Ferma beaches
Ferma is located 10km east of Ierapetra and 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. It is a small seaside settlement that is built next to the steep shores, 4km south of the village Agios Ioannis. The surrounding area is covered with dense pine wood and lush vegetation, being a green oasis inside the dry landscape of Eastern Crete. Along the coastline of the region there are several small bays, the longest of which in the beach Livadi, widely known as Ferma beach or Xerokamara. Next to it there are the most hotels in the area. It is a beautiful beach with fine pebbles and crystal clear deep water, surrounded by dense vegetation in a magical landscape of towering smooth rocks and steep cliffs.
On the beach, which is not organized,lead two paths with stairs that start from the nearby hotels (80-100m long - there are signs on the main road of Ferma settlement). There are several springs on the beach and a small cluster of Cretan Date Palm in the middle of the beach.
The next beach after Livadi is called Pigadi (i.e. well in Greek) and is named after a small building that remids of a well. There is another small bay just next to it. Pigadi beaches are accessed via a staired path from the main road.The last beach of the area is Giorgakis and is similarly accessed through a steep path with iron stairs from the main road.
At Ferma the atmosphere is very calm. Here you will see mostly families enjoying the sun and the sea, having the basic amenities within walking distance. If you stay in Ferma, do not forget to explore the lush nature around. It is worth visiting the village of Agios Ioannis, taking a tour through its narrow alleys and churches and see the springs of Psychro and the waterfalls of Agios Ioannis in the gorge of Milonas.
