Nestled along the picturesque southern coast of Crete, just 60 km from Iraklion, lies the charming village of Tsoutsouros (GR:Τσούτσουρος), also known as Tsoutsouras This idyllic village is built near the ruins of the ancient city of Inatos and is primarily a fishing and farming community with around 100 permanent residents It has become a popular destination for those seeking a more relaxed and laid-back vacation experience, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of larger towns
Access
To reach Tsoutsouros, you can take the road from Heraklion’s east gate (Kazantzidis Av) to Arkalochori via Peza From there, continue on to Viannos via Martha village Just before reaching Martha, take the west direction to the villages of Skinias and Kato Kasteliana The journey is a scenic one, passing through beautiful vineyards and olive groves From Kato Kasteliana, the last village before Tsoutsouros, a 12 km uphill road leads to the village, reaching an altitude of 435 m above sea level before descending to Tsoutsouros The drive offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing peak of Kofinas and the small valley of the river Mindris, which flows into the sea through a stunning ravine
Tsoutsouros can also be accessed from Ierapetra on the east or from Messara on the west There is also a coastal dirt road that connects Tsoutsouros to Ierapetra, Arvi, Keratokampos, and Dermatos, although this route may be more suitable for off-road vehicles Public transportation is available only to the village of Kato Kasteliana
Weather/Climate
The climate in Tsoutsouros is temperate, with mostly northern winds blowing during the summer months These winds can occasionally be strong, but they do not significantly affect the sea conditions The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural surroundings are at their most beautiful
History
The site where Tsoutsouros now stands was once home to the ancient city of Inatos This city served as a port for the renowned city-state of Priansos, located near the village of Kasteliana Excavations by archaeologists have uncovered ruins dating back to both the Greek and Roman eras In a nearby cave, where the ancient Greeks worshipped the goddess of fertility, Eileithyia, numerous statuettes and idols from the archaic and Greek periods were discovered Today, two small statuettes known as “Niovides” are on display at the Heraklion Museum (gallery XX), depicting the goddess Artemis shooting the children of Niovi with her bow
During the German Occupation, Tsoutsouros played an important role as a base for a local resistance organization This organization helped allied soldiers escape to Egypt, and the first submarines arrived here in 1941 to assist with their escape The area of Kerkelos, located west of the village, was a key embarkation point for these soldiers and Greek patriots
Sights
While there are not many significant findings to be visited from the ancient city of Inatos, the area is still of interest to visitors The natural beauty of Tsoutsouros is a major draw, with its stunning beaches on both sides of the village and its vast valleys and gorges teeming with rare species of Cretan flora and fauna The area is also a stopping point for migratory birds, and some even choose to spend a significant portion of the year here
There are many secluded beaches around the village, some accessible by foot and others accessible by boat To the east, there are beaches such as Maridaki, while to the west lies the Monastery of Agios Nikitas and the “Palm Forest” (a lesser-known gem) The Midris River, which flows into the beach, is also a popular spot for visitors to follow and explore during autumn and spring
Facilities
Accommodation options in Tsoutsouros are mainly in the form of small, family-owned hotels, with some offering rooms and apartments equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities These hotels are mostly newly built and operate year-round, as they are owned by permanent residents of the village Beach facilities such as sunbeds and umbrellas are also available, as well as opportunities for water sports There are a few tavernas serving fresh and delicious seafood, as well as a couple of bars, but Tsoutsouros is not known for its vibrant nightlife
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that Tsoutsouros is located in the Heraklion region, which is 210 km from Chania Airport with a driving time of 3 hours and 6 minutes and 65 km from Heraklion Airport with a driving time of 1 hour and 4 minutes
