Maragou Limani beaches

Cape Lithino is located 80km southwest of Heraklion, in the "corner" of Messara plain, and is the southernmost point of Crete. The highest summit of Lithino is the dry Kefali peak, from where vertical cliffs fall into the see for 391m and continue their vertical route below the sea surface. The view from Kefali is vertiginous and causes awe to everyone. To get to Kefali you have to follow the rough dirt road, 13km long, which starts from Odigitria Monastery and heads west. There are some primitive signs showing the way.

On Kefali you will see the ruins of a german military establishment of World War 2, used for controlling the south coastline of Crete. There is also a small stone church dedicated to the Holy Cross.

If you ask a local if there are beaches between Martsalo and Vathi, he will definitely say no. It is good to bet that there are beaches and you will win! Indeed, just below Kefali, there is a secondary small cape, called Platys Poros or Trahili, on the west side of which, there are two bays with deep blue water and coarse pebbles. The are called "Maragou Limani" by locals, which means "Carpenter's Harbor". According to a story, the children of a carpenter used to throw rocks from Kefali peak to these beaches. They are the southernmost beaches of Crete and are only accessible by boat from the nearest ports. However, the sea in the area is quite wild and westerly winds often cause waves. Thus, you should make sure that the weather is windless. The coast near the beaches is full of caves, that worth being explored.

Just a few meters west of Martsalo beach and 600m east of Poros there is the small beach Kounenos, which is accessible through a foot path running close to Martsalo. The surrounding landscape with the caves, the cliffs of Kefali Summit and the fantastic rock formations make the place ideal for nature lovers. The beach has small pebbles and deep waters.

Poros

Kounenos

If you cannot see the photos, click here to see: Poros and Kounenos