Agia Irini is a small remote village located 98km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 11km south of village Ziros.
You can reach the village via dirt tracks starting either from Kalo Horio or from Hametoulo (both 7km long).
The village is the starting point of the rugged gorge Agia Irini that exits in one secluded cove, opposite the small islet Hamili.
The beach is pebbly and has crystal clean blue water.
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Agia Irini Beach Key Information
| Location | Southeast Lassithi, Crete |
| Beach Composition | Pebbles, rocks |
| Water | Deep blue, crystal clear |
| Beach Features | Tamarisk trees, cliffs, islet Hamili |
| Amenities | Natural shade only |
| Famous For | Remote location, gorge access |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, hiking |
| Historical Role | Traditional fishing area |
| Surrounding Region | Rocky coastline, gorges |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, isolated |
| Dining | None on-site |
| Accessibility | Dirt track, boat, hiking trail |
| Period to Visit | May to October |
| Demographics | Adventure seekers, nature lovers |
Agia Irini Beach Profile
The beach is one of the most remote beaches in Crete, due to its distance from the city centres.
It is surrounded by steep cliffs and sharp rocks.
In order to access the beach, you should either trek in the imposing gorge, or drive in the dirt track starting from the village, or come by boat (from Goudouras or Xerokambos).
There are some tamarisk trees on the beach, making this place ideal for isolation.
There is also a trail that starts from Agia Irini Gorge and ends in Xerokambos harbor.
Agia Irini is located in the Lassithi Prefecture, East Crete, South Crete, Sitia area.
The closest beaches are Amatos beach, Apidi Gorges, Alatsolimni beach and Tihida beach.
Amenities
The beach is nudism friendly and ideal for snorkeling / spearfishing.
It has tree shade and rock shade.
The sea water color is deep blue, blue.
The sand type is pebbles.
The depth is deep.
The sea surface is usually calm.
The crowds are quiet.
Accommodations
Check out the best hotels, villas and apartments in Agia Irini on our partner website.
They often have great deals and discounts, and we recommend checking them out before booking your stay.
You can also find more information on the official Greek tourism website: GNT.
History and Significance
Agia Irini is located near the Ancient Ambelos at Xirokambos.
For those interested in history, you can find more in-depth information on the official Lassithi municipality website.
For general information about Crete, visit Region of Crete.
Activities
The beach is perfect for hiking, snorkeling, spearfishing.
The gorge of Agia Irini is actually a set of two parallel canyons that merge shortly before the sea, at the point where the dirt road passes to the beach.
Both canyons are very wild, rocky, with steep slopes and high walls.
Dining
You can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in the nearby villages.
Best For Travelers
Agia Irini is one of the most remote beaches in Crete.
This beach is perfect for nature lovers, hikers, snorkeling enthusiasts, spearfishing fans.
If you are looking for more isolated beaches in the Lassithi region, check out our guide to Lassithi Beaches: Lassithi Beaches.
Visit Cretorama for more information about the island.
Agia Irini Beach Map – Getting There
The gorge of Agia Irini is located in the Lassithi Prefecture and is about 98 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 11 km south of the village Ziros.
To get to the gorge, follow the dirt tracks from Hametoulo settlement or Kalo Horio.
There are also hiking trails starting from the village and the settlement.
For more information about the region, you can visit the official Region of Crete website.
Distances from Major Cretan Cities
From Chania, you can reach us in approximately 210 km (130 miles) and with a driving time of about 3 hours.
From Rethymnon, you can reach us in approximately 160 km (99 miles) and with a driving time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
From Heraklion, you can reach us in approximately 140 km (87 miles) and with a driving time of about 2 hours.
From Hersonissos, you can reach us in approximately 120 km (75 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From Malia, you can reach us in approximately 110 km (68 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Agios Nikolaos, you can reach us in approximately 98 km (61 miles) and with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Ierapetra, you can reach us in approximately 30 km (19 miles) and with a driving time of about 40 minutes.
You can also take public transportation (KTEL buses) from Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion.
Tips
As Agia Irini is a remote beach, ensure to carry enough water and food, especially during summer.
There are some tamarisk trees on the beach, providing shade, but not enough.
Check the official Greek tourism website for more travel tips and information.
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Or visit us on Facebook for more information and tips.
Discoveries Around Agia Irini Beach
| Nearby Attraction | Distance | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amatos Beach | 1.4 km (0.87 miles) | Secluded pebble beach with caves |
| Agia Irini Gorge | 1.6 km (0.99 miles) | Dramatic canyon with hiking trails |
| Tihida Beach | 2.3 km (1.43 miles) | Remote sandy cove, clear waters |
| Mazida Ammos Beach | 2.7 km (1.68 miles) | Long sandy beach, shallow waters |
| Xerokambos Gorge | 2.9 km (1.80 miles) | Natural canyon with unique geology |
| Ancient Ambelos | 3.8 km (2.36 miles) | Historical ruins overlooking coast |
| Livari Beach | 3.9 km (2.42 miles) | Protected bay with tamarisk trees |
| Alogara Cave | 4.0 km (2.49 miles) | Coastal cave with sea access |
| Xerokambos Beach | 4.1 km (2.55 miles) | White sand beach, turquoise waters |
| Heromilia Beach | 4.2 km (2.61 miles) | Small cove with rock formations |
