Kavoussi is located 26km east of Agios Nikolaos and belongs to the Ierapetra province, below the wild massif of Thripti. Kavoussi is one of the most interesting and unknown regions of Crete. If you come here you must explore the surrounding area, which is full of archaeological sites, natural beauties, and traditional villages. It has a lovely beach formed at the exit of a fertile valley, surrounded by ancient olive groves and vineyards. The region has faced a very mild touristic development, being ideal for a relaxing holiday.
Psira isletPsira Island, opposite Tholos, was a major Minoan harbor. Psira, which can be visited by boat from the nearby Mochlos, hosts a great Minoan settlement. The most important finding of Psira are the carved murals found on a wall. The murals have been transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
West of Tholos it is worth visiting the old frescoed chapel of St. Anthony. Then you can stroll to Kavoussi and walk in the village, built near the outlet of the beautiful gorge Mesonas. In the central square you will see the Venetian church of St. George with Byzantine architecture and beyond you will see the Temple of the Twelve Apostles at Ligaras.
The monumental olive tree of Azorias The archaeological site of Azorias, 2km east of Kavoussi, hosts one of the most impressive monuments of nature, a living witness of all historical periods of Crete. This monument is nothing more than an olive-tree being 3500+ years old, one of the oldest surviving in the world. The tree has been declared as a protected monument and you will be impressed by its huge perimeter. Indeed, the tree was used for the crowning of the first winner of the Women's Marathon in the Olympic Games in Athens (2004). 2km south of the monumental olive, you will find the canyons of Mesonas and Havgas, some of the wildest in East Crete.
Besides the above, it is worth visiting the Minoan settlements in sites Vrondas and Kastro, the ancient copper workshop of the Minoan period in the Chrysokamino area (on the coasts east of Agriomandra bay) and the adjacent cave Theriospilios with the very interesting decor. To the eastward of Theriospilios, you will also find the minoan settlement Chylopites.
Agriomandra beach 
To get there you should follow the dirt road that crosses the green meadows west of Kavoussi, known as Lakos Ambelion position, till the entrance to the gorge. From here begins a short path, not particularly difficult, leading after 10 minutes on the beach of Agriomandra. Just before you reach the beach you will see several small caves in the rocks.
Azorias olive tree 
The legendary olive tree in Azorias is located 1km south of the village Kavoussi and very close to the homonymous archaeological site of Azorias. This olive tree is a natural monument; it is the oldest olive tree in the world! Indeed, it is grafted on a rootstock of a wild olive tree, making it the oldest sample of grafting in the world.
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.
Psira Islet 
Psira is a small uninhabited islet located 1 mile north of Tholos beach, situated at the northeastern edge of the Gulf of Mirabello. In Psira a Minoan settlement of 15-20 acres has been found, being one of the most important sites in Crete.
Mesonas Gorge 
Mesonas gorge is located on the northern slopes of the mountains of Thripti, near villages Kavoussi and Avgos. It is a short imposing gorge (4km long), that needs technical equipment for crossing it along its bed. The canyon connects the Plateau of Thripti to the plain of Kavoussi.
Theriospilios Cave at Kavousi 
Theriospilios has a total length of 44m, 25m maximum width and height 0,5 - 7m. After the entrance of the cave, the visitor enters a low hall with dimensions 7m x 8m. The following room is spectacular, with 37m length, 25m width and 1.6-7m height, with sloping floor. It is richly decorated and gives the visitor an excellent impression.
A very short gorge with the small wonderful beach of Agriomandra formed at its exit. To find that you should follow the dirt road that crosses the green meadows west of Kavoussi, known as Lakos Ambelion position, till the entrance to the gorge.
Azorias Settlement 
The Late Minoan settlement of Azorias is situated on a hill with two peaks 1km southwest of the village Kavoussi. The town flourished in the Archaic Period (7th - 5th century BC).
