Wonderful creations made by the engineer called “Nature”
Long sandy coastlines, pebble beaches, coastlines suitable for water sports, shallow seas suitable for families, headlands offering magnificent views and unique sunsets: the Greek coast has it all. It also has some places where nature seems to have become an “engineer” and has created places that compare (and probably surpass) the most beautiful pools in the best luxury resorts.
Some of them are presented here and our criteria for choosing them were swimming and marine. Crete definitely could not be missing from this list, since two well-known and beautiful beaches stood out, in Chania and Rethymno:
Ports of Seitan, Chania
At a distance of more than 20 kilometers from the city of Chania, on the eastern side of Akrotiri, there are three small bays that got their name during the Turkish occupation due to the strong undercurrents in the area. Seitan Ports means cursed/evil ports.
To get here and after leaving your car on the road, you will have to cross a very difficult path, in many cases you will have to lean on the rocks or on the pole of your umbrella if you have brought it with you. Especially in July and August, it gets very crowded here, so the earlier you come, the better. Our stay at this beach was worth every second.
In addition to the wonderful waters, the most daring will also find the right place to dive from high cliffs. Two extra tips: Photograph the incredible view from above before you start your hike. And take as few things as possible: the absolute essentials. Both the descent and the return are quite an exhausting experience.
Calypso, Rethymnon
In the south of Rethymno one comes across this wonderful creation of nature. The sea has practically “drilled” the land. You’ll arrive here via the Kalypso Cretan Village Hotel, but you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the crystal clear waters, with the variety of colors. In one place it is dark blue, in another blue, in another green, depending on the depth of the bottom. The waters in Calypso are deep, a man of average height treads in very few places.
You will find yourself in the water from the pool ladder that has been placed, a suitable place for diving. Karavos Bay, in which Calypso is located, is also known by the locals as the “pirate fjord”, as it was a haven for pirates in Byzantine times.
Sarakiniko, Milos
On the Moon there is no sea water, but in a sea of Milos there is a lunar landscape. Chances are, even if you’ve never been to the island, you’ve seen photos of Sarakinikos, either on social media or in one of the many fashion shoots that have taken place there. What draws the camera and visitors from all over the world is the eerie landscape created by the smooth white rocks and the contrast they create with the blue sea and a half-excavated shipwreck.
You can spread your towel on the small sandy beach or on the rocks, or before swimming explore the caves created in the shore by the erosion of the waves. Access to the beach is easy, by car or bus, but be sure to bring water and sunscreen. The reflection of the sun on the white rocks, especially at noon, makes the sun here more intense.
Gala, Ano Koufonisi
The beaches of Koufonisia are now known all over the world for their special beauty. In a destination of such marine beauty, Gala stands out.
The beach is a special geological phenomenon. The sea passes under a large rock and, foaming, comes out on the other side where there is a small beach. Its waters look like milk foam and this element gave the beach its name. Its color is probably due to the color of the calcium that the gravel leaves in the water.
Access is on foot. If you start from Pori, one of the famous Koufonisi beaches, you will need a 10-15 minute walk to reach Gala through a path. If you don’t want to walk, you can also reach Gala by sea, with one of the boats that go around the island. It is definitely worth a visit, the waters will compensate you even more. Just because the place is really very small, it’s better not to come here with a big group.
Pools, Ano Koufonisi
Galaktos’s beauty and uniqueness rivals Pisina’s. This marvelous spot has been created by the erosion of porolites by sea water. The pool joins the Aegean waters with a small underwater passage. If your accommodation is in Chora of Ano Koufonisi, it will take you about 45 minutes walking to get here.
Most likely, of course, you will visit the famous Italida beach at least once, so it is worth walking about 10 minutes from there to find yourself in a very different, but equally charming environment from the golden sand beaches. which are the hallmark. of the island.
Giola, Thasos
Of the most photographed beaches in Greece, Giola is undoubtedly the most impressive beach in Thassos, an island with a lot of competition in this field.
Giola is a natural pool formed by the rocks. To get here, you will need to drive on a dirt road for 3-4 kilometers, followed by a short but rather difficult walk. It should also be noted that Giola is not the most suitable place for families with young children due to the steep and rugged terrain of the rocks.
But all this should not discourage you from coming here, as just photographing this otherworldly landscape is worth any effort. Swimming in one of the most special beaches in Greece is even more worth it. It is no coincidence that the mythological explanation for its creation is that Zeus wanted to build a natural pool for the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, to bathe in.
Pool, Walls
The islet of Mourtos, just opposite Sivota in Thesprotia, is probably unknown to most Greeks. But here is a natural pool, name and thing. Its crystal clear turquoise waters are surrounded by a coastline of white sand and pebbles, as well as lush vegetation that offers natural shade.
You will swim among fish accustomed to human presence. Throughout the summer sailboats, inflatables and other types of boats call here with people from all over the world, since Murtos Pool is the wonderful “shared secret” of those who choose this type of vacation.
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