Skotini beach
The beach Skotini is located 32km northwest of Agios Nikolaos, north of the village Finokalias. It is formed at the exit of the homonymous gorge Skotini, which crosses one of the most remote and wild places of Crete. Indeed, in this solitary place, a sampling station of the University of Crete was established for the study of aerosols. Such a station could be constructed only in such a remote area, away from the polluted cities and from any human activity.
To reach the beach you can walk into the small canyon, until you meet the sea. From Finokalias follow the short path that leads northwards, until you see the bed of the gorge. While walking along this, you will cross one beautiful and wild landscape with bare rocks, low vegetation and numerous spices and herbs. In the gorge you will see 2-3 wells with water, while inside the tall walls of the gorge you will find many caves. Indeed, in one of them locals say that an eerie woman called Datserolenia lived. The cave has a stone wall that still protects its entrance. A few yards away, you'll meet the small beach of Skotini.
Alternatively, from Finokalias you can follow the dirt road leading to the pine-forested monastery of St. Andrew, based in Cape Drepani. A part of the church is built in the rock of the mountain, with an inscription that reminds that it was repaired at the expense of Spinalonga patients. In order to approach the beach from there, you need to walk eastwards, along the shore. Indeed, at some point you will see an old fountain still flowing with water! After a while you’ll meet the beach.
The beach is pebbly and has many rocks in places. The rocky seabed in conjunction with the frequently wavy sea, make swimming difficult and dangerous. However, if you reach the beach on a windless day, it is sure that you’ll enjoy your bath in the cool waters of Skotini. Moreover, the rocky seabed is a shelter for fish, thus snorkeling is a good idea.
The name Skotini means Dark in Greek and it probably derives from the fact that the walls of the canyon in some places are very high and close together. This fact, combined with the shade of the trees hanging over the edges, reduces the intensity of light and the gorge is “dark”. Another version says that it comes after the many dark caves of the canyon.
Vlyhada Tzavlidon
Most believe that the area between Skotini and Milatos has no more beaches. This is not true as there are several small bays in the area of Anogia. This area is also accessible by car though a wild landscape. One of these beaches is Vlychada Tzavlidon, which has large pebbles. There are impressive layers of conglomerate rocks on the walls of the beach, while on the west end there is a small arch at the base of which there is little spring with fresh water. Vlychada Tzavlidon beach is formed at the exit of the gorge Christopatimata (i.e. Christ's Steps). The walls of Christopatimata gorge host some very strange formations (not easily visible), which locals say that they are the footprints of Christ!
Skotini
Vlyhada Tzavlidon
If you cannot see the photos, click here to see Skotini and Vlyhada Tzavlidon.
Attributes |
See all Mirabello area beaches on the same map
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|