Koutsounari Beach (Long Beach), Ierapetra, Crete
Koutsounari Beach (Long Beach), Ierapetra, Crete
Koutsounari Beach, also known as Long Beach (Megali Paralia), is one of the longest and most impressive beaches on the southeastern coast of Crete. Located approximately 6–7 km east of Ierapetra, near the small settlement of Koutsounari, it stretches for around 5 km along the Libyan Sea.
The beach is known for its grey sand mixed with fine pebbles, clear blue waters and spacious shoreline. Thanks to its considerable length, visitors can choose between organised sections with sunbeds and beach facilities or quieter stretches where they can enjoy the natural surroundings.
Surrounded by olive groves, pine trees and the green slopes of the Thripti mountain range, Koutsounari is a popular destination for both visitors staying in the area and travellers exploring the southern coastline of Lasithi.
Landscape and Natural Beauty
Koutsounari's main characteristic is its extensive coastline, which extends for approximately 5 km. The beach consists mainly of coarse grey sand and small pebbles, giving it the distinctive appearance found along much of southern Crete.
The waters of the Libyan Sea are generally clear, with shades of deep blue and turquoise. The shoreline is relatively open, and its length allows visitors to find quieter areas even during the busier summer months.
Tamarisk trees grow along parts of the beach, providing natural shade. The surrounding landscape combines coastal vegetation with olive groves and pine-covered hills, creating an attractive contrast with the open sea.
The beach is exposed to the Libyan Sea, so wind and wave conditions can vary. It is worth checking the weather before swimming, particularly on days with stronger winds.
Facilities and Activities
Although Koutsounari is a long and relatively spacious beach, several sections are organised and offer facilities for visitors. Depending on the area and season, these include:
Sunbeds and umbrellas
Showers and changing facilities
Beach cafés, restaurants and traditional tavernas
Hotels and holiday accommodation nearby
Water sports, including parasailing and other activities
The wider Koutsounari area also has a camping site, mini markets and other visitor services. The main coastal road provides convenient access to different sections of the beach.
Because facilities are spread along the coastline rather than concentrated in one central area, visitors can choose the section that best suits their preferences.
The Different Sections of Koutsounari Beach
The Koutsounari coastline includes several smaller bays and organised beach areas worth knowing about.
Long Beach – Agios Ioannis
The main stretch of Koutsounari is also known as Long Beach or Megali Paralia. It extends for several kilometres and combines organised sections with more natural and quieter areas. Its spacious shoreline makes it suitable for visitors who prefer a relaxed beach day without being confined to a small bay.
Psaropoula Beach
Located towards the eastern part of the Long Beach coastline, Psaropoula is a smaller bay with softer sand and relatively shallow water in places. It has organised facilities, including umbrellas, sunbeds and water sports during the summer season. The nearby rocky seabed also makes it an interesting area for snorkelling.
Villa tou Despoti (Villa Despoti Beach)
Further east of Psaropoula is another small coastal section known as Villa tou Despoti. It is associated with the nearby Kakkos Bay hotel area and has organised beach facilities. Large rocks characterise parts of the coastline, giving this section a different appearance from the broader sandy-pebble shoreline of Long Beach.
What Makes Koutsounari Special
The main attraction of Koutsounari is the variety it offers along a single stretch of coastline. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of organised beach areas, restaurants and water sports, while those looking for more tranquillity can walk further along the shore and find less developed sections.
The area is also known for the white sand lilies that appear along parts of the coastline towards the end of summer and during autumn. These protected flowers are an important part of the coastal ecosystem and should be admired without being picked or disturbed.
Koutsounari is also a convenient base for exploring other beaches and villages along the southeastern coast, including Ferma, Agia Fotia and Makry Gialos.
How to Get There
Koutsounari Beach is located approximately:
6–7 km east of Ierapetra
43 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Approximately 25–30 km west of Makry Gialos
Around 100 km southeast of Heraklion
The beach is easily accessible by car from Ierapetra by following the main coastal road towards Makry Gialos and Sitia. Several access points lead to different sections of the coastline, and parking is available in various areas.
Public buses also serve the Ierapetra–Makry Gialos route, although visitors should check the current timetable and the nearest stop for their chosen section of the beach.
Visitor Tips
Choose your section: The beach is several kilometres long, so decide whether you prefer an organised area or a quieter stretch before arriving.
Bring suitable footwear: The grey sand and pebbles can become very hot during summer.
Explore Psaropoula: This smaller bay offers a different beach experience, with organised facilities and opportunities for water sports.
Try snorkelling: Some rocky sections, particularly around Psaropoula, are interesting for exploring underwater.
Respect the natural environment: If you visit towards the end of summer or in autumn, look out for the protected white sand lilies. Do not pick or damage them.
Check the wind conditions: The open coastline can experience waves and stronger winds, so check the sea conditions before swimming.