Beaches

The east end of the long Ierapetra beach is called Livadia, and beyond this, is called Peristeras. This is a secluded area with high cliffs surrounding it. The beach is sandy and has several smooth rocks in places. You can reach the easternmost part of Saint Andrew by walking from the road. However, there is a second sandy beach in Peristeras, just behind the rocky end of the long beach, that can be accessed by the road. This is very well protected by prying eyes, but there are many rocks.

The peninsula of Grammeno(s) is located 85km south of Chania and 5km east of Paleochora, on the road connecting Paleochora with Koudoura. Koudoura is a warm area with greenhouses, where most citizens of the area work.

The beautiful unknown beach of Gialopotama is formed west of a small hill, on which a few small houses and apartments for renting are built. The beach is sandy and has deep cool water. The rocks lying around it make it ideal for snorkeling.

About 1km east of Chrysostomos settlement we meet the amazing beaches of Maha. The first beach is rocky and is mainly used as harbor. It is unorganized but there are some rooms and a tavern nearby, from where a dirt road leads to the beach.

Voulolimni (i.e. sunk lake) is located 70km southeast of Chania and 500m northwest of Chrysoskalitissa monastery. It is actually a small crater, surrounded by rocks, forming a small salt lake. Voulolimni is not actually a beach, but the rocky "pool" for the residents of Chrysoskalitissa.

Kastri is located 72km southeast of Heraklion, in the sheltered bay of Keratokambos. It is the biggest of the two settlements of the region (the second is Keratokambos), which are now united. In recent years Kastri has faced considerable development, mainly because the surrounding beaches are a magnet for visitors.

The beach of Drapanias is located 5km east of Kissamos and 32km west of Chania, between Korfalonas and the Nopigia. It is named after the homonym village, situated 1km south of the beach. It's east part is also called Kokkino Metohi.

The bay of Fraskia of Panagia (i.e. Virgin Mary) is located 24km northwest of Heraklion, on the western side of the Gulf of Heraklion. It is located at the exit of a small valley next to the current private settlement of Theseus. The name Fraskia is taken after the Cretan word fraski, that was a type of jar that was used by Cretans as beehive. Indeed, the area is full of thyme, herbs and shrubs, which are ideal for producing honey.