Koutsouras Beach: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts

Koutsouras Beach is a coastal destination on the southern coast of Crete, west of the village of Koutsouras. It features dark grey pebbles, clear blue waters, and natural shade from tamarisk trees. Koutsouras Beach is sheltered from strong northern winds, ensuring calm waters throughout the year and making it an ideal spot for swimming. The beach holds a Blue Flag certification, ensuring high environmental standards, cleanliness, and safety.

Koutsouras Beach is best visited between June and October, when sea temperatures range from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F). The beach reaches its warmest temperatures between July and September, with peak sea temperatures at 28.6°C (83.5°F) in August.

Koutsouras Beach offers swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, along with nearby attractions for visitors to explore. It has calm, clear waters and a pebbly seabed, making it ideal for snorkeling. Koutsouras Beach provides access to hiking trails leading to Butterfly Gorge, a scenic route through pine forests and rock formations. The beach is close to Maheridi Beach, Koutsoureli Beach, and Ferma Beach, each offering a distinct coastal experience.

Koutsouras Beach is surrounded by accommodations such as South Coast Hotel, Paradisos Villas, and Big Blue Beach Bar. The accommodations provide various lodging options, from private pools to beachfront access. Koutsouras Beach is near dining establishments such as Kaliotzina, Dasaki Taverna, and Koursaros Cocktail & Coffee Bar, where visitors can enjoy traditional Cretan dishes, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Find below a table with the main features of Koutsouras Beach.

What is Koutsouras Beach?

Koutsouras Beach is a pebbled shoreline on the southeastern coast of Crete. The beach stretches along the edge of the village of Koutsouras and features dark grey pebbles, clear blue waters, and natural shade from tamarisk trees. The seabed deepens quickly, making the beach more appropriate for confident swimmers. Organized sections offer sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby cafés, while other areas remain undeveloped for visitors seeking quiet spots. Koutsouras Beach maintains a calm atmosphere, drawing both locals and travelers looking for a low-traffic coastal area. Koutsouras Beach holds the Blue Flag Certification, a distinction that signifies high standards in environmental quality, cleanliness, and safety.

Koutsouras Beach is located 20.2 kilometers (12.5 miles) east of Ierapetra, a coastal city on the southern side of Crete. The beach lies directly along the village of Koutsouras, adjacent to the main road that connects Ierapetra to Sitia. Travelers coming from Sitia drive 47.6 kilometers (29.6 miles) southwest to reach the beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, located 49.8 kilometers (30.9 miles) to the northeast. Koutsouras Beach is accessible by rental car, taxi, or regional bus routes that serve Crete’s southeastern coast. Free public parking is available near the beachfront and village center.

Koutsouras Beach is safe for swimming and general beach activities. The beach features a mix of shallow and deeper areas, with clear visibility and gradual entry points in most sections. No lifeguards are stationed on-site, but there are organized areas that are regularly visited and located near cafés and accommodations. Visitors should wear water shoes in rocky areas to avoid minor cuts or slips. The surrounding village remains quiet and walkable, contributing to a secure environment for both locals and tourists.

Koutsouras Beach is free to enter at all times. No entrance fees or permits are required to access the shoreline, whether visiting the organized sections or the more natural areas. Public access is available from the main road and nearby accommodations. Visitors may use their own towels and umbrellas or rent sunbeds and parasols from local vendors for a small fee. Parking along the road or near cafés is free of charge

The best time to visit Koutsouras Beach is between June and October, when sea temperatures range from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F), ensuring comfortable water for extended activities. The beach reaches its warmest temperatures from July to September, with sea temperatures peaking at 28.6°C (83.5°F) in August, benefiting from prolonged sun exposure. Koutsouras Beach remains a beautiful destination in May and November, with water temperatures ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) in May and 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F) in November, offering quieter conditions for visitors seeking a less crowded seaside experience.

Visitor’s reviews about Koutsouras Beach are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as beautiful, peaceful. The water at the beach is consistently noted as being crystal clear and clean, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are nearby rocks that make good snorkeling spots to see fish and sea life up close. The rocks do not deter people from enjoying the gorgeous blue waters, despite the beach itself is rocky requiring water shoes. Several reviews rave about the beach being quiet and unaffected by winds. People comment about the amenities like showers, chairs and umbrellas for rent and small beach bars or tavernas to get food and drinks right on the shore. Koutsouras Beach earns consistent praise in the reviews as a beautiful hidden gem, perfect for a day of swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing by the sea.

Children and pets are allowed at Koutsouras Beach. Koutsouras Beach includes shallow entry points and calm waters in several areas which is suitable for families with young children. Organized sections provide added convenience for those visiting with kids. Pets are welcome on the beach, though owners are expected to keep them leashed and clean up after them. The wide shoreline and low foot traffic make the area comfortable for both children and animals, making it a beach in Crete suitable for kids and pet-friendly day trips.

What Does the Koutsouras Map Look Like?

Find below an image describing the area and perimeter of Koutsouras Beach.

What are the Activities at Koutsouras Beach?

Koutsouras Beach offers swimming, snorkeling, hiking, dining, and relaxing along the surrounding coastal and mountainous terrain. Swimming at Koutsouras Beach is absolutely safe and enjoyable due to its calm waters. Its Blue Flag certification further ensures high environmental and safety standards.

Snorkeling at Koutsouras Beach is also popular, allowing visitors to explore marine life along the pebbly seabed, with excellent underwater visibility near the shoreline.

Hiking trails near Koutsouras Beach include routes leading to the Koutsouras Gorge (Butterfly Gorge), where visitors can experience a landscape of natural springs, pine forests, and rugged rock formations. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent along the beach, providing a comfortable setting for relaxation.

Nearby cafés and tavernas offer traditional Cretan dishes, allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine after spending time by the sea.

How Do You Get to Koutsouras Beach?

Visitors can get to Koutsouras Beach by public transportation, or taxi and car rentals, each offering different levels of convenience.

Public transportation requires taking a bus from Heraklion to Ierapetra, followed by a connecting bus to Koutsouras, as no direct routes operate from Heraklion.

Taxis provide a direct but more expensive option, covering 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) from Heraklion to Koutsouras Beach in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Crete Car Rental is the most convenient and flexible option, with drivers taking the main road southeast from Heraklion through Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra, reaching Koutsouras Beach in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Car rentals in Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Ierapetra offer short-term and daily options, allowing visitors to explore eastern Crete’s coastline with greater flexibility.

Can visitors use a car rental to get to Koutsouras Beach?

Yes, visitors can use a car rental to get to Koutsouras Beach. Car rental offers flexibility, making it the most practical option for tourists exploring multiple destinations along Crete. Crete rent a car rates differ depending on the vehicle type, rental duration, and season.

An economy car rental in Crete like Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Fiat Panda, starts from 25 € ($27.50, £21.50)–30 € ($33.00, £25.80) on average, while compact cars start from 30 € ($32.70, £25.50) per day. Most car rental companies in Crete offer an option to book online on their website. Visitors are encouraged to check the rental policies and restrictions before making a booking.

The Volkswagen Golf Variant is the perfect option if visitors desire to rent a larger car with a bigger capacity. The Volkswagen Golf Variant is great for families or groups of visitors with 4 to 5 persons. It still depends on the body size of each passenger. The car hire fee for a Volkswagen Golf Variant is around 55,6 € ($60,45, £48,30) if the tourists wish to rent it for a day, but if they want a 7-day Crete car rental, they need at least 389 € ($423,00, £337,80).

There is a Volvo XC90 if the tourists are in a much larger group and are not satisfied with the capacity of the Volkswagen Golf Variant. The Volvo XC90 has the capacity to accommodate at between 5 to 7 passengers. The price to rent the Volvo XC90 is 199 € ($216,89, £171,23) to 257 € ($280,12, £221,23) if rented for a day and 1799 € ($1,962,23, £1,548,67) for a week.The location and itinerary of the car rental companies in Crete are differing from each other and are influenced directly by the desired destinations of the tourists. There are multiple options of locations and itineraries offered by Rental Center Crete, especially if the tourists chose to rent through online transactions. Rental Center Crete is the best and most trusted car rental firm in Crete since 1975.

Insurance coverage in Crete rentals includes Collision Damage Waiver. A credit or debit card in the driver’s name is required as a guarantee. Driver’s age must be at least 21. A valid driving licence issued at least 12 months earlier is necessary. Driver’s gender does not affect eligibility. Both men and women can legally drive in Crete from age 18. Car type must match the travel needs. Larger vehicles suit groups or families. Smaller cars are recommended for Crete due to narrow roads. Documents required include a valid driving licence and a debit or credit card in the driver’s name.

What Attractions are Near Koutsouras Beach?

Find below a list of attractions near Koutsouras Beach:

• Butterfly Gorge. Butterfly Gorge is located 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from Koutsouras Beach, near the entrance to Koutsouras Community Park. The gorge features a hiking trail that connects the coast to the mountain village of Orino, passing through rocky cliffs, pine forests, and freshwater springs. The area was once home to large butterfly populations, which declined after a wildfire in 1993. Hikers still observe occasional butterflies along the route.
• Maheridi Beach. Maheridi Beach is a small, secluded coastal spot located 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Koutsouras Beach and is accessible by foot or small boat. The beach features fine pebbles, rocky formations, and clear waters suitable for swimming. The name comes from the Maheridia area, a quiet and lesser-known stretch of the coastline. The beach remains unorganized and is mostly visited by locals seeking isolation.
• Koutsoureli Beach. Koutsoureli Beach is located 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) east of Koutsouras Beach and is reachable by car or a short walk. The beach features soft sand, shallow waters, and a calm swimming area suitable for families with children. Its name distinguishes it as a smaller coastal area near Koutsouras.
• Ferma Beach. Ferma Beach is located 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) west of Koutsouras Beach along the main coastal road. The beach offers a pebbled shoreline, clear waters, and a peaceful setting. It remains undeveloped and attracts travelers looking for quiet swimming spots away from busy resort areas.
• Kapsa Monastery. Kapsa Monastery is a historic Byzantine-era monastery built on rocky cliffs overlooking the Libyan Sea, located 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) east of Koutsouras Beach, near the exit of Perivolakia Gorge. The monastery takes its name from the monk Ioannis Kapsas, who founded it as a retreat for spiritual reflection. This tourist spot is cherished for its panoramic sea views, religious significance, and well-preserved frescoes.

Where to Stay Near Koutsouras Beach?

Find below a list of places to stay near Koutsouras Beach:

• South Coast Hotel. South Coast Hotel is located 0.3 kilometers (0.2 miles) from Koutsouras Beach, along the main road in Koutsouras village. The hotel offers direct access to the coast and includes a swimming pool, sunbeds, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Cretan dishes, Mediterranean cuisine, and freshly prepared seafood.
• Paradisos Villas. Paradisos Villas is located 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from Koutsouras Beach in a quiet hillside location overlooking the Libyan Sea. Each villa includes a private pool, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and spacious terraces. Guests may prepare meals on-site or visit nearby tavernas serving Cretan specialties and home-style Greek dishes.
• Big Blue Beach Bar. Big Blue Beach Bar provides beachfront accommodation on the eastern side of Koutsouras Beach. The property offers rooms with sea-view balconies, air conditioning, and direct access to the beach. The adjoining restaurant and lounge serve grilled seafood, Greek meze, and cocktails throughout the day.

Where to Eat Near Koutsouras Beach?

Find below some of the places to eat near Koutsouras Beach:

• Kaliotzina. Kaliotzina is located 0.2 kilometers (0.1 miles) from Koutsouras Beach, near the main road in the village. The restaurant features outdoor seating with sea views and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu includes traditional Cretan recipes, fresh seafood, and a variety of homemade meze dishes.
• Dasaki Taverna. Dasaki Taverna is located 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) from Koutsouras Beach, within the Koutsouras Pine Forest. The taverna offers a shaded setting surrounded by tall trees and wooden décor. Diners enjoy grilled meats, seafood, and Greek dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
• Koursaros Cocktail & Coffee Bar. Koursaros Cocktail & Coffee Bar is located 0.1 kilometers (0.06 miles) from Koutsouras Beach on its eastern side. The bar offers beachfront seating, light snacks, coffee, fresh juices, and a selection of cocktails. In the evenings, music creates a lively yet laid-back setting for visitors enjoying drinks by the sea.

Is Koutsouras Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes, Koutsouras Beach is worth visiting for travelers looking for a quiet and spacious beach with both organized and natural areas. The Blue Flag beach offers clean waters, scattered shade from tamarisk trees, and sections with sunbeds and umbrellas for comfort. Visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing without the crowds typically found at major resort beaches. Its location near Butterfly Gorge and other tourist attractions makes it a convenient base for day trips in southern Crete.

Published on April 13, 2025