Koutsouras - characteristics of the resort and its amenities

The tourist resort of Koutsouras is located on the peaceful south-east coast of Crete, which is mostly made up of small traditional Greek villages. Koutsouras is already a larger resort compared to these villages and offers visitors quality facilities and a wide range of tourist services. However, it is still one of Crete's quiet resorts.

To the west of the resort are the smaller villages of Achlia, Agia Fotia and Ferma and about 20 km away is the other larger resort of Ierapetra. If you head east, you will pass smoothly into the next larger resort and port town of Makrigialos. Koutsouras is a de facto suburb of the latter. The area of Koutsouras falls under the administration of the prefecture of Lassithi.

The various accommodation facilities (smaller hotels and apartments for rent) are scattered in the pleasant surroundings of the surrounding cliffs and pine forests. Visitors can find a number of taverns, shops selling various goods, a pharmacy, ATM, car rental, post office and even a police station.

Coast and beaches of Koutsouras

The coastline around Koutsouras is very rugged and offers several opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear waters and to swim in peace. The most famous beach of the resort is the eponymous pebble beach of Koutsouras, with its gently shelving beach in the western part of the resort, in the pleasant surroundings of the surrounding tamarisk trees and cosy tavernas.

In addition to the well-equipped and popular Koutsouras beach, you can discover other small and quiet beaches by walking along the coast of the resort. There's a tiny pebble beach right next to the local harbour, and the beautiful Macheridia beach, for example, which lies in an enclosed bay beyond the western edge of Koutsouras. On the other hand, to the east of Koutsouras is the pretty, sandy beach of Koutsoureli, recommended for families with children.

Koutsouras and trips to the surrounding area

A nice tip for a trip is the so-called Valley of the Butterflies, a gorge located about 15 km from Achlia and just a few kilometers from the resort of Koutsouras. The first 2 km of the gorge are relatively easy to walk through and you can go for a pleasant walk through the beautiful nature, which will be enriched by the various species of butterflies that live here. Deeper down, however, the rocks start to rise and the terrain becomes much more challenging. Depending on how far you go, you may see several small streams and small waterfalls (the number and intensity of these are greatest in spring).

But unfortunately in 1993, the forests on the southern slope of the Thripti Mountains, including the so-called Valley of the Butterflies, were hit by large and devastating fires. Since then, the area has slowly recovered, although the beautiful red butterflies are still visibly fewer than they used to be. Indeed, forest fires are not uncommon in Greece and the Greek islands.

Boat trips are particularly popular among visitors to the south-eastern part of Crete. From the harbour of Ierapetra, one sails to the small but very interesting island of Chrissi (the so-called "Donkey Island"). Chrissi Island is especially popular for its beautiful white beaches and its beautiful nature, where you can also find such things as fossils of sea shells or a large juniper forest.

A trip to the island of Chrissi is very beautiful, but in recent years has become very touristy. If you prefer quieter travel, try a cruise to the islet of Koufonisi. Koufonisi is an uninhabited and quiet island with stunning beaches and azure glowing water. You can buy your boat ticket at the port of Makrigialos resort.

We can also recommend the unique "palm" beach of Vai, located on the northeastern tip of the island, close to a large grove of date palms. You won't see such a large area of naturally growing palm trees anywhere else on Crete.

Who is the centre suitable for?

The resort of Koutsouras offers visitors quality tourist facilities and comfort, but on the other hand it is still a rather quiet resort. We recommend Koutsouras especially to those tourists who come on their holidays to relax and recharge their batteries from the surrounding beautiful nature.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Makrigialos

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.