Koutsounari - resort development and amenities

The picturesque village of Koutsounari lies at the foot of the local Tripti Mountains, about 8 km east of the larger tourist resort of Ierapetra. The village is located in the eastern part of the island of Crete, which falls under the Lassithi regional unit.

The resort of Koutsounari was only established in the 1970s and initially consisted de facto of only a few small family-run guesthouses and villas, which stood alone on the slopes of high cliffs and were rented out to tourists during the summer. Gradually the resort grew and the development extended to the coast. Nowadays, there are rather smaller hotels and individual apartments, but the tourist facilities have improved and visitors can enjoy meals from local taverns and restaurants or have an evening drink in one of the bars. There are also several small shops. However, you won't enjoy the nightlife much in Koutsounari. For nightlife or more shopping, tourists head to the nearby resort of Ierapetra.

Koutsounari beach and the wider resort area

The resort includes the beautiful sand and shingle beach of Koutsounari, which stretches along the southern coast for several kilometres (that's why it's also called Long Beach). The surface here has a very interesting grey-black colour, which, combined with the bright blue sea, creates a unique colour contrast.

A nice tip for a hike is the Mylonas Gorge (or St. John's Gorge), which you will find on maps more commonly referred to as "Mylonas Falls". The gorge starts near the village of Saint John, at an altitude of about 500 m, and descends gradually through the surrounding countryside to the coast, to Kakia Skala beach. Unfortunately, it is not possible to walk through the entire length of the gorge, as you will encounter an obstacle in the form of high waterfalls. However, you can go to the Mylonas Falls themselves, which lie less than 7 km inland from the resort. There are two trails leading up to the falls (which are about 300 m above sea level), starting at Kakia Skala beach. The first trail starts at a pine forest and much of the way passes by an old concrete ditch that used to carry water down to Koutsounari. The second trail follows the riverbed and, especially in winter, is very challenging. The falls themselves are about 20 metres high and form a small pond with crystal clear and very refreshing water.

Who is the centre suitable for?

The resort of Koutsounari is located on the touristy and quiet southern coast of Crete, which is dotted with small and traditional Greek villages. And Koutsounari is not out of the ordinary in this respect either, which is why we recommend it mainly to those tourists who fly on their holidays to relax and recharge their batteries from the surrounding beautiful nature.

If you prefer entertainment and lively nightlife, look more among the resorts on the north coast of the island.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Agia Fotia, Ferma, Ierapetra

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.