Tourloti is a charming village situated in Eastern Crete, along the route from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia. It is the largest of four traditional villages nestled in the hillsides of the area. Despite being 42 km from Agios Nikolaos and 27 km from Sitia, Tourloti has remained largely untouched by tourism and has maintained its authentic Greek character. The village is home to a close-knit community of families who work and live in the local area. Visitors can explore the narrow streets lined with white-washed houses, flower-filled alleyways, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Tourloti boasts a primary school, two mini-markets, a bakery, chemist, post office, two kafenions, and a small traditional taverna. The village is also known for its religious celebrations and festivals, particularly during Easter and the summer months.
Things to do in Tourloti
Things to do in Tourloti start in the village itself and then spread out to the gorges and beaches within 7 km of it. The narrow streets, the two kafenions and the small taverna fill an hour or two, and a gorge or a beach fills the rest of the day. The list below runs outwards from the village.
- Walk the Koudoumis gorge. The canyon lies 2.1 km from the village and carries a second name, the Tourloti Gorge. Its exit is near Tourloti and its entrance is at the small plateau of Monokara, a few kilometres further south. Six minor but steep rappels need careful navigation, and the stream running through it carries water to Mavro Seli beach near Mochlos. The route is described on Koudoumis Gorge.
- Spend a day at Mochlos. The village lies 4.2 km away, 150 m across the water from the islet of St Nicholas, which holds a chapel of the same name and an important archaeological site. Its coastal road carries a handful of taverns and cafes serving fresh seafood. The shoreline is covered on Mochlos beaches, and the site has its own page at Mochlos Archaeological Ruins.
- Hike the Richtis gorge. The trail begins just outside Exo Mouliana, 5.4 km from Tourloti, and ends at Richtis beach. It runs roughly 3 kilometres, with about 350 metres of height between the start and the sea. Water runs in the gorge even in the summer months, and the walk is described on Richtis Gorge.
- Rest at Richtis beach. The cove sits 5.9 km from the village at the end of that gorge, and a paved road from Exo Mouliana reaches it as well. Round pebbles, tamarisk trees, stone seats and tables and a stone water fountain make up the place. Nothing is sold nearby, so bring your own food, and the northern orientation often brings waves. Details are on Richtis beach.
- Drive to Tholos. Tholos, 6.9 km away and also called Kavoussi beach, mixes pebbles and sand on its west side and has a small harbour. Tamarisk trees give shade, and the hazy light blue water comes from underwater springs of the Thripti mountain massif mixing with the sea. Accommodation and taverns stand nearby, and the beach is described on Tholos beach.
- Walk in to Agriomandra. This beach lies 3 km west of Kavousi village and Tholos beach, hidden at the exit of the Agriomandra gorge, and it is reached only on foot through the canyon. A dirt road through the meadows west of Kavoussi leads to the gorge entrance, and the trail from there takes about 10 minutes. Small caves sit in the rocks along the way, one of them a stone-built Byzantine church dedicated to St John the Theologian, and the walk is covered on Agriomandra beach.
Eating and drinking happens in the village and out towards the coast. The nearest place we list is Kathodon, 1.3 km from Tourloti. Roughly 4 km out sit Taverna Tó Bogázi, Kavouria, Bar Raki and Hotel Sofia. Further away, 5.3 km from the village, we list Nektaria’s Kitchen.
Tourloti village Map
Uncover Tourloti village is located at Tourloti village, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the village of Tourloti located?
Tourloti is located in Eastern Crete, on the road from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia.
How far is Tourloti from Agios Nikolaos and Sitia?
Tourloti is 42 km from Agios Nikolaos and 27 km from Sitia.
What kind of village is Tourloti?
Tourloti is a small, traditional village, the largest of a group of four, dotted across the hillsides in this area.
Has Tourloti been affected by tourism?
No, Tourloti remains untouched by tourism.
What kind of community does Tourloti have?
Tourloti retains a healthy vibrant Greek community, of families living and working in the local area.
What kind of amenities does Tourloti have?
The village has a prominent church, primary school, two small mini-markets, a bakery, chemist, post office, two kafenions and one small traditional taverna.
What is the atmosphere of Tourloti like?
The narrow streets with white washed houses, flower filled alleyways, and glimpses of spectacular views, give the village a unique, timeless sense of tranquility, far removed from modern city life.
What kind of celebrations and festivals does Tourloti have?
Tourloti is the centre for several religious celebrations and festivals, especially over Easter and the summer months.
