The South of Crete in the «embrace» of The Libyan Sea
Crystal clear waters, palm trees, exotic blue-green beaches, landscapes unique throughout Europe, but also the traditional hospitality of the locals, incredible “mezes” and raki, make the South of Crete a choice that no one has regretted. A trek on the shores of the South of Crete.
It is most likely that the reputation of the beauty of South Crete has reached the ears of those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit it. Exotic-looking beaches, palm trees.
We used Ierapetra as our «base» and from there we headed toward the south and southwestern Crete. In general, the size of the island is such that despite the -intense- tourist traffic, it is very easy to come across deserted and not difficult beaches with intense natural beauty. Vai is a setting unique to Greek standards, while the villages in the mountains of Crete — and especially in Psiloritis — allow you to get to know the special temperament of the Cretan better.
Ierapetra
The beaches of Ierapetra were awarded in 2002 with 10 «Blue Flags» for meeting the criteria set regarding their cleanliness, organization, and environmental protection.
Chrysi is a destination recommended by all tourist guides with good reason. The boat departs daily from Ierapetra to take you seven miles south to an islet covered in a cedar forest and lined with beaches strewn with pink shell fragments.
Koutsouras
On the southern axis, a few kilometers before Makri Yialo and about 41 kilometers from Sitia, is Koutsouras, the newest of the villages in the province. The rapid development of the settlement during the 1980s resulted in the creation of an important tourist center.
It is a wonderful beach with dark ash unique pebbles that are spread out on its backs with crystal clear blue-green waters and with the thickly shaded tamarisk trees it is a great challenge for the visitors. The beach is rightly awarded blue flags by the European Union, while the many tavernas directly above the sea are particularly neat and with a good quality/price ratio.
Preveli Monastery
Agia Galini — Agios Pavlos
Behind the sheltered port, thirty-meter dunes and an amazing sunset behind Triopetra. Climbing the dune on the way back is not the easiest, especially when the sun is hot.
Just before Agios Pavlos Rethymno, turn right and proceed for a while on the dirt road to its end. Here you’ll find yourself on top of a large dune (as fun as it is to slow down, it’s difficult to climb up, especially if it’s windy and kicking up sand). Below you stretches a wonderful, «virgin» beach, one of the most beautiful in Crete. The problem is the strong meltdowns.
Vai
Vai is the Greek answer to tropical destinations abroad. The unique palm forest in the whole of Europe is an ideal setting. At the same time, it protects with its shade the bathers in the crystal-clear waters of the spa town. Perhaps you can find palm trees elsewhere in the world. However, where else will you be able to combine them with raki and “meze”?
Preveli
The Preveli Monastery is surrounded by a landscape that, like Agia Anna in Amorgos, makes you think that perhaps the time has come to leave the worldly. The river emerges like a blue snake from the gorge and flows into the sea before your eyes. At the same time, the palm trees on the banks of the river refer to more tropical destinations.
The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Crete – Elissos Blog
Do you prefer the cosmopolitan Elafonisi or the completely deserted Agiofarago?
Selecting the most beautiful beaches in Crete is most definitely a difficult task. Because, as we all know, the most beautiful beaches in Crete are more than ten. Therefore, let this just be the beginning of a list! Perhaps it could even expand to 20 or 50 of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.
Zakros
If you follow the two-hour route through the «canyon of the dead» you will be rewarded with the wonderful beach but also the Minoan palace of Zakros which was destroyed in 1450 BC, probably by an eruption of the volcano of Thera.
Xerokampos
Xerokampos is famous for its beautiful virgin beaches, but also for the lilies that grow on the sandy beach. The scenery compensates for the difficult route. In addition to the wonderful sea, enjoy the fresh fish in the taverns.
Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas is the only lake with fresh water in Crete. It is located at the foot of the White Mountains and is home to rich fauna and flora. The lake water changes color during the day depending on how the sun illuminates it. The depth of the lake is particularly great (it is assumed that, despite efforts, its bottom has not been identified).
For those who like paragliding, the lake of Kournas, with the strong air currents created by the surrounding mountains can ensure a unique flight. You can also rent a pedal boat or canoes and enjoy the charm of this idyllic landscape more directly.
Lake Korisia: The “only daughter” Lake of Crete – Elissos Blog
That ancient settlement is the present village of Kournas. Kournas is one of the oldest villages in Crete. In 1356 he refers to a power of attorney of the poet Stephanos Sahlikis, to Hemanueli Melissino, a resident of the village of Kournas, to sell his infantry manor in the village of Koufos.