Exploring Crete’s southeast coast, Ahlia is a small settlement situated 50 kilometers southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 15 kilometers east of Ierapetra. Surrounded by pine trees and the steep Thrypti Range, it is a picturesque cove hosting a beach with coarse sand and dazzling blue waters. Offering visitors some umbrellas, water sports, and nearby rooms, mini markets, and taverns, the area is ideal for a relaxing getaway, and especially family holidays.
Venturing further west of Skinokapsala, you will find the wide and tranquil Achlia Gorge, where the pine-wooded terrain eventually leads to the beach of Ahlia. During the winter months, Thrypti Range’s waters form a river and create several waterfalls of up to 8 meters high. As the walls of the sandstone gorge are not particularly narrow, it is relatively easy to hike and no canyoning equipment is needed.
Ahlia can be accessed from the main road heading east to Makrigialos along the south coastline of Crete until you come across the sign pointing to Ahlia. On the east side, before Agios Panteleimonas, you will find the small beach of Bonda or Grias Pidima.
