Chrysostomos beaches

Chrysostomos is a small seaside hamlet, located located 75km south of Heraklion and 3km east of Kali Limenes. The village is slighly developed with a few taverns, a mini market and rooms to let. It is named after the ancient church of St John Chrysostomos, that is now ruined (it's located on the east of the dorp). Chrysostomos is built on the site of the ancient city Lasea, that was visited by St Paul, during his stay on Crete. Lasea was a harbor of the Roman city Gortys, the capital of crete in Roman Era. Lasea was rich in copper deposits, that was excavated.

The beach of Lassea in front of the village is very beautiful, with coarse sand and well protected from the west winds. It is unorganised, but still it's close to the settlement. On the west end of the beach there is a "line" of rocks, that heads towards the small islet of Trafos. This is the old dock of the ancient city Lassea. The rocks were in that place since 1960s, when they were used for the construction of the Oil Tanks of Kali Limenes. On the island and on the beach, opposite Trafos, you can still see remains of the ancient town of Lasea. The beach continues west of Trafos, creating a separate beach called Segrezo Ryaki that faces west. This beach is very close to the Roman cemetery that has been found here. It is secluded and ideal for nudism, but is also rockier than the main beach. On the west end, there is a spring having water all year round. There is another small pebbly beach 1km east of Chrysostomos dorp, that is also called Chrysostomos. This is rocky and is mainly used as harbor.  It is unorganised but there are some rooms and a tavern nearby, from where a dirt road leads to the beach. From the beach, if you follow the dirt road running along the beach (to the east), you will reach after 100m a secret amazing beach, called Maha. Maha has fine pebbles and crystal deep blue water. There are no trees around, but you can find shade under the cave that is on the east side of the beach. Camping is not allowed here, as there are relevant signs around.

You can drive here from Kali Limenes by getting the paved road that starts 1km east of Kali Limenes and heads eastwards, to Lendas. After 2km, you'll meet the village of Chrysostomos on your right hand.

Lassea beach Segrezo Ryaki beach Chrysostomos beach Maha beach

Lassea

Chrysostomos

Maha

If you cannot see the photos, click here to see Lassea, Chrysostomos and Maha beaches

See all area beaches on the same map