Lassithi

The longest beach at Koufonissi lies in the southeast part of the islet, overlooking Africa! Amazing clean water, rocky seabed ideal for snorkeling, and smooth sand ideal for playing beach tennis. The only problem is the lack of shade.

Between Platani and the airport of Sitia there are huge uninhabited lands with low vegetation and wild sharp rocks, where even no roads exist. This area, called Melissokipi (aka Bee gardens), is crossed by several deep streams flowing into the sea (in winter). One of them, Vathys Potamos (i.e. Deep River) a small sandy beach is formed which unfortunately is strongly affected by the frequent winds.

West of Mochlos and east of Malavra springs, you’ll see the plaster mines of the area. The site is called Altsi from the Turkish word alçı, which means gypsum, plaster. This region hosts two small beaches, totally unknown to everybody, as it is not accessed due to the mines. Access to the beaches of Altsi is possible via the road leading to the mills that grind the stones (the paved road signed as a dead end before Mochlos).

If you walk 1 hour east of Vlyhada beach at Livari (by Goudouras), you will soon reach the two deserted beaches of Tihida area. The area is full of caves and takes its name after the wall-like rocks (tihos in Greek) at the small beach, offering shade during summer.

If you head west of Papadiokambos settlement, especially on windless days (very rare!), it is worth leaving your car off the road, cross the wire fence and walk 2 minutes to the exit of the gorge starting close to Liopetro area and ending at the beautiful beach of Charkomatas, at position Roussa Limni. You’ll get impressed by the amazing formations of the gorge, shaped by laminated sheets of limestone.

The north part of Spinalonga Peninsula called Armos (just opposite the islet Kalydon with the fort of Spinalonga) is a special place with abandoned farms, mostly unknown due to the fact that there are no roads heading here. Apart from the well known beach of Kolokytha, at the southeast base of the peninsula, there are several unknown beaches at the north part of the peninsula. It is surely worth visiting them by canoe from Plaka.

Approximately 300m to the east, you'll find several small bays with round pebbles, which are secluded. Kolimbakia or Loutres coves, as they are called by locals, are ideal for snorkeling and fishing, as the rocky bottom is home to plenty of fish. After the coves you will meet the beach in front of a local hotel, Stomio beach, which is well organized with umbrellas, showers, beach-volley court, canoes, sailing, windsurfing and diving facilities.

If you walk along the steep shores north of Maridati till Vai palmgrove, you will meet several small coves, totally secluded accessed only by boat or on foot (it takes 2:30 hours to reach Vai).The first beach you meet is called Kokkinos Kavos (Red Cape), named after the reddish soils of the area. The seabed is sandy and pebbly in places.