- Region
- Sitia, south-east Crete
- Distance
- 47 km from Sitia, 69 km from Ierapetra
- Beach
- Sand with clay
- Facilities
- Showers; rooms and food nearby
The beach
Argilos ('clay') lies next to Gerontolakkos, with the three small turquoise bays of Ambelos (Chiona) a little further east. The water is shallow and usually calm, though this corner of Crete gets frequent strong summer winds.
The clay at the back of the beach is the attraction: people coat themselves and rinse off in the sea. Rocks give shade.
History above the beach
On Farmakokefalo hill, just 200 m away, are the remains of a Hellenistic town (ancient Ambelos) and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos.
Getting there and nearby
Xerokampos is reached by paved roads via Ziros or from the Zakros side. It is remote, with a few rooms and tavernas. Zakros palace is about 7 km away, and the Katsounaki gorge about 2 km.
Questions before you go
Where is Argilos beach?
At Xerokampos in south-east Crete, about 47 km south of Sitia.
Why is it called Argilos?
Argilos means clay; the clay soil at the beach is used as a natural spa.
Is Xerokampos windy?
It can be; strong summer winds are common in the area.
