Tsoutsouros: Beach, Hiking Trail and Ancient Traces

Tsoutsouros offers a large sandy beach and combines ancient traces with a hiking trail that passes through the small settlement of Maridaki. The coastal setting, history and paths into the surrounding area offer different perspectives on your stay. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether the beach, hiking or archaeological sites should be the main focus. This choice can also shape your search for a holiday apartment.

The Beach and Choosing Where to Stay

The large sandy beach gives Tsoutsouros a distinct coastal character. If it is the deciding factor in your travel plans, you can consider Tsoutsouros itself as a destination when searching for a holiday apartment. If you would also like to make time for hiking or exploring archaeological sites, include nearby destinations in your plans.

Hiking Trail, Settlement and Bay

About 30 minutes after setting out, the Tsoutsouros–Maridaki hiking trail passes through the small settlement of Maridaki, which is also called Agio Panteleimonas. You will therefore encounter two names for the same settlement as you find your way. Beyond Maridaki lies a sheltered bay with two beaches. Locals call it Nisiakia, after two small rocks in the sea. Maridaki and Agio Panteleimonas refer to the settlement; Nisiakia, on the other hand, is the name of the bay beyond it.

From an earlier section of the hiking trail, a path and dirt track lead about 2.5 km to Agios Nikitas Monastery, which is set amid greenery. The same earlier section also offers a route of about 2.5 km along a path and dirt track to the only palm forest in the Asterousia Mountains. A descent through the palm forest leads to Agios Nikitas Beach. The tour information differs: for Maridaki, an approximate time indicates when the trail passes through the settlement after setting out; for the monastery and palm forest, the route descriptions each give an approximate distance. A time estimate and two distance estimates thus serve as different points of reference.

Roman Remains and Cave Worship

The Roman settlement and cemetery remains excavated in present-day Tsoutsouros are identified with the ancient city of Inatos. The historical connection therefore encompasses two types of remains: settlement remains and cemetery remains are attributed to the same ancient city. A place of worship dedicated to Eileithyia, the goddess of fertility, is located in a cave in Tsoutsouros. This dedication gives the site a specific religious significance, distinct from the Roman settlement and cemetery remains.

The archaeological site of Prianos is also near Tsoutsouros. These historical references therefore have different locations: Inatos is the ancient city with which the remains excavated in present-day Tsoutsouros are identified; Prianos is near the settlement. Visits to the nearby cave of Inatía Eileithyia require prior arrangements with the responsible Ephorate of Antiquities. Be sure to make these arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Kamárai, Lendas, Gouves, Kalo Chorio, Voros, Damasta, Pompia, Mátala.

For the main travel guide: Heraklion.