Sandstrände

Koufonisi Island

Sitia, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

An uninhabited island with dunes and Minoan traces.

Koufonisi, also called Lefki, lies in the Libyan Sea south of Lasithi. It is uninhabited today, but in antiquity it was an important centre for the production of purple dye from sea snails, and remains of a Roman theatre, houses and a temple have been found.

The island has beautiful sandy beaches bordered by limestone cliffs, cedar forests, sand dunes and salt marshes. It's protected within the Natura 2000 network. Boats run from Makrigialos in summer, and there are no facilities, so bring water and shade.

Sitia is the far east of Crete, a quieter, less touristy area of dry hills, olive groves and vineyards. The town of Sitia has a pretty harbour, a Venetian fortress and museums, and the area includes the palm beach of Vai, the Toplou monastery, the Minoan palace of Zakros and the Gorge of the Dead. Much of the area is part of the Sitia UNESCO Geopark. The local olive oil is among the best in Greece.

Around Sitia

North coast, on the Cretan Sea
Nearest town: Makrigialos, about 25 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 41 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi