Lassea beach (Chrysostomos)
Chrysostomos is a small seaside settlement, located located 75km south of Heraklion and 3km east of Kali Limenes. The village is slighly developed with a few taverns, mini market and rooms to let. It is named after the ruined church of Saint John Chrysostomos located on the east of the dorp. Chrysostomos is built on the site of the ancient city Lassea, that was visited by Saint Paul, during his stay on Crete. Lassea was a harbor of the Roman city Gortys, the capital of Crete and Libya in Roman Era. Lasea was rich in copper deposits.
The beach of Lassea in front of the village is very beautiful, with coarse sand and well protected from the west winds. It is unorganised, but still it's close to the settlement. On the west end of the beach there is a "line" of rocks, that heads towards the small islet of Trafos. This is the old pier of the ancient port of Lassea. The rocks were in that place since 1960s, when they were used for the construction of the Oil Tanks of Kali Limenes. On the island and on the beach, opposite Trafos, you can still see remains of the ancient town of Lasea. The beach continues west of Trafos, creating a separate beach called Segrezo Ryaki that faces west. This beach is very close to a Roman cemetery. It is secluded and ideal for nudism, but is also rockier than the main beach. On the west end, there is a spring with fresh water.
You can drive here from Kali Limenes by getting the paved road that starts 1km east of Kali Limenes and heads eastwards, to Platia Peramata. After 2km, you'll meet the village of Chrysostomos on your right hand.
