Secluded coves Hidden gem

Maridatis Beach

Sitia, Lasithi · Free

Directions

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Organised

Not organised

Atmosphere

Secluded

Characteristics

Pebbles

Access

Dirt road

About

A small untouched pebble beach between Vai and Kouremenos.

Maridatis is completely unorganised and reached by a dirt road. Pebbles, clear water and silence.

The water is clear and the silence is complete. It's a good place for those who want a quiet swim away from the crowds at Vai.

The beach lies in the far north-east of Crete, in a dry, rocky landscape with almost no buildings. The nearby beaches of Vai, Itanos and Kouremenos are more popular, but Maridatis offers real solitude. The dirt road can be rough, so drive carefully.

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

East coast
Nearest town: Palekastro, about 6 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 20 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