Nestled 12km east of Agios Nikolaos and 22km north of Ierapetra, Istron is a tranquil village surrounded by lush olive groves and springs. The mild development of the area is primarily due to the regional building restrictions imposed due to the archaeological discoveries, however, the emerald beaches of the three adjacent bays remain the main draw.
The most serene beach of the area, Karavostasi, is located 1km west of the village and is a great sandy beach which is not organized. It is set within the largest gulf of Istro and is an ideal spot for relaxation. The second beach of Agios Panteleimon stretches behind a big rock and is known for its picturesque church of Saint Panteleimon. The sandy beach is well organized and is a popular spot for windsurfing. On the western end of the beach lies the important wetland of Kalos Potamos, while two German artilleries of the WW2 can be spotted between the trees.
Istron is built on the ancient city of Istrona and the ruins of a Minoan settlement have been discovered on the Vrokastro hill, south of Kalo Chorio. During the Venetian Era, the plain was transformed into a vast olive grove and water mills were built, some of which can still be seen today. The locals are known to organize cultural events and the Folk Museum is a reminder of their glorious past.
