Resort Istro - characteristics and facilities

Originally a small fishing village, Istro (or also Istron) has also undergone some development with the advent of mass tourism in Crete and has worked mainly on tourist facilities and accompanying tourist services. Even today, however, it is one of the most peaceful places where you can soak up the true Greek atmosphere. This is also because the ongoing archaeological excavations here have prevented any major construction.

Istro is situated on the shores of the famous Mirabello Bay, in the prefecture of Lassithi. It is located about 13 km east of the popular resort of Agios Nikolaos and about 50 km west of Sitia, and regular atuobus lines connecting to the larger resorts in the area go directly to the village of Istro.

There are a number of apartments available to visitors in the resort, as well as a few smaller but beautiful hotels, and the number is growing all the time. There are many excellent tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy Greek specialties and international cuisine, as well as bars with refreshing drinks, cafes and small eateries with a variety of products, including souvenirs. A pharmacy, an ATM and car and motorbike rental services round off the tourist facilities. However, you can't expect a boisterous nightlife in Istro; instead, tourists head here for the beautiful and peaceful surrounding nature and beautiful sandy beaches.

Beaches of Istron

The village of Istron spreads out on the shores of several small bays and coves that make up the rugged coastline in these places. The three most popular beaches are Karavostasi, Agios Panteleimonas and Golden Beach (also known as Voulisma). All three beaches are within walking distance of the resort centre. But alongside these larger beaches, you'll also find several small, often well-hidden beaches that offer more peace and privacy.

The westernmost beach is Karavostasi - a smaller pebble beach that is left purely natural. The beach is quiet and is mainly used by local Greeks. On hot summer days, small tamarisk trees provide pleasant shade.

To the east you reach the pretty sandy beach of Agios Panteleimonas, which takes its name from the small white church of the same name, which stands right on the beach. Agios Panteleimonas Beach is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and beach showers and is also popular with windsurfers due to the favourable weather conditions.

The most popular local beach is the beautiful Golden Beach, known among the locals as Voulisma. Its surface is made up of fine white sand that gently sinks into the crystal clear sea. Thanks to the good tourist facilities and shallow water, families with small children often head here.

Tips for trips

As already mentioned, archaeological excavations are still taking place in the resort, so you can watch the archaeologists at work. Remains of an old Minoan settlement have been uncovered in the village and just about 5 km to the east you can also see the ruins of the former Minoan port of Gournia.

Istro is close to the main road along the north coast of Crete, so you can take several excursions during your stay in this picturesque village. There are regular bus services to the nearby and larger resorts, but for the rest, we recommend renting a car - if only because the nature and the coastline of the eastern part of the island are truly unique and you can stop anywhere to enjoy their beauty.

One trip tip is to drive along the north-east coast of the island, heading first to the picturesque harbour town of Sitia. The drive down to the shoreline alone is full of beautiful scenery, and then you'll get a glimpse of the pretty harbour and the many small white houses cascading down the hillside of the bay. From here you can continue further east to the famous "palm" beach of Vai, surrounded by a vast grove of naturally growing date palms.

We also recommend taking advantage of the proximity to the bustling seaside resort of Ierapetra, which is, in turn, located on the south-east coast of Crete and is also the southernmost town in Europe. You'll find yourself in the hottest area of the island, famous for its delicious bananas and tomatoes. From the local harbour, you can also take a small boat trip to the adjacent island of Chrisi, boasting beautiful sandy beaches and aura-clear seas.

The closest of the larger resorts is the modern port town of Agios Nikolaos, which not only offers more shopping and entertainment options than the small resort of Istro, but you can also visit the local archaeological museum. There are also excursions from here to the old Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, located on the small island of Spinalonga (or Kalydon), which is only accessible by boat.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Istro is one of the smaller and quieter resorts on the north-east coast of Crete, with plenty of accommodation and beautiful coves and beaches. We recommend it to those tourists who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities. On the other hand, if you crave a wilder summer night, the larger resort of Agios Nikolaos is not far away.

With good tourist facilities and proximity to the main road, Istro is also an ideal base for exploring the beauty of the eastern part of Crete.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Amoudara (Agios Nikolaos)

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.