Learn more about Xerokampos and its' surroundings

Soft golden sand mixed with fine clay gives Argilos its name and unique charm. Locals and visitors alike cover their skin with the mineral-rich mud, letting the sun dry it before rinsing off in the crystal-clear sea — leaving the skin silky smooth. The water here is shallow, warm, and calm — perfect for slow mornings and mindful relaxation.

A small, sheltered bay framed by rugged cliffs and turquoise water. Vourlia feels private even in summer — just sand, sea, and silence broken only by gentle waves. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, making it easy to settle in for the day. And when you crave a frappé or a delicious lunch, two tavernas are just a few steps away. Beach has a shower and a changing room.

A rare natural lagoon that fills with seawater during winter and dries to a shimmering salt plain by summer. It’s a haven for migratory birds and photographers, with pinkish reflections at sunset. Calm and meditative, it reminds you how close sea and desert can be.

Golden sand, soft dunes, and crystal water in shifting shades of blue. Krinakia is beloved by locals for its quiet charm and sea lilies (krina) that bloom nearby in late summer, giving the beach its poetic name.

Xerokampos’s largest beach — over a kilometre of fine sand and shallow turquoise sea. Ideal for swimming, morning runs, or long walks at sunset. A mini market is right above the beach on the way from Xerokampos center. Also has one shower. 

Tucked away at the far end of Xerokampos, Agia Irini feels almost untouched. Only turquoise water and dramatic rocks. It’s the perfect escape for solitude seekers or romantic sunset moments. Don't try to drive there without an off-road.

Starting from the plateau of Lamnoni, this gorge descends over several kilometres through barren, rugged terrain and pretty high rock walls. The hike is long, demanding experience and good stamina — perfect for those who want to explore beyond the beaches of Xerokampos. Along the way you will walk where once ancient goat tracks wound their way and end near the coastal plain, with sea views as reward.

This impressive canyon system is made up of three parallel ravines that merge toward the coast. It’s ideal for long hikes and exploration — full of dramatic cliffs, thyme-covered slopes, and echoing silence. The gorge opens directly onto Krinakia Beach, where the turquoise water invites you for a refreshing swim after your descent.

One of eastern Crete’s most spectacular hikes, the Gorge of the Dead connects the village of Zakros with the coast at Kato Zakros, home to the famous Minoan palace. Ancient tombs carved into the vertical cliffs give the canyon its name, while the combination of wild nature and archaeology makes it truly unique. Small rivers and ponds with waterfalls appear after winter and during spring.

Just above the village of Zakros lies the entrance to Vigla Canyon — marked by a small whitewashed chapel with a spring, a little green oasis under the canyonx. The gorge begins on the fertile lands of Zakros, where olive trees and low shrubs grow on hillsides, before cutting deep into the limestone and ascending toward the wide upper plains.

It’s a beautiful route for long hikes and exploration, offering changing scenery from cultivated fields to wild rock formations and panoramic views over eastern Crete.