Secluded coves Hidden gem

Staousa Beach

Sitia, Lasithi · Free

Directions

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Organised

Not organised

Atmosphere

Secluded

Characteristics

Pebbles

About

A small remote beach near Kalo Nero and the Kapsa monastery.

Staousa is the main of three remote beaches at Kalo Nero. Small and unorganised.

The Kapsa monastery, built into the cliffs at the mouth of the Pervolakia gorge, is worth a visit.

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

South coast, on the Libyan Sea
Nearest town: Makrigialos, about 8 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 30 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