Situated around 10km west of Paleochora and 90km south of Chania lies the Lake of Krios, or Viena. It can be found along the European footpath E4, roughly 20-30 minutes away from the beach, and is well-known for its seclusion and scenic beauty. Although the beach itself is primarily rocky, with patches of sand here and there, its beauty lies in its history and the remains of the ancient city of Viena that can be found scattered across the beach and surrounding area. Marble columns, shards and potsherds of urns and amphora, and the rectangular base of a temple are some of the archaeological remains that can be seen. It is thought that centuries ago the water depth would have been greater, providing a safe anchorage for ships along this otherwise rocky shore. With its lack of facilities and the only tamarisk tree on the beach, the Lake of Krios is one of the most picturesque and special beaches in Crete.
