Sissi

Boufos is the most famous beach near Sisi and is located just a few meters east of this picturesque seaside village, in the sheltered bay of Harkoma. The beach is the first one that the visitor encounters following the coastal road, and is formed right at the exit of the Agiasmenos stream — a stream that carries water from the Sellinari Gorge.

The beach is well organized, with umbrellas, sun loungers and infrastructure for visitors, and is a popular destination. However, its morphology is open to the north, which makes it vulnerable to the frequent northerly winds of summer.

An interesting element that accompanies the beach is the origin of its name. According to local accounts, the name “Boufos” comes from the characteristic “bouf” sound that the waves make as they rush into a nearby cave in the area. This sound became so characteristic that it gave the beach its name.

Between Boufos and the neighboring beach of Avlaki is the church of Agios Antonios, as well as the archaeological site of Boufos. From this point, one can enjoy an excellent view of the Sellinari Gorge, a natural passage that connected central Crete with Lasithi since ancient times. The archaeological site includes a pre-palatial settlement that has developed in the form of a complex, covering an area of approximately one hectare, and is estimated to have had an organic relationship with the nearby Minoan palace of Malia.