Xerokambos beach
Xerokambos is located 103km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, 47km south of Sitia and 69km east of Ierapetra. As evidenced by the long distances from the major cities of Lassithi prefecture, the settlement of Xerokambos is one of the most remote areas of the island. It can be accessed primarily through the road connecting the town of Sitia (and Ierapetra) with Ziros, while there is a second choice of asphalt road coming from Zakros. From Ziros, the paved road passes through some green plateaus and deserted medieval villages (Etia, Chametoulio). Then the road descends and has spectacular views of the South Cretan Sea while it passes close to the rugged Gorge of Lamnoni.
In Xerokambos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterized by bare rocks and steep mountains. The vegetation is limited to bushes and there are some places with a few olive groves. A small tourist destination has started developing during the last years, especially after the roads were paved with asphalt. Xerokambos is ideal for relaxing holidays and is not suggested for party animals. In the village you will find several rooms, mini markets and taverns. Pharmacy, butcher and petrol station can be found at Zakros (15 minutes by car).
Xerokambos wild mountains are in direct contrast to the calm sea and the beautiful beaches. In a relatively small area you will actually find all types of beaches, as there are beaches with rocks, coarse pebbles, small pebbles, golden sand, white sand and turquoise waters, while there is also a beach with clay for lovers of natural spa!
Ambelos beaches
East of Cape Trahilos you will meet the main area of Xerokambos, Ambelos, where the settlement is built with several rooms and taverns. On a nearby hill you can see the picturesque church of Saint Nicholas with its blue dome and the remains of the Hellenistic city of Ambelos. The beaches of Ambelos start close to the church, at the east base of Cape Trahilos. The beaches are formed in several adjacent small coves. The first beach is called Gerontolakkos or Agios Nikolaos (due to the church). After Gerontolakkos you will find a narrow beach surrounded by several whitish rocks. The rocks are argillaceous and this is why you will see many people bathing and massaging with the clay! The beach is called Argilos (i.e. clay).
Vourlia
After Argilos you will find a small bay with golden sand, next to which there are several rooms and taverns. The bay is known locally as Vourlia. From there, the coast becomes rockier and heads northeast and crosses a protected area for the white sand lilly.
