Goudouras beach
Goudouras is a coastal village located 37km east of Ierapetra and 73km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, in a large valley surrounded by rugged mountains and impassable canyons. The village actually consists of two united settlements, Asprolithos and Goudouras. It takes its name from Cape Goudouras, the ancient Cape Erythrae, near the edge of which it is built. The name Goudouras in turn comes from the local plant “agoudouros” (Hypericum triquetrifolium), which abounds in the area and was used as a substrate for drying fruit (eg figs and raisins). The very warm climate of the region is ideal for growing olives and vegetables in greenhouses, which unfortunately, have altered the natural beauty of the area.
The village has faced a very mild touristic development, which makes it a very quiet destination even in August. Along the seaside village road stretches a large pebbly beach with clean and cool water, not very well organized; there are some places with umbrellas and taverns nearby. If you come in here, we suggest that you visit the adjacent Votsalaki beach, a really nice beach to the west. To get to Goudouras from Ierapetra follow the road to Makrigialos and then turn towards Goudouras. Moreover, there are some bus services to Goudouras from Ierapetra.
At Goudouras you will see the stone church of the Ascension. From Goudouras you can make a trip to the picturesque village of Agia Triada, 8km north and enjoy the magic of the wild Cretan countryside and the ancient olive groves. Then you can head to Ziros and then to Xerokambos, where you’ll enjoy the endless golden beaches.
