Nikolaos is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 85 km from the property.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a patio, Villa Kefali is situated in Kavoúsion. 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 satellite channels, 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. Villa Kefali has a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Tholos Beach is 2.1 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 37 km from Villa Kefali, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Thólos and only 1.2 km from Tholos Beach, Villa Gusta provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With pool views, this accommodation features a balcony and a swimming pool.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. The air-conditioned villa also offers a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with bathrobes.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 29 km from the villa, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 37 km from Villa Gusta, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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.
This boat trip leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30 and spends 4.5 hours in the Mirabello gulf, crossing to Spinalonga and stopping to swim at Kolokytha bay on the way. Spinalonga carries Venetian fortifications and the buildings of the leper colony that operated there until 1957, and the route also passes the sunken city of Olous and Barbarossa’s cave. NOSTOS CRUISES runs it from €25, with a 4.41 rating across 3,526 reviews, ranking 37th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The boat makes a circuit of the gulf with one landing and one swim. Four things fill the 4.5 hours.
First is the cruise across Mirabello bay from the main harbour, with live commentary and views back at the coast. Second are the sights passed en route: the cave associated with the corsair Barbarossa, the submerged remains of the ancient city of Olous, and the island where the kri-kri goats live. Third is Spinalonga itself, with a guided walk covering the Venetian period and the colony years. Fourth is the swim stop at Kolokytha bay, entered straight off the boat by ladder and platform.
Live guiding runs in English and Dutch; French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
The route stays within the Mirabello gulf on the north-east coast.
The €25 covers the boat and the guiding; the island fee and everything you consume are separate.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the efficient way to do Spinalonga: half a day, from a town harbour you can walk to, at €25. It leaves your morning and evening free, which the full-day coach trips do not.
The swim stop is what reviewers rate highest, and it is better than it sounds. A New Zealand guest called it the highlight of the trip, jumping into the sea straight from the boat using the ladder and platform, far more convenient than wading off a beach. French and Polish reviewers describe the same thing, and one noted the swimming time is exactly right.
Guiding on the island earns specific praise. A Dutch reviewer named Dimitri for the history he gave on Spinalonga; a British reviewer described the island guide as very informative and happy to answer questions. A Greek guest said the guides were warm and attentive from the first minute to the last.
The boat itself gets good marks, clean, with a bar and restaurant, food and drink at reasonable prices, and plenty of facilities.
Two honest caveats, and one of them is the dominant complaint in this record.
The €20 island fee is not clear enough at booking. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers want clearer information on the additional entry fee, and two separate German reviewers raised it directly, one saying the price should be more clearly indicated, the other spelling out that an add-on ticket of €20 each is needed for the roughly 90 minutes on the island. At €25 for the boat, the fee nearly doubles your cost.
Language coverage is uneven. Only English and Dutch get a live guide; French, German, Polish and Greek passengers listen to a recording. Guiding scores 4.3 out of 5, the weakest dimension, and this is the likeliest reason.
If you would rather have the towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda included with a coach and a guide for the whole day, the full-day Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga trip covers all three.
Budget €45 not €25, bring a towel, and take the ladder rather than the beach.
The boat departs from Nostos Cruises at Akti Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, at 12:30. No hotel transfer is included.
French, German, Polish and Greek commentary is by audio guide rather than a live guide. Pets are allowed on board, towels are not provided, and the Spinalonga entry fee is paid separately.
The trip runs 4.5 hours, departing Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30.
No, the island entry fee of around €20 is separate, and it is the most common complaint in the review record.
The swim stop is at Kolokytha bay, entered directly from the boat by ladder and platform rather than from a beach.
A live guide covers English and Dutch. French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
No transfer is included. The boat leaves from the main harbour in Agios Nikolaos, walkable from the town centre.
Pets are allowed on board, which is unusual among the Spinalonga boats.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga.
Board a comfortable air-conditioned semi-submarine vessel at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Discover marine life which inhabits the coastal waters of Agioi Pantes Island. Learn more about the flora and fauna you will see from the onboard audio guide.
See many different species of colorful fish as the boat crew feeds them. If you are lucky, you may spot curious sea turtles, dolphins, and seals who sometimes choose to investigate the vessel.
In the second part of the tour, take a seat on the main deck of the boat in order to admire the spectacular views of Agios Nikolaos Bay. Feel the sea breeze as you cruise through the bay before heading back to the port.
Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka on this multi-stop trip from Heraklion. Take in the sights from onboard a ferry and savor a BBQ or tavern lunch. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more.
Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe.
After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you’ll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous.
Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. If you don’t want to visit the archaeological site, you can join a 1-hour boat trip to a secret location and dive into the crystal-clear water (cost not included). After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays.
Get plenty of time for swimming and enjoying BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, seasonal fruit, wine, and Fanta. If your trip is on a Sunday, you’ll get to enjoy dinner in a tavern instead of having BBQ on board.
After a short drive, reach Plaka, a small fishing village. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series.
The last stop of the day is the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni or explore the local shops. Enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back to your accommodation.
10:30 Departure from Elounda with the boat
11:10 Arrival Kolokytha
12:45 Departure from Kolokytha
13:10 Arrival Spinalonga
14:45 Departure from Spinalonga to Elounda
15:00 Arrival Elounda
15:45 Olive oil tasting – Arrival Agios Nikolaos
16:45 Departure Agios Nikolaos – back to the hotels
18:30 Arrival Heraklion.
Route:128 km
Duration:app. 11 hours
Stay in Spinalonga:1 ½ hours
Stay in Kolokytha Bay-Beach:1 ½ hours
Stay in Agios Nikolaos:app.1 hour
ESSENTIALS:
•shoes for the sea
•sun protection
•hat
* Remarks:Please notify us in advance, if you are vegetarian or if you do not eat pork at all, as we have to preorder another lunch for you.
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.
Agriomandra, a hidden gem of a beach, can be found 24km east of Agios Nikolaos, or alternatively, 3km west of Kavousi village and Tholos beach. This beach, hidden at the exit of the Agriomandra gorge, is only accessible by foot through the canyon. To reach the entrance to the gorge, follow a dirt road that cuts through the verdant meadows west of Kavoussi, known as Lakos Ambelion. A short, manageable trail from this point will bring you to the beach, about a 10-minute walk. Along the way, you’ll notice several petite caves nestled into the rocks, one of which is a stone-built church from the Byzantine era, dedicated to St. John the Theologian. As you continue on, you’ll come upon the stunning pebbly beach with its transparent green waters, tucked away between the protective arms of the gorge cliffs.
The seclusion of the beach, primarily due to its challenging access, makes it the perfect spot for privacy, nudism, and snorkelling. Tamarisk trees provide ample shade and the beach itself was first used as a port by the Venetians, with remnants of their buildings still visible today. In fact, until 1920, goods and animals were transported to Agios Nikolaos from this sheltered harbour due to the lack of roads. You’ll also notice the remains of a tax office and a well once used for water.
The name Agriomandra comes from the Greek words Agrios, meaning wild or savage, and mantra, meaning a pen for animals. The term mandra is often used in Crete to describe open spaces where animals were gathered for shipping. The beach’s alternate name, Agiomandra, is likely a nod to the church of St. John located in the gorge.
If you ever visit, consider a walk north along the steep shore to Tholos. After about 400m, you’ll come across the deserted Sykies beach, named for the fig trees that inhabit the area. Next, you’ll encounter the striking landscape of towering cliffs, reaching their peak height of 250m at the impressive Spathi cape, a locale known to the locals as the Sword of Homatas. Here, a rocky beach with crystal clear blue waters awaits, accessible only by boat. The cape is also accessible from Tholos, being in close proximity to both the Theriospilios Cave and the Chryssokamino ancient site.
Tholos, situated 26km to the east of Agios Nikolaos and 4km north of Kavoussi village, can also be referred to as Kavoussi beach. Nestled at the end of a fertile valley and framed by ancient olive groves and vineyards, the region has only seen minor touristic development, making it an ideal spot for a tranquil holiday. Tholos beach, with its combination of pebbly and sandy terrain on the west side and a small harbour, is surrounded by tamarisk trees that offer much-needed shade. Nearby, there are accommodations and taverns. The water at the beach, usually hazy and light blue, is the result of underwater springs from the Thripti mountain massif mixing with salt water.
Legameni Cape beaches
A stone’s throw away to the north of Tholos’ small harbour, two pebbly beaches have formed where two dry streams meet. These beaches, known as Legameni, owe their name to the local cape. It’s fascinating to observe aquatic plants growing out from the rocky sea bed, indicating the presence of fresh water underground. Both beaches provide stunning views of Malavra’s wild cliffs to the east of Tholos beach.
Malavra beach
If you travel 2km east from Tholos, you’ll discover the isolated beach of Malavra, encircled by towering cliffs. Accessible only by boat and typically impacted by northern winds, this beach until recently could be reached by foot from the nearby freshwater spring station at Malavra, via a dirt track from Tholos beach. However, a gate has now been installed to restrict access.
Surroundings and Sightseeing
Kavoussi, one of Crete’s lesser-known but intriguing regions, boasts a wealth of archaeological sites, natural wonders, and traditional villages. Directly opposite Tholos sits Psira Island, a significant Minoan harbour. You can visit Psira by boat from nearby Mochlos and explore its extensive Minoan settlement. The island’s most significant artefact, a carved mural, now resides in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
To the west of Tholos, you’ll find the old frescoed chapel of St. Anthony. A stroll to Kavoussi will lead you to the village square, where you can explore the Venetian church of St. George, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture, and the Temple of the Twelve Apostles at Ligaras.
The archaeological site of Azorias, just 2km east of Kavoussi, is home to one of the most awe-inspiring natural monuments on Crete – an olive tree over 3500 years old and the oldest surviving in the world. This tree, a protected monument, was used to crown the first winner of the Women’s Marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. A short 2km journey south of the monumental olive tree will take you to the canyons of Mesonas and Havgas, some of the wildest in East Crete.
In addition to these, it’s worth visiting the Minoan settlements at Vrondas and Kastro, the ancient copper workshop from the Minoan period at Chrysokamino, and the nearby cave of Theriospilios, known for its unique decor. East of Theriospilios, you’ll find the Minoan settlement of Chylopites.
Pachia Ammos is a large village situated on the north side of the narrowest part of Crete, 20km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Sitia and Ierapetra. The village is located at the exit of a fertile plain that is covered with olive groves. It has experienced mild development due to its local beach and the sights of the surrounding area. Visitors can find small hotels, rooms, and taverns in the village.
A long beach with sand and pebbles stretches in front of Pahia Ammos, 500m to the east. The beach is open to the north winds, and the sea is usually wavy. However, visitors can stay safe in the well-protected west part of the beach, which is sandy and clean and has umbrellas and sunbeds. For those seeking peace, the eastern part of the beach is an option, but it is unprotected from the waves, and currents carrying garbage due to the village’s location in the southern part of the Gulf of Mirabello. The beach in this area is pebbly and has several tamarisk trees. At the east end of the beach, a stream flows from the impressive Gorge of Ha in winter.
Pahia Ammos is situated on the site of the ancient city Minoa, which was an old harbour. The Institute for the Study of Prehistoric Aegean of East Crete is established here, which conducts systematic excavations in the area and deals with the promotion and protection of antiquities. The most famous archaeological site in the region is the Minoan cemetery and the settlement of Gournia, which is located 2km west of the village. The city flourished in 1600 BC and was built on a small hill. Gournia is located 2km east of Faneromeni Monastery, one of the most impressive monasteries in Crete built on a steep cliff.
Visitors can also visit the Minoan settlement Vasiliki, which is 4km south of the village and flourished in 2600-2300 BC. Vasiliki is considered the precursor of the major Minoan palaces and towns. From Vasiliki, visitors can drive 2km to the east to reach the village of Monastiraki, with the old watermills and the church of St. Stephen. Nearby is the exit of the imposing gorge of Ha, which causes awe from miles away.
Opposite Pahia Ammos you’ll see the small island Konida (i.e. nit, the egg of louse), which can be reached by boat. It is interesting to see how the place’s name has emerged; a few miles to the east (opposite Tholos) you’ll meet the very important island Psira (i.e. louse), while opposite Mochlos you’ll see the islet of Agios Nikolaos, also called Psilos (flea). All bugs together!
Kamini, situated near the renowned Minoan settlement of Gournia by Pahia Ammos, is an enchanting location composed of five sequential pebble beaches. Positioned north of the archaeological site, Kamini was most likely Gournia’s access point to the sea, explaining the presence of Minoan structures in the area, such as remnants of rooms, walls, and ship sheds or boathouses. The Gournia necropolis is also found in this area.
Kamini’s natural allure is as significant as its archaeological value. The coastline, adorned with limestone conglomerates and strikingly red soil, presents a stunning display of colors. The area boasts intriguing geological formations, sea caves, rock bridges, and five beaches speckled with fine or coarse pebbles. However, some of these beaches can be difficult to access.
Regrettably, the north winds often bring a disheartening amount of trash from across the Aegean Sea, littering the otherwise pristine landscape. This, coupled with the strong winds, tends to deter visitors. However, when the winds shift to the south, Kamini’s true splendor emerges, with turquoise and crystal-clear waters that truly are a sight to behold.
In the eastern region of Crete, the term Havgas is frequently encountered, often used to name canyons and in some variations such as Ha, Havgoudi, and so on. One of the many gorges bearing the Havgas name is located near Kavousi, in the Ierapetra province. This gorge is essentially the lower segment of the wild Mesonas gorge, which originates from the Thripti plateau.
The section known as Havgas begins close to the Minoan settlement of Azorias and concludes its path in Kavoussi. Despite its short length of only 700m, traversing it via its stream demands technical (canyoning) gear due to the presence of six stunning waterfalls. The tallest of these waterfalls reaches 20 meters in height and retains water well into the late winter.
As an alternative, the gorge can be navigated by foot along the ancient hiking trail that skirts the canyon from its eastern side, linking Avgos to Kavoussi.
Located on the northern slopes of the Thripti range, near Kavoussi village and Avgos settlement, you’ll find the short but incredibly wild and imposing Mesonas gorge. This 4km long gorge requires technical canyoneering equipment to traverse its steep waterfalls. The gorge connects the Thripti Plateau to the Kavoussi plain, with its exit close to the Azorias archaeological site. The same stream forms the technical Havgas gorge, crosses the fertile Kavoussi plain, and eventually empties onto Tholos beach.
Starting from the Tsamadi position near Thripti village, there’s a hiking trail that runs high above the gorge bed, following the concrete channel used to transfer spring water to Kavoussi. The breathtaking views of the canyon, surrounding mountains, and Mirabello bay are beyond words. The trail descends to ancient Azorias, from where you can approach Kavousi via the ancient path parallel to the Havgas Gorge, or through the dirt road passing the Monumental Olive Tree of Azorias.
For canyon enthusiasts wanting to traverse the river bed, it’s worth noting that the water levels are generally low, with the flow ceasing mid to late spring depending on seasonal rainfall. The gorge starts out smoothly, with the hiking portion exceeding the steep descent sections. The last part of the gorge changes dramatically, narrowing significantly and forming high waterfalls, with the highest rappel at 30m. A small group of canyoneers can descend its 9 rappels in about 3 hours.
The Agriomandra gorge, though brief in length, leads to the charming, small beach of Agriomandra. To reach it, one must traverse the verdant meadows to the west of Kavoussi, known as the Lakos Ambelion area, via a dirt road until the gorge’s entrance is reached.
Commencing from this point, a straightforward trail leads to Agriomandra beach within a mere 10-minute walk. As you approach the beach, you’ll notice several petite caves embedded within the rocks. One of these has been constructed from stone and serves as a church, built during the Byzantine era by a hermit and dedicated to St. John the Theologian. This church is still occasionally used for baptisms.
A short walk further, approximately 650 meters from the parking area, you’ll arrive at the stunning pebble beach, graced with crystal-clear, emerald waters.
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.
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