Koutsounari Beach
Long, grey-sand stretch where south Crete unwinds
About
rolls along the southern coast of Ierapetra, backed by low dunes and sparse tamarisk trees that rustle in the afternoon breeze. The sand runs grey and mixed underfoot — not the postcard white, but honest and textured — while the water stays crystal clear, inviting long, lazy swims. The beach stretches far enough that you can walk for a good while without retracing your steps, and the eastern end remains largely undeveloped, giving it a semi-wild character. It's a local weekend favourite, which tells you something: the people who live here choose this beach for themselves.
How to get there
From Ierapetra, it's a quick 10-minute drive south; free dedicated parking is available directly at the beach. A bus runs from Ierapetra every four hours Monday to Saturday, taking around 17 minutes — useful if you're staying in town and want to leave the car behind. There's no entry fee. Access is easy and flat, though accessibility varies between the more organised western sections and the wilder eastern end.
Who it's for
For couples
The long walking stretch and quiet atmosphere make a natural choice for couples who want to wander without a plan — head east where the beach thins out and the tamarisks take over.
For families
Safe swimming, easy flat access, and free parking make logistics simple for families; the organised western section has sunbeds nearby, while kids with dogs in tow can roam freely on the undeveloped eastern end.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
is safe to swim and easy to reach — that's the baseline, and it's a good one. What lifts it above a simple convenience beach is the combination of length, quiet, and that undeveloped eastern section that most visitors never bother to walk to. The grey mixed sand won't photograph like a Santorini postcard, but the crystal-clear water is the real draw, and the tamarisk-backed dunes give the place a character you don't find on the more polished resort beaches. It's a local favourite for good reason: no fuss, no performance, just a long stretch of south Cretan coast doing exactly what it should. Come in June or September when the light is long and the beach is at its most relaxed.
What to do
Day trips to Chrysi Island, about 15 kilometres away, are a natural pairing — it's an uninhabited protected island with shell-sand beaches, reachable by boat from Ierapetra. Closer to the beach, the Ierapetra Venetian Fortress (Kales) is worth the short drive into town; the 13th-century sea fortress sits right at the harbour. For something more adventurous, Kavoussi Gorge is about 11 kilometres away, and the hidden black-schist pebble beach at Mavros Kolybos — tucked at a gorge mouth — is around 12 kilometres along the south coast.
The tamarisk trees at the eastern end frame the grey sand and clear water in a way that feels genuinely unposed — shoot low and wide in the golden hour.
The low dunes behind the beach give you just enough elevation for a sweeping shot along the full length of the shoreline.
Where to eat
Rodos is the closest option, right at the beach itself, while Asteria and Kimeri are within easy walking distance at 0.3 and 0.4 kilometres respectively. Koyros and Alátsi round out the local dining scene within a kilometre, so you won't go hungry after a long afternoon in the water.
Where to stay
Coriva Beach Hotel is the closest option at 0.8 kilometres, well-placed for early morning beach access. Avra Palm Studios and Kakos Beach are both around 1.1 kilometres away, offering a range of styles, while Oleander Garden at 1.3 kilometres is a solid alternative if those are full.
Photography
The low dune backing and tamarisk silhouettes make for strong late-afternoon shots looking east along the beach, when the light goes warm and the undeveloped section empties out. Early morning is best for capturing the crystal-clear water without footprints in the grey sand.
Good to know
Dogs are welcome on the undeveloped sections of the beach — keep them away from organised sunbed areas out of courtesy to other visitors. The bus only runs Monday to Saturday, so plan ahead if you're relying on public transport on a Sunday. Winter months — December through February — bring closed facilities and rough conditions, so stick to June through September for the best experience. The eastern section is quieter and less developed if you want more space to yourself.
Map
Nearby places
Coriva Beach Hotel
Avra Palm Studios
Kakos Beach
Oleander Garden
Hotel Porto Belissario
Chrysi Island
Ierapetra Venetian Fortress (Kales)
Mavros Kolybos Beach
Things to see around Ierapetra
Chrysi Island
Uninhabited protected island with shell-sand beaches; day trips from Ierapetra.
Ierapetra Venetian Fortress (Kales)
13th-century Venetian sea fortress at Ierapetra harbour.
Mavros Kolybos Beach
Hidden black-schist pebble beach in a gorge mouth on the south coast.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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