Spinalonga or Kolokytha

The Unknown, Untouristic Spinalonga

A summer outing for two groups, with swimming stops at two unique beaches. The route is designed to avoid tourist crowds and the noise pollution of excursion boats.

Starting from Elounda, we hike along the Spinalonga (or Kolokytha) peninsula, following old trails that pass by the beautiful beach of Armou Vathy on the northwestern side of the peninsula. It is a sheltered bay with calm, shallow waters and sand mixed with pebbles, facing southeast, offering a stunning view of Elounda and the mountain peaks of Oxa, Loutsi, and Askokefala.

Group B stays here for about 3 hours to enjoy swimming and will wait for Group A to return. The beach is secluded with no facilities, so plenty of water is essential.

Group A continues along the coastal trail to Armou Skourgeto beach, at the northernmost point of the peninsula and directly across from the Spinalonga fortress, where we admire the incredible view that can only be seen from this spot.

We then walk to the northeastern tip of the peninsula, to a location called Pelekiti — a small sandy beach that resembles a fjord. Here, the sea penetrates deeply into the land, forming a natural inlet with turquoise-green waters where one can swim sheltered from the wind. While such inlets exist in various parts of Crete, this one is truly unique.

We then follow a southeastern direction, reconnecting with the path just past Armou Vathy beach, and begin our return route.

Participants must wear hiking boots – no exceptions.