Domata, Fournoti & Kalogeros Beaches

East of Trypiti, between Sougia and Agia Roumeli, where the Kladi Gorge meets the Libyan sea, we find the beauty of the natural wilderness and the distinctive rock formations that is Domata.

Domata Beach

This area gets its name from the three terraces that have formed on the slope, achieving a landscape of unique physical beauty. The terraces resemble roof-lines (which relates to its Greek name). Pebbles of all shapes and sizes surround the beach that offers crystal clear waters.

It is a difficult beach to access, only possible by boat or on foot through the rough gorge or along the trail to Agia Roumeli (3-4 hours of hiking), which is what has ensured total solitude for the visitor. No infrastructure exists here, but the numerous pines provide a wealth of shade to bathers and campers. Be advised, the path to Agia Roumeli is steep and dangerous in places as it ascends to some 700 m above sea level. Continuing on your eastwards journey, you will meet two off-the-track beaches: Fournoti and Kalogeros.

Fournoti Beach

Fournoti beach is only accessible by sea and is perfect for anyone wishing for solitude and to be left alone with the beauty of nature. It has small pebbles and clear water, with pine trees all around. At its mid-point, there is a cave – providing refuge by day from the sun and a place to pass the night for adventurous campers. The area is protected by the Natura 2000 program. A plant with yellow flowers (Hypericum ciferum) grows in the area and a few other places nearby in Sfakia. Tags mark the spots where they grow and should be left undisturbed.

Kalogeros Beach

Next to Fournoti is the small isolated beach of Kalogeros (which translates to “monk”). The name actually comes from the shape of a reef nearby that looks like a monk. Like Domata, the beach has small pebbles and clear cold water, with plenty of pine trees growing all around. Just like Fournoti, you may find a few deserted caves and should take care to bring along sufficient food and drink as there is nothing around. The path between Kalogeros Beach and Agia Roumeli has many, charming beaches with small pebbles and large cliffs behind them; they are collectively known as the Caves (cut) in the Marble.