Krios Lake beach

The Lake of Krios or Viena is located 10km west of Paleochora and 90km south of Chania. The beach is on the part of the European footpath E4 that links Paleochora and Elafonisi.

The beach is mainly rocky, with sand in some places. It is protected by a large number of rocks, that form a small lake. There are no facilities in the area and there are several trees near the beach, where you can find shade. If you don’t have a boat, access is not that easy. The Lake of Krios is one of the most unknown and secluded, but also amazing, beaches of Crete.

Some of you might wonder why such a rough beach belongs to the most special beaches in Crete: The beauty of this beach is not the beach itself. However, the Lake is located right in the site of the ancient city of Viena. So, you will see marble columns lying on the beach and under water. On the beach and surrounding area are shards and potsherds of urns and amphora. It has been said that Viena was a Hellenistic/Roman sanctuary and that a temple once stood here. The rectangular base can still be seen. The pouring out of wine in honour of a deity may have been made before or after a long sea journey. Centuries ago the water depth would have been greater - enough to provide a safe anchorage along an otherwise inhospitable and rocky coastline. If you snorkel, you will live an unforgettable experience, since the seabed hosts several ancient tombs, in which many fishes find shelter. For all these reasons, Viena is highly preferred by snorkelers and …looters. There is no need to remind you that removing ancient objects is a felony and is strictly prohibited.

Access to the beach is quite tricky, as there are no signs to get there. If you have a car, you should take the road leading west of Paleochora, till the beach of Krios. Before you reach the end of the road, you will meet the canteen of Krios beach. Get the dirt track on your right hand, which starts just before the canteen. Follow the road, which actually makes the round of the hill that is west of Krios, until you meet a church on your right hand. Keep driving on the left, until you reach a dead end. Leave your car there and walk to the beach for 10 minutes, crossing a small forest. You can see the map, to better understand how you can get to Krios.

Moreover, if you follow the E4 footpath from Krios beach, on the east, you will find the Lake in about 20-30 minutes of walking.

Photos

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