Located 32km northwest of Agios Nikolaos, north of the village Finokalias, lies the beach Skotini. Formed at the exit of a deep gorge, this solitary spot is one of the most remote and wild places of Crete. The University of Crete established a sampling station for the study of aerosols, a testament to the pristine quality of the area. To reach the beach, one can either walk along the path from Finokalias or follow the dirt road leading to the nearby monastery of St. Andrew. Once at the shore, visitors will find a pebbly beach with many rocks in places, and the frequently wavy sea can make swimming difficult and even dangerous. The beach is named Skotini, or Dark, due to the shade of the trees and the many caves in the canyon. Enjoy a windless day by taking a dip in the cool waters of Skotini, possibly all alone.
