Whilst many people tend to head for the famous and popular beach at Vai - an old hippy hang-out and the largest natural palm forest in Europe - travel just a little further on, and you will be rewarded with the less crowded beaches around the archaeological site at Itanos, in Crete's north eastern tip.
The ruins at Itanos sit on a promontary raised between two sandy beaches. The site was first occupied in pre-historic times, though most of the ruins now visible date back to post-Minoan times, when Dorian Greeks developed the town into a large port. The town gets a mention by Herodotus, a 5th century B.C. Greek historian, and in Roman times, over 5 centuries later, it minted its own coins. Itanos retained its influence for many centuries, and wasn't abandoned until the end of the Byzantine era in the 17th century A.D.
About 4km further on from Itanos the sea seems to assault Crete from both sides, and the land is squeezed down into a narrow strip, little more than 100 metres (400ft) wide. Beyond this point the last, almost island-like outcrops that are Crete's most north easterly point are military reservations inaccessible to civilian traffic.
The journey to Itanos will take you past the walled monastery of Toplou - established in the mid-15th century. The monsatery is home to an impressive collection of Byzantine icons, books and documents, a display of ancient engravings, and a collection of artefacts which reflect the monastery's role in the often bloody events that have been played out on Crete over it's turbulent history.
The Cape Sidero area of Crete is a day-trip from Makrigialos; a distance of some 60km (37 miles) which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes without stops. To get there head to Sitia, then take the north coast road eastwards and follow the signposts for Vai. Itanos is about 1.5km (1 mile) past the Vai Beach turnoff. If you want to get to the most north-easterly point of Crete (or at least as far as you can get without being relieved of your camera by men in uniforms), turn left just before reaching Itanos. For an alternative route, skip the Toplou road and follow the signposts for the rural village of Palekastro, where depending on your timing you can stop for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
Alternate Trip (Green)
Through the east Crete interior, via the Etia and Voila Venetian ruins, through Xandras (pronounced Handras), then over the mountains and down along some spectacular winding road onto the Zakros plateau, ending up at the east coast beaches of Kouremenos and Xiona (pronounced Hiona) near Palekastro.
Kouremenos is famous for it's wind-surfing friendly conditions, and a watersports centre on the beach rents wind-surfing equipment during the summer season. A handful of tavernas can be found on the well-maintained promenade towards the harbour at the northern end of the beach
South of Kouremenos beach, separated by a table-mountain-like headland is the smaller Xiona beach. A the northern end of the beach there are a couple of tavernas. A short walk to the south west are the ruins of the Minoan town of Palekastro (Rousolakos). To the south east a track takes you further round the coast, past a series of small sandy bays
Further Reading Further ViewingThe image gallery is hosted on Flickr. If you would like to see more information about the photographs and/or comment on them, you can do so on my Flickr North East Crete Photoset.
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