The eastern part of Crete hides some of the nicest surprises. The exotic beaches of the islands Chrissi and Lefki can be explored by taking a sea trip on excursion boats from Ierapetra and Makrigialos. The protected palm forest at Vai and Itanos strongly reminds of an African landscape, while the secluded beaches of Karoumes and Xerokambos are a must-see for nature lovers. The dry rocky landscape changes dramatically a few miles to the west, on the serene strands formed below the slopes of Thripti range. The capital of Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, hosts the lovely beaches of Gargadoros, Istron and Ammoudara.
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Tholos beach 
Tholos is located 26km east of Agios Nikolaos and 4km north of the village Kavousi. Locals might also call it Kavoussi beach, due to the nearby village. The beach is formed at the exit of a fertile valley, surrounded by huge olive groves and vine groves. The region has been touristically developed, but very mildly, being ideal for a relaxing holiday.
The place is known as Maheridia and is one of the favorite beaches of locals, which is quite unknown to everybody else. The beaches are not visible from the main road running next to them, thus you have to walk till you meet them. They are surrounded by vertical cliffs, however there are some primitive trails to the beach.
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 worth visiting. 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.
If you walk along the coast to the north of Maridati till Vai palmgrove, you will meet several small coves, totally secluded accessed only by boat or on foot (it takes 2:30 hours to reach Vai). The most beautiful beach is located at the middle of the distance (Vai-Maridati) and is named Kedromouri, i.e. cedar Cape, after the trees in the area.
Ierapetra is located 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and is the southernmost city of Greece. It is built in one of the warmest areas of Crete, which makes it very popular for holidays, even until the end of autumn. The wider area of Ierapetra is famous for its beaches, stretching along a vast beachfront. Almost all of them are covered by the characteristic fine black pebbles, which do not stick in the leg, and the sea is usually flat.
Kalo Nero is located close to Kapsa Monastery, 68km south of Agios Nikolaos and 33km east of Ierapetra, in one of the most rugged areas of eastern Crete. It is a small village at the outlet of a small, but inaccessible, rocky canyon. You will see the church of Panagia (1881), around which the inhabitants of the mountainous village Pervolakia built buildings to stay, when they brought their cattle to graze here. The church was built on the remains of an older chapel, owned by Kapsa Monastery, which was built in 1461.
Koutsouras is located 55km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 20km east of Ierapetra, on the main road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. It is a relatively new village, built in a valley with pine trees, greenhouses and olive groves on the southern foothills of Mount Thripti. The village is developed with a police station, pharmacy, clinic, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, etc., but it is still a very quiet place.
Istro(n) is located 12km east of Agios Nikolaos and 22km north of Ierapetra, very close to Kalo Chorio. It is a quiet village, situated in a lush valley full with olive groves and springs, which has been developed during the last decades. However, the development was fortunately mild, mainly due to the regional building restrictions because of the archaeological discoveries. The main growth driver of Istron is undoubtedly the emerald beaches which are scattered in three adjacent bays.
