- Region
- Sitia, east Crete
- Distance
- About 29 km from Sitia
- Beach
- Fine pebbles
- Access
- 3.5 km gorge walk
The walk
Leave the car in Chochlakies village. The trail starts about 1 km east of the village and follows the stream bed between cliffs; the gorge is part of the E4. In spring there are pools and flowers; by summer it is dry.
Don't enter after heavy rain, when the gorge can be impassable. Wear proper shoes and carry plenty of water.
The beach
Karoumes faces east, so the water is usually calm. The shore is small pebbles with some rocks to the north, and trees give real shade. Two tiny coves, 3 to 5 m wide, lie 300 and 400 m to the south.
There is nothing here: bring food and water, and take your rubbish back.
Nearby
The E4 continues along the coast towards Kato Zakros, passing the Pelekita cave about 3 km away. Doing that walk means arranging transport back.
Questions before you go
How long is the walk to Karoumes?
About 3.5 km through the gorge, 1 to 1.5 hours one way at a slow pace, plus 1 km from the village to the trailhead.
Are there facilities at Karoumes?
No. Bring water, food and shade.
Can you reach Karoumes by car?
No road reaches the beach; walk the gorge or the E4 coast path.
