Tsoutsouros: Sandy Beach, Hiking Trails and History

Tsoutsouros combines a large sandy beach with archaeological remains in the town and destinations nearby. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, the differences between the beach, hiking trails and cultural sites can help you plan your days. First consider whether you want to focus on the beach or also set aside time for trails and historical destinations around Tsoutsouros.

Beach, Hiking Trails and Landscape

The large sandy beach is right in Tsoutsouros. The surrounding area adds to the landscape with hiking destinations: about 30 minutes after setting out, the Tsoútsouros–Maridaki hiking trail passes through the small settlement of Maridaki, also known as Agio Panteleimonas. The time indication describes when the trail passes through the settlement; it should not be confused with the distances to other destinations.

Beyond Maridaki is a sheltered bay with two beaches. Locals call it Nisiakia; the name refers to two small rocks in the sea. This section of the route therefore brings together different landscapes: the small settlement and the sheltered bay with its two beaches.

From the previous section of the hiking trail, it is about 2.5 kilometres along a path and a farm track to the Monastery of Agios Nikitas. The monastery is surrounded by greenery. The only palm forest in the Asterousia is also about 2.5 kilometres along a path and a farm track from the previous section of the trail. A descent through the palm forest leads to Agios Nikitas Beach. The monastery, forest and beach are distinct named destinations that you can keep separate when planning.

Archaeology and Cultural Sites

Remains of Roman settlements and a cemetery have been excavated in present-day Tsoutsouros. They are identified with the ancient city of Inatos. The settlement remains and cemetery point to different aspects of the ancient town; together, they give Tsoutsouros a tangible connection to its Roman past. The archaeological site of Prianos is near Tsoutsouros. This makes it possible to distinguish geographically between the Roman remains associated with the town and the archaeological destination nearby.

Tsoutsouros is also home to a cave sanctuary dedicated to Eileithyia, the goddess of fertility. The cave of Inatía Eileithyia is near the town. Visits must be arranged in advance with the competent Ephorate of Antiquities; bear this in mind when planning a visit.

The archaeological sites and coastal landscape offer different options for planning your trip: at the beach, time by the sea takes centre stage, while the trails to Maridaki and the destinations around Agios Nikitas include other places and landscapes. Prianos and the Roman remains add a cultural and historical dimension, though the remains in Tsoutsouros and the site near the town are described as being in different locations.

Trail Information for Planning

For a hotel stay in Tsoutsouros, you can organise your days around the beach, hiking trails and cultural sites. The approximately 30 minutes refers to the point where the trail passes through Maridaki. By contrast, the two distances of about 2.5 kilometres each describe routes from the previous section to different destinations: the Monastery of Agios Nikitas and the Asterousia palm forest. Time and distance answer different planning questions and, taken together, do not give the walking time for the entire route. If you plan to visit the cave of Inatía Eileithyia, remember to arrange the visit in advance with the competent Ephorate of Antiquities.

Discover more destinations: Pitsidia, Astrakoi, Kastamonitsa, Vorizia, Archanes, Vathianos Kampos, Voros, Chersonisos

Return to the main travel overview: Heraklion.