The picturesque beach of Tholos lies 26km east of Agios Nikolaos and 4km north of the village of Kavousi. This unspoilt beach is surrounded by ancient olive groves and vineyards, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday. On the west side of the beach, you will find a mix of pebbles and sand and a small harbour. There are several tamarisk trees nearby, providing shade on hot days, as well as rooms to let and taverns. The water is usually a light blue colour due to the underground springs of fresh water from the Thripti mountain.
Just north of the harbour lies the tiny pebble beaches of Legameni, where aquatic plants can be seen growing from the rocky grounds. Both beaches offer stunning views of the wild cliffs of Malavra.
A little further east is the secluded beach of Malavra, accessible only by boat. Until recently, visitors could reach it by foot from the nearby station that exploited the fresh water springs of Malavra. However, there is now a gate preventing access.
Kavoussi is an area full of archaeological sites, natural wonders, and traditional villages. Psira Island, which can be reached by boat from Mochlos, is home to a major Minoan harbour and some impressive murals in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. West of Tholos, the old chapel of St. Anthony is worth a visit, as is the Venetian church of St. George in the central square of Kavoussi. The Temple of the Twelve Apostles at Ligaras is also a must-see.
The archaeological site of Azorias, 2km east of Kavoussi, is home to the world’s oldest surviving olive tree, estimated to be over 3500 years old. It was used to crown the winner of the Women’s Marathon at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. South of the monumental olive tree is the Mesonas and Havgas canyons, some of the wildest in East Crete. Other nearby sites include the Minoan settlements at Vrondas and Kastro, the copper workshop at Chrysokamino, and the cave Theriospilios.
