Tsoutsouras Beach

The charming village of Tsoutsouras located on the southern coast of Crete island, has a small harbour, where boats come in during the summer. Two small bays are formed on either side of the harbour, with an overall length of 2 km.  Both have sand, pebbles and crystal clear waters and are great swimming options. Most of the beachfront is lined with tamarisk trees, so you don’t have to carry an umbrella – if you don’t wish to – but still, be protected from the harsh sun rays. Most of the beach is also well-equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds. In the village, visitors will find rooms to rent, small hotels, tavernas and everything you need to ensure a comfortable vacation. In the bay, to the west of the harbour, we find some charming caves. The most well known is Drakospilia (The Dragon’s Cave). According to local legend, the cave got its name from the skeleton remains of a dragon that was found inside the cave!

Tsoutsouras is a great place to base yourself in if you want to explore the nearby area. There are countless options for excursions as well as other beaches that you can access by car, boat, or on foot. On the west side, a footpath takes you to Maridaki and Agios Nikitas in about 20 minutes. To the north of the village, you can also find a cave where the goddess of childbirth, Eileithyia was worshipped. To the east of Tsoutsouras, you will find the beaches of Pourgonero and Dermatos. There are also a few small gorges in the area for hiking enthusiasts.

The distance from Heraklion to Tsoutsouras beach on the southern coast is 60 km and takes about 1 hour. On the way, you can also stop at Lyrarakis Winery, a family-owned business with a long history located in one of the most important wine zones of Heraklion. Another village worth stopping in the area is Choudetsi; here a music workshop operates with an exhibition of traditional musical instruments from around the world. It is the only museum of its kind in Greece and includes rich collections that illuminate the most representative traditional music, from antiquity to the present day.