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Karoumes Beach
Would you believe me if I told you that I’d found the most spectacular hiking trail in East Crete?
Karoumes beach is located 110km east of Agios Nikolaos and 29km southeast of Sitia.
It is formed at the exit of the beautiful gorge of Chochlakies which is part of the E4 trail.
Access to the beach can be done only by walking in the gorge, since the rugged terrain of the area has kept off the roads.
Thus, in order to come here you should leave your car in the picturesque village Chochlakies and follow the trail that starts 1km east of the village.
The gorge is 3.5km long and has water till spring.
The walk usually takes 1.5 hours (in very low tempo), but the canyon is inaccessible after rainfalls.
The path along the river is breathtaking, as the gorge with its towering cliffs maneuvers through the bare mountains.
In the route you meet several ponds (in spring) and a huge variety of plants.
Near the exit, the high surrounding walls turn to a little valley.
At the edge of the valley you will find the beautiful beach of Karoumes.
The beach has small pebbles and the water is always calm, since it has eastern orientation.
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Also, there are many trees offering shade and some rocks on the north side of the beach.
The beach is ideal for seclusion because of its distance from the urban centers and the difficult access.
If you want to stay more isolated (more?), there are two tiny secret beaches with a length of only 3-5m located 300m and 400m south of the main beach.
For more information about Lassithi Beaches, visit our category page.
You can also find more information about Crete on our website Cretorama.
Karoumes Beach Key Information
| Location | Lassithi Prefecture, East Crete, Sitia area |
| Beach Composition | Small pebbles |
| Water | Blue, calm |
| Beach Features | Trees, rocks, shade |
| Amenities | No amenities |
| Famous For | Seclusion, snorkeling, spearfishing |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, hiking |
| Historical Role | Near ancient Minoan palace of Kato Zakros |
| Surrounding Region | Gorge of Chochlakies, E4 trail |
| Atmosphere | Secluded, peaceful |
| Dining | No restaurants or bars |
| Accessibility | Walking, boat |
| Period to Visit | Spring, summer |
| Demographics | Adventure seekers, nature lovers, families, couples |
Karoumes Beach Profile
Karoumes beach is a natural wonder, with its unique landscape and pristine waters.
The beach is surrounded by high cliffs and rocky hills, making it a secluded paradise.
The pebbles on the beach are small and smooth, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The water is calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Amenities
The beach has no amenities, making it a true wilderness experience.
There are no restaurants, bars, or shops nearby, so you need to bring your own food and water.
The nearest village is Chochlakies, which is 1km east of the beach.
Accommodations
There are no hotels or resorts nearby, making it a true adventure.
You can camp on the beach, but you need to bring your own tent and equipment.
The nearest town is Sitia, which is 29km northwest of the beach.
History and Significance
The beach is located near the ancient Minoan palace of Kato Zakros.
The cave Pelekita is located 3km south of the beach, and is a must-visit for history buffs.
The E4 trail passes through the gorge, making it a popular hiking trail.
Activities
The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spearfishing.
You can also hike to the nearby cave Pelekita and explore the gorge of Chochlakies.
The E4 trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Dining
There are no restaurants or bars nearby, so you need to bring your own food and water.
You can picnic on the beach, or cook your own meal if you have the equipment.
Best For Travelers
The beach is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
It is also ideal for families and couples who want to get away from the crowds.
For more information about travel requirements, visit the Greek Tourism Website or the Lassithi Municipality Website.
Karoumes Beach Map – Getting There
The beach is located 110km east of Agios Nikolaos and 29km southeast of Sitia.
You can drive to the beach, or take public transportation from the nearest town.
For more information about public transportation, visit the Region of Crete Website.
Distances from Major Cretan Cities
- Chania: 140 km (87 miles), 2 hours
- Rethymnon: 120 km (75 miles), 1.5 hours
- Heraklion: 100 km (62 miles), 1.2 hours
- Hersonissos: 90 km (56 miles), 1 hour
- Malia: 80 km (50 miles), 45 minutes
- Agios Nikolaos: 110 km (68 miles), 1.5 hours
- Ierapetra: 60 km (37 miles), 45 minutes
Note: The driving times and distances are approximate and may vary depending on the route and traffic conditions. - Public transportation and taxis are available from the nearest towns, but the schedules and prices may vary.
Tips
Make sure to bring sunscreen, water, and food.
Also, be careful when hiking in the gorge, as the terrain can be rugged.
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Discoveries Around Karoumes Beach
| Destination | Distance |
| Traostalos peak sanctuary | 2.3 km (1.4 miles) |
| Trail Kato Zakros – Pelekita Cave – Karoumes | 2.4 km (1.5 miles) |
| Chochlakies watermill | 2.6 km (1.6 miles) |
| Skinias beaches | 2.6 km (1.6 miles) |
| Pelekita Cave | 2.9 km (1.8 miles) |
| Petsofas Peak Sanctuary | 4.5 km (2.8 miles) |
| Skaria beaches | 5.2 km (3.2 miles) |
| Hiona beach | 5.5 km (3.4 miles) |
| Zakros Palace | 5.5 km (3.4 miles) |
| Zakros beach | 5.6 km (3.5 miles) |
