Xerokambos beach and village is located 10 km south from Zakros village and 28km from Palekastro. In Xerokampos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterized by bare rocks and steep mountains. The vegetation is limited to bushes and there are some places with a few olive groves. A small tourist destination has started developing during the last years, especially after the roads were paved with asphalt.
Visit the only palmforest in Europe with its clean waters and beautiful beach. It is situated on the northern edge of the region on the headland of Sidero. Its beauty is unique in Crete. The palm trees grow naturally here and their fronds cover the banks of the small stream that leads to the sea, and its surrounding area.
Maridati is beautiful unknown pebbly beach at a remote green valley in the area of Palekastro (6km far from Palekastro and 24 from Zakros Village). Here you can enjoy your swimming secluded, far from crowded places.
Kouremenos is located 1,5km east of Palekastro and 21km east of Sitia and just 300m norh from Chiona beach. Around the Palekastro area, the “Meltemi” wind increases its strength through the local thermal and funneling effect that gives the surface wind an additional 2 Beaufort. This makes Kouremenos bay one of the most wind-certain spots in Europe with wind statistics of 20-28 wind days per month from April to October.
The beach of Kato Zakros is an hour's drive from Sitia and 25km south from Palekastro village. Here you can combine a swim with a visit to the ruins of the Palace of Zakro, the only Minoan Palace to have been excavated in Eastern Crete.
Access to Karoumes beach can be done only by walking in the gorge of Hochlakies, which starts east of the village of Hochlakies, 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 of Chochlakia and follow the trail that starts 1km east of the village.
The sandy beach of Erimoupolis is situated slightly to the north of the magnificent palmforest of Vai. The visitor can combine a swim in the sea with a visit to the ruins of ancient Itanos, which used to be the one remaining Heteocretan city.
Here is to be found yet another Sitia beach sunning itself next to the crystal blue sea. It is situated 2 kms from Palekastro and 19 km far from Sitia. Why not try the famous fish soup (kakavia) found in the charming little fish restaurants next to the beach.
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