Chrysostomos Beach

I recently found this amazing little spot called Chrysostomos Beach while exploring southern Crete last summer.  

Located about 75km south of Heraklion and just 3km east of Kali Limenes, this small coastal village feels like stepping back in time.  

What makes this place special is how it balances being developed enough for comfort but still maintains that authentic Greek feel.  

The village got its name from the old church of Saint John Chrysostomos that sits in ruins just east of the settlement.  

During my visit, a local taverna owner told me that Chrysostomos sits on the exact site of the ancient city of Lassea, which has some serious historical importance.  

Apparently, Saint Paul himself visited here during his time on Crete.  

The area was once a harbor for Gortys, which was basically the capital of Crete during Roman times.  

What I found really interesting was learning that Lassea was known for its copper deposits.  

The main beach right in front of the village is absolutely beautiful it has this coarse sand that feels great underfoot and it’s perfectly protected from those strong west winds that can hit Crete.  

While there aren’t any organized beach facilities with rentals and such, it’s so close to the village that you can easily grab whatever you need.  

At the western end of the beach, I spotted something fascinating there’s this line of rocks going out toward a small islet called Trafos.  

A fisherman explained to me that those rocks are actually the remains of the old pier from the ancient port of Lassea.  

Interestingly, those same rocks were repurposed in the 1960s for building the Oil Tanks of Kali Limenes.  

If you’re into history like me, you’ll love that you can still see pieces of the ancient town of Lassea both on the Trafos islet and on the beach area opposite it.  

Past Trafos, there’s another separate beach called Segrezo Ryaki that faces west.  

This beach is super close to an old Roman cemetery and feels much more secluded.  

It’s actually known as a spot for naturists, though it is rockier than the main beach.  

Chrysostomos Beach Key Information

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Chrysostomos Beach Profile

Chrysostomos Beach offers that perfect mix of beauty and tranquility that makes southern Crete so special.  

The shoreline consists mostly of coarse golden sand with some fine pebbles mixed in, creating a comfortable surface for setting up your beach spot.  

What I really appreciated during my visit was how well sheltered the beach is from the sometimes fierce western winds that can blow across this part of Crete.  

The blue waters here have a normal depth gradient, making it suitable for both beginner swimmers and those looking to swim out further.  

The sea is typically calm in this protected cove, creating perfect conditions for a relaxing swim.  

While the beach can get moderately busy during high season, it never feels overwhelmingly crowded like some of the northern beaches on the island.  

If you’re looking for that authentic south Cretan beach experience without massive tourist development, this is exactly the place.  

Amenities

Though Chrysostomos Beach itself isn’t developed with organized facilities directly on the sand, the village has everything you need just steps away.  

During my stay, I found a couple of mini markets in the village where you can stock up on water, snacks, and basic beach supplies.  

The few local tavernas offer authentic Cretan dishes and fresh seafood, perfect for lunch after a morning swim.  

While there aren’t rental umbrellas or sunbeds directly on the beach, some visitors bring their own or find shade under the scattered trees near parts of the shoreline.  

I’d recommend bringing your own beach essentials if you’re planning a full day here.  

Public restroom facilities are limited to those in the local tavernas, so plan accordingly.  

Cell phone reception was surprisingly good for such a remote location, which made sharing photos of this beautiful spot instantly possible.  

Accommodations

If you’re looking to stay in Chrysostomos like I did, there are a few simple rooms to let in the village itself.  

These locally run accommodations offer basic amenities but come with that wonderful Greek hospitality that makes staying in smaller villages so special.  

I found that staying here provided a much more authentic experience than the larger resort areas of Crete.  

For those seeking more facilities or luxury options, looking toward the larger settlements nearby or even back toward Heraklion might be necessary.  

Booking in advance is definitely recommended during the high summer season (July-August) as accommodation options are limited.  

Many visitors also consider staying in nearby Kali Limenes, which has additional accommodations while still being just a short drive away.  

I personally loved waking up just steps from this beautiful beach there’s something magical about being one of the first people on the sand in the morning.  

History and Significance

Walking around Chrysostomos Beach feels like stepping through living history.  

The village sits directly on the ruins of ancient Lassea, a significant port city during Roman times.  

One of the most fascinating aspects I learned is that Saint Paul himself visited this exact spot during his journey to Rome, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.  

Lassea served as an important harbor for Gortys, which was the capital of Crete and Libya during the Roman period.  

The area was economically important due to its rich copper deposits that were mined in ancient times.  

The village takes its name from the now ruined Church of Saint John Chrysostomos located just east of the settlement.  

While exploring the beach and the small islet of Trafos, I could clearly see the remains of the ancient town, including the old harbor pier that now forms a line of rocks extending into the sea.  

Near the western beach of Segrezo Ryaki, there’s an ancient Roman cemetery that archaeologists have studied.  

Local fishermen told me stories about occasionally finding ancient artifacts in the waters near the shore, highlighting how this entire area is rich with undiscovered history.  

Activities

During my time at Chrysostomos Beach, I discovered it’s perfect for those who enjoy underwater exploration.  

The clear waters and rock formations make it an ideal spot for snorkeling.

I saw numerous colorful fish species just swimming close to the shore.  

If you’re into spearfishing, the locals consider this area one of the better spots in southern Crete.  

History buffs will love exploring the visible ancient ruins both on the beach and on the small islet of Trafos it’s like an open air museum.  

For an interesting walk, I followed the coastline toward the Roman cemetery near Segrezo Ryaki beach.  

The natural freshwater spring at the western end of Segrezo Ryaki makes for a unique experience swimming in the sea and then rinsing off in fresh spring water.  

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of subjects between the historical sites, beautiful seascapes, and traditional village life.  

Sunset watching here is absolutely magical I spent several evenings just sitting on the beach as the sun disappeared behind Trafos islet.  

Dining

The food scene in Chrysostomos Beach is small but authentic, focusing on traditional Cretan cuisine and fresh seafood.  

I tried a family run taverna right near the beach that served some of the most delicious grilled fish I’ve had in Greece caught that same morning by local fishermen.  

Most restaurants here serve classic Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salads, but often with unique local touches and family recipes.  

What stood out to me was the quality of the olive oil used in every dish it’s produced locally and has that distinctive peppery flavor that makes Cretan oil famous.  

Don’t miss trying the local cheese a taverna owner treated me to fresh mizithra that his mother had made that morning.  

For a light lunch, most places offer simple but delicious mezedes (small dishes) that pair perfectly with a cold beer or glass of local wine.  

Prices are generally lower than in the more touristy areas of Crete, which was a pleasant surprise given the quality of the food.  

If you’re self catering, the mini market in the village stocks basic supplies, including some local products.  

Best For Travelers

From my experience, Chrysostomos Beach is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to literally walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations and biblical figures.  

Couples seeking tranquility will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and romantic sunset views away from the island’s busy tourist centers.  

Independent travelers who enjoy discovering authentic places rarely mentioned in mainstream travel guides will feel they’ve found a hidden treasure.  

Snorkeling enthusiasts and those interested in marine life will love the clear waters and diverse underwater landscapes.  

Budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodations and eating options compared to northern Crete’s resort areas.  

Photographers will find endless inspiration in the contrast between ancient ruins, traditional village life, and natural beauty.  

It’s less suitable for those seeking nightlife, luxury amenities, or organized beach activities this is a place to slow down and connect with authentic Crete.  

Families with older children who appreciate history and nature will enjoy it here, though those with very young children might find the facilities limited.  

And for comprehensive information about all things Crete, visit Cretorama.

Chrysostomos Beach Map – Getting There

Getting to Chrysostomos Beach requires a bit of planning, but that’s part of what keeps it so authentic.

I found the drive from Heraklion took about 1 hour and 30 minutes, following the main highway south before taking more local roads.  

The most direct approach is to first reach Kali Limenes, then take the paved road that begins about 1km east of that village, heading eastward toward Platia Peramata.  

After driving approximately 2km on this road, Chrysostomos will appear on your right.  

The road is fully paved and in good condition, though it does have some typical Cretan mountain curves and switchbacks on the way south from Heraklion.  

While public buses serve some southern villages, they’re infrequent, so renting a car is the most practical option for visiting this area.  

I recommend using GPS or an offline map, as mobile coverage can be spotty in some areas during the drive south.  

Parking is available in the village, usually just a short walk from the beach itself.  

Distances to Chrysostomos Beach from Major Cretan Cities:

• Heraklion: 75 km (46.6 miles) – approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Route follows main highway south then local roads.
• Chania: 173 km (107.5 miles) – approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by car. Long drive across the island, best to take the northern highway then head south.
• Rethymnon: 124 km (77 miles) – approximately 2 hours 10 minutes by car. Take the national highway east then turn south.
• Hersonissos: 87 km (54 miles) – approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Head to Heraklion first, then south.
• Malia: 94 km (58.4 miles) – approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by car. Travel via Heraklion for the best road conditions.
• Agios Nikolaos: 126 km (78.3 miles) – approximately 2 hours 15 minutes by car. Longer drive requiring travel west then south.
• Ierapetra: 137 km (85.1 miles) – approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Consider the scenic route through Viannos mountains.

Note: All distances are approximate and driving times can vary based on traffic and weather conditions.

The roads to southern Crete include mountain passes that require careful driving.

Local transportation schedules and regional events can be found on the Region of Crete’s official website.

If you’re planning to explore more beaches in the region, check out Heraklion Beaches for detailed guides to other coastal gems.

Tips

After spending several days at Chrysostomos Beach, here are some practical tips I wish I’d known before visiting:  

Bring your own beach gear since the beach isn’t organized, pack an umbrella, beach mat, and anything else you might need for comfort.  

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best experience midday can get quite hot with limited shade on the beach.  

Wear water shoes if you plan to explore the rockier sections of the beach or snorkel around Trafos islet.  

Stock up on supplies in Heraklion or larger towns before heading south, as the mini markets in Chrysostomos have limited selections.  

Bring cash most small businesses in remote areas of Crete don’t accept credit cards, and the nearest ATM might be quite far away.  

Fill up your gas tank before heading to southern Crete, as fuel stations are fewer and farther between. 

If you’re interested in the archaeological aspects, morning light makes the ancient ruins more visible and photographable.  

Consider a day trip to nearby Agiofarago Gorge for hiking it’s one of Crete’s most beautiful gorges and ends at another stunning beach.  

Remember that southern Crete can be several degrees warmer than the northern coast, so plan accordingly with plenty of water and sun protection.  

For current information on visiting requirements and tourist rights in Greece, the Greek National Tourism Organization offers up to date resources.

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