Koutsouras beaches
Koutsouras is located 55km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 20km east of Ierapetra, on the main road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. It is a seaside 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. Around the village there are beaches with coarse black sand and calm waters. The main beach is located west of the village, in front of the old settlement, and is well organized, since it is adjacent to the settlement. Along the beach there are several tamarisk trees, where you can rest. If you want an even more secluded beach, a good solution is a small beach with pebbles next to the harbor of the village, about 1.5km on the west, just next to the small wood of Apiganias. Moreover, there is very nice beaach 1km east of Koutsouras, which is called Koutsourelis beach. Koutsourelis is sandy and is suitable for kids.
Sightseeing
If you get in Koutsouras you must explore the surrounding region, an edenic landscape of Eastern Crete. The southern slopes of Thripti are covered by dense pine forest, an oasis in the dry landscape of Lasithi. Unfortunately a major fire in 1993 destroyed much of this, however, it has gradually recovered. You can get a little taste of the pines by visiting the park of Apiganias, just 1.5km west of the village, which is also used for cultural events. Here ends the gorge of Red Butterflies, a unique canyon with many pine trees and springs with fresh water. It is worth visiting the village Orino, on Mount Thripti, from where the gorge begins.
