Agathia or Agatia is a beautiful small traditional village a kilometer or so east of Palekastro in the north east of the island of Crete. It is situated not far from the sea and it is close to a beautiful beach (Rizovigio). In the area there are several other beaches to be found, like for instance the palm beach of Vai. Some of the beaches are popular with windsurfers. Agathia consists mainly of small old white washed houses and the cutest building in the village is (as you might have guessed) the church. From here there are views over the fertile plane in front of the village, the sea and an islet (Notio Kritiko Pelagos). There are also a couple of tavernas, a caf� and an supermarket, and there are a number of hotels and apartments to choose from.

Somehow this part of Crete seems to be relatively untouched by tourism and commercial activities and it is still possible to find a quiet spot on one of the nearby beaches, even though the so popular palmbeach of Vai is not far away. There is not much traffic or crowds and life seems to be easy here. The nearby beach of Kouremenos for instance is two kilometer long and quiet, and it has plenty of space for everybody, including the naturists, who have their own part in the southeast of the beach. And if you have a car you can drive to the beaches of Itanos, which are situated just above Vai Palm Beach. Here you find the remains of a Minoan town and a naturist beach.

The closest beach fot Agatia is Chiona Beach, which is situated about 1 kilometer east of the village. The main beach of Chiona is about 300 meters long. It is sandy and it slopes gently into the sea, making it a good spot for families with small children. Around the beach there are three tavernas. If you walk a bit south over a path that leads along the coast, you can find more secluded smaller bays with small sandy beaches, which offer more privacy and where there is room for naturism. The main beach of Chiona is meant to be a textile beach and so in order to find a naturist kind of beach you have to walk a little bit further..

If you walk the path looking for your private cove you come along a turn to the right after about 200 meters with a sign that says "Peak Sanctuary". This 3 kilometer long path leads up to the peak of Petsofas. This was once the site of a Minoan sanctuary and once you're up on the top you have a nice overview of the ancient Minoan city and port. More to the north of Chiona, in the other direction, is the beautiful beach of Kouremenos.

For hotels, apartements and studios in Palekastro, Agatia, Chonia Beach and Kourmenos Beach - click here.

Surrounded by an olive grove 70 metres from Kouremenos Beach, Casa di Mare features a pool, 2 km away from the Vai palm-tree forest. It offers apartments with free Wi-Fi and balcony overlooking the Cretan Sea and the sun terrace. A kitchenette with cooking facilities, fridge and coffee maker is included in all the air-conditioned apartments at the Casa Di Mare. Each has a seating area with TV. Kouremenos Beach offers many wind surfing facilities as well as traditional taverns and a bar. Palekastro village is within 2 km. Staff can arrange car rental to explore Sitia Town, 19 km away.

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Just a 5-minute walk from Chiona Beach, Rousolakos Apartments is located in Palaikastro Village. It offers a free-form outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. The accommodation provides garden and pool views from its balcony. A kitchenette equiped with an electric kettle, coffee maker and fridge is standard in all of Rousolakos air-conditioned apartments. Each includes a TV with satelite and cable channels, small dining table and private bathroom with hair dryer. Guests are welcomed to use the on-site BBQ facilities. A variety of fish taverns can be found along the beach area. Rousolakos Apartments is a 5-minute drive away from the Windsurf Club, situated at Kouremenos Beach. The famous palm tree-lined beach of Vai is 9 km away. It is 17 km from the lively coastal town of Sitia.

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The stone-built Hiona Studio is located right above Hiona Beach in Lasithi and within a short walk from traditional taverns. It offers self-catering units with fireplace and unobstructed views over the Libyan Sea. Fitted with beamed ceilings and traditional furnishings, the split-level apartments have a seating area and a well-equipped kitchen with fridge and stove. Each features a fan and a private bathroom with bath tub. A fish tavern is located just across the road. Hiona Studios is located 1.5 km from Palaikastron and 19 km from the seaside Sitia Town and its port. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at a distance of 145 km. Free public parking is possible on site.

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Set within a verdurous olive grove in the traditional settlement of Agathias, Sirines Studios is a traditional complex of self-catered studios with large balconies. It is 800 metres from the well-known beach of Hiona. The spacious apartments are fitted with quality furnishings and equipped with heating and air conditioning. Each offers a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven and coffee maker and a living room with two sofas that can convert to extra beds. The Sirines has an ideal location for hiking, trekking and walking. Monasteries and pleasant paths surround the hotel, while the famous Vai Beach is reached after 7 km. Private parking is provided on site.

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Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout, Flamengo Apartments is located in the traditional village of Agathia. Each accommodation offers a private entrance and a terrace or balcony overlooking the sea and mountain. Simply furnished, all the studios and apartments have a small dining table and a kitchenette with coffee-tea-facilities, fridge and cooking hobs. They include a TV and a shower and free toiletries in the private bathroom. The town of Palekastro is only 500 metres from Flamengo Apartments. Restaurants, a caf� and a minimarket are within short walking distance. It is 18 km from the coastal town of Sitia.

Check availabilities & prices and book Flamingo Apartments in Agkathias Palekastro, Pala�kastron - click here.