Location

Eastern Crete, Lasithi, about 25 minute drive from Sitia

Beach Name

Kouremenos

My Rating Overall

This is a long beach and we will break our rating into two:

For the Southern end of the beach:
2 = Good beach. We had a good experience there but will probably choose a different beach in the area next time
The beach is actually fine, but the multitude of parked RVs, free campers, and windsurfers makes this beach of more benefit to them.

For the northern part of Kouremenos beach:
1 = The beach was fine for swimming and sunbathing one time but probably won't return

The northern end of Kouremenos is the part nearest the town of Palekastro. The road shows signs of questionable development (narrow road created and several restaruants and tavernas a bit too close to the beach), but most important, the beach itself showed signs of serious neglect when we visited in August 2011. While the water seemed clean and refreshing, the amount of trash left on the beach was alarming.

Beach

Some parts sand and other parts with small and large pebbles

Sea Floor

Parts with sand, pebbles, and rocks.

Water

3/5 = Very nice and clean sea.

(These are just my own unscientific observation of the water feel and appearance)
My family and I enjoy the water when it is crystal clear, and cool instead of warm. We don' like visible floating particles of any kind or algae settled on the beach.

Clothing

Topless sunbathing is common at the southern end, but not on the northern end that's frequented by local families.

Some beach areas might be suitable for nude swimming (many campers at the south end of the beach choose a textile free existence)

Access

Fair = accessible by car, poor road condition

The road to the beach is good. The part that travels the length of the beach is not paved, althought easily nagotiated by any car. Low trees can provide shade for parked cars near the beach

Amenities

Restaurant (on the beach)

There are several restaurants and cafeterias on the beach. Our personal favorite was restaurant Grantes.

RV / Camper Accessibility

Site suitable for free camping. Ample space for parking on the beach vicinity.

In August 2003 this beach looked like free camper's heaven! Although there are severeal signs prohibiting free camping, the entire south end of the beach was sprinkled with a plethora of parked RVs, small and large tents, make-shift shelters, and campers of all kinds. The trees in the area provide some shade, and the vastness of the beach never lets anyone feel crowded. As an added bonus there are fresh water showers every 100 meters or so! If you pick one spot in Greece to camp for free, Kouremenos beach must be it.

In summer of 2011 the beach showed signs of serious neglect. There was a large amount of trash mixed in with the shingles on the beach part in front of the restaurants.

Snorkeling

The rocks at the south end looked promising but I did not dive

Notes

Kourmemos gets very windy, and as such it is also a favorite spot for windsurfing. It is described to us as the "windsurfing capital of Crete" by locals.