Xerokampos Beach

# Xerokampos Beach, East Crete Xerokampos is one of the last genuinely remote beaches in Crete. Tucked into the far southeastern corner of the island, near the small settlement of the same name, this broad sandy bay sits at the edge of a landscape that feels largely untouched. The beach stretches for several hundred metres, backed by low scrub and dunes rather than hotels or beach bars. The water is shallow, clear, and calm for much of the season, and the near-total absence of infrastructure is the point. There are no sunbeds, no umbrellas for hire, no music. What you get instead is clean sand, clean water, and a horizon that looks out toward the open Mediterranean and, on clear days, the faint outline of Kasos island. ## Getting There Xerokampos sits at coordinates 35.044, 26.236, roughly 20 kilometres south of Zakros and about 110 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos by road. The drive from Sitia, the nearest town of any size, takes around 90 minutes under normal conditions. The road descending into the Xerokampos valley is narrow, steep in places, and not suitable for large vehicles or low-clearance cars. A standard rental car handles it fine, but take it slowly, especially after rain. There is a small free parking area close to the beach; arriving early in summer is advisable to secure a spot. There is no practical public transport to Xerokampos. Reaching it by foot would require a serious hike across rough terrain from Zakros, and there is no scheduled boat service. The beach is accessible to swimmers arriving by private boat or sea kayak, with calm conditions along this stretch of coastline for much of the summer. ## Activities and Water Conditions The sea at Xerokampos is typically calm and shallow close to shore, making it well suited to swimming with children. The sandy bottom drops away gradually, and water visibility is excellent. The bay offers decent snorkeling, particularly toward the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach, where you can find sea urchins, small fish, and patches of posidonia seagrass. You do not need advanced equipment; a basic mask and fins are enough. There is no organised watersport rental here. If you want to kayak or paddleboard, bring your own. The calmness of the bay in the morning hours makes these activities straightforward. ## Practical Tips Wind is a consistent factor in this part of Crete. The Meltemi, the prevailing northerly summer wind, can pick up strongly in the afternoon throughout July and August, creating chop and making conditions less pleasant for swimming. Mornings are almost always calmer. Arriving before 10am lets you swim in flat water, claim a patch of shade under the dunes, and leave before the wind and midday heat arrive together. The beach has no sunbeds or umbrellas for hire, so bring your own shade if you need it. A parasol and a ground mat are worth packing. There is a taverna in the Xerokampos settlement, a short walk or drive from the beach, where you can get food and cold drinks. Do not count on finding supplies on the beach itself. Crowds here are relative. Compared to anywhere on the north coast, Xerokampos is always quiet. In July and August, a modest number of visitors do make the drive, mostly Greeks who know the area and travellers who have specifically sought it out. Outside those months, you may have the beach largely to yourself. ## Best Months to Visit May, June, and September are the most comfortable months. Temperatures are warm enough for swimming, the Meltemi is less aggressive than in high summer, and the numbers are low. October can also be pleasant, though the sea begins to cool. July and August are hot and can be windy in the afternoons, but the remoteness of the location keeps crowds manageable. Avoid coming in winter; facilities are closed and the road can be difficult. ## Who It Is For Xerokampos suits families looking for safe, shallow water without the noise and cost of a developed resort beach. The calm conditions and sandy bottom are genuinely child-friendly, and the free parking and nearby taverna add practical convenience. Couples and solo travellers who want to read undisturbed or snorkel in clear water will find it equally rewarding. It is not a beach for people who want animation, beach bars, or organised activities. The drive alone filters out casual visitors, which is much of what makes it worth the trip.