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NL Ever stumbled upon a beach that feels like your own secret paradise?
That’s exactly how I felt when I discovered Soultanina Beach in Sitia, Crete.
This little slice of heaven sits just north of Sitia’s main port, right beside Chlouverakis Park.
Getting there is a breeze – you can drive or take a short walk from town.
What struck me most about Soultanina was how calm the waters were.
The beach faces west, which means it’s sheltered from most of the wind and waves.
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It’s no wonder the locals love this spot so much!
The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and beautiful rocks, with these cool natural pools forming in the nooks and crannies.
If you’re not big on sun, there’s plenty of shade under the road bridge all day long.
Soultanina really shines in winter too.
When the big rivers inland flood the main Sitia beach, swimmers flock here for cleaner, calmer waters.
Fun fact: The beach got its name from a wine and grape festival they used to hold here.
Some folks also call it Kokkina, which means “red” in Greek, because of the reddish rocks around.
Soultanina Beach Key Information
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | North of Sitia port, East Crete |
| Beach Composition | Pebbles, rocks |
| Water | Blue, calm, clear |
| Beach Features | Natural pools, cavities in rocks |
| Amenities | Limited, nearby in Sitia town |
| Famous For | Calm waters, local favorite |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing |
| Historical Role | Former wine/grape festival site |
| Surrounding Region | Sitia area, Lassithi Prefecture |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, natural, unspoiled |
| Dining | Nearby in Sitia town |
| Accessibility | Easy, by car or on foot |
| Period to Visit | Year-round, popular in winter |
| Demographics | Locals, couples, families |
Soultanina Beach Profile
Soultanina Beach is a cozy cove with a unique charm.
The pebble shore is lined with interesting rock formations, creating a natural playground for beachgoers.
The water is typically calm and clear, perfect for a relaxing swim or some light snorkeling.
What I love about this beach is how it changes with the seasons.
In summer, it’s a quiet escape from the busier tourist spots.
Come winter, it becomes a haven for locals looking for clean waters away from river runoff.
Amenities
Soultanina Beach is pretty low-key when it comes to amenities.
There aren’t any beach bars or rental shops right on the sand.
But that’s part of its charm – it feels unspoiled and natural.
If you need refreshments, the town of Sitia is just a short walk away.
Don’t forget to bring your own towels, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella if you want extra shade.
Accommodations
While there aren’t hotels right on Soultanina Beach, Sitia has plenty of options nearby.
You’ll find everything from small guesthouses to larger resorts within walking distance.
I stayed at a cute little apartment just a 5-minute stroll from the beach.
It was perfect for early morning swims and sunset walks along the shore.
History and Significance
Soultanina Beach has a sweet history – literally!
Its name comes from the Sultanina grape variety, famous for making raisins and sweet wines.
The beach used to host a wine and grape festival, celebrating the local harvest.
While the festival doesn’t happen anymore, you can still taste some great local wines in Sitia’s tavernas.
Activities
Soultanina Beach is all about relaxation, but there’s still plenty to do:
• Swimming in the calm, clear waters
• Snorkeling around the rocky areas
• Exploring the natural rock pools
• Sunbathing on the pebble shore
• Taking a scenic walk along the coast
• Watching the sunset over the sea
Dining
While there aren’t restaurants right on Soultanina Beach, you’re not far from some great eats.
Sitia town is just a short walk away, with lots of traditional tavernas and cafes.
I loved grabbing a Greek salad and some fresh seafood for lunch after a morning at the beach.
Don’t miss trying the local Cretan specialties – the dakos (a kind of bread salad) was my favorite!
Best For Travelers
Soultanina Beach is perfect for:
• Couples looking for a quiet, romantic spot
• Families with older kids who enjoy exploring
• Solo travelers seeking peace and quiet
• Anyone who prefers a more natural, less crowded beach experience
Soultanina Beach Map – Getting There
Reaching Soultanina Beach is pretty straightforward:
• By car, follow the main road towards Sitia Airport – you’ll see the beach just before you reach Chlouverakis Park.
• If you’re staying in Sitia, it’s an easy walk north from the main port.
• There are local buses that run along the main road if you’re coming from further away.
For the most up-to-date information on public transportation in Crete, you can check the official Region of Crete website.
Here are the approximate distances and driving times from major Cretan cities to Soultanina Beach in Sitia:
- Chania: 265 km (165 miles), about 3 hours 45 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: 205 km (127 miles), about 3 hours drive
- Heraklion: 130 km (81 miles), about 2 hours drive
- Hersonissos: 145 km (90 miles), about 2 hours 15 minutes drive
- Malia: 135 km (84 miles), about 2 hours 10 minutes drive
- Agios Nikolaos: 70 km (43 miles), about 1 hour 15 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: 60 km (37 miles), about 1 hour drive
These times are estimates and can vary based on traffic and road conditions. The main route from most of these cities is along the northern coast of Crete via the E75 highway. Public buses are available from major cities to Sitia, though they may take longer than driving. For the most up-to-date travel information, you can check the Greek National Tourism Organization website.
If you’re planning to explore more of the beautiful beaches in Eastern Crete, Cretorama has a wealth of information to help you plan your perfect beach-hopping adventure!
Tips
• Bring water shoes if you’re not used to pebble beaches.
• Pack a picnic – there aren’t any snack bars right on the beach.
• Visit in the late afternoon for the best sunsets.
• If you’re into photography, the reddish rocks make for great shots in the golden hour.
• Check out the Lassithi Beaches guide for more beautiful spots in the area.
Remember, Soultanina Beach is just one of the many hidden treasures you can discover in Crete. For more insider tips and stunning photos of the island, be sure to follow Cretorama on Instagram.
Discoveries Around Soultanina Beach
| Nearby Attraction | Description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Sitia Town | Charming port town with amenities | 0.5 km (0.3 miles) |
| Sitia Archaeological Museum | Artifacts from Minoan to Roman | 1 km (0.6 miles) |
| Kazarma Fortress | 16th century Venetian fortress | 1.2 km (0.7 miles) |
| Vai Palm Forest | Largest natural palm grove in Europe | 24 km (15 miles) |
| Toplou Monastery | 15th century fortified monastery | 16 km (10 miles) |
| Richtis Gorge | Scenic hike with waterfall | 26 km (16 miles) |
| Itanos Archaeological Site | Ancient ruins by the sea | 27 km (17 miles) |
| Zakros Palace | Minoan palace archaeological site | 40 km (25 miles) |
| Chiona Beach | Long, sandy beach nearby | 3 km (1.9 miles) |
| Sitia Geopark | UNESCO Global Geopark | Surrounding area |
