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.

The beach can be mainly accessed by boat, as it is hard to find the beach in the complicated dirt road network of the area. The beach is surrounded by low vegetation.

Did you know that there are several palm groves in Crete? Indeed, apart from the famous palm groves of Vai and Preveli, there are more small paradises to discover around the island. Here we present a selection of 10 of them.

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).

Helidoni or Porto Helidoni beach starts immediately after the south side Paliokastro and is under new highway. A staircase with wooden steps leads down to the sea level. What is striking is the cleanliness of the beach and water clarity reminiscent of the best beaches of southern Crete. The beach has easterly direction and, therefore, it almost always calm, like all beaches from Ellinoperamata to Theseus. It is a tiny beach with fine pebbles and sand in some places.

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 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.