Mochlos Village, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Mochlos, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Mochlos is a small fishing village on the coast of Mirabello Bay, between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. A small uninhabited island sits just offshore, with the remains of a Minoan town on it. The village is known for its quiet atmosphere, its waterfront tavernas and its sheltered sea.
Quick facts
Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 37 km, roughly 35-45 minutes by car
Best for: archaeology, swimming, fish tavernas, a quiet day by the sea
Suggested time: half a day, with a swim and a long lunch
Why visit Mochlos
A Minoan island settlement that you can reach by boat
Fresh fish tavernas right on the water, facing the island
A calm, sheltered bay and clear water for swimming
A small, traditional village without large hotels or crowds
Sunsets over the island seen from the waterfront
Next to Mochlos is the Ancient Olive tree of Kavousi village(4500 years old)
What to see and do
In the village
Walk along the waterfront. The village wraps around a small cove, and the tavernas sit close to the sea with a view of the island across the water.
Swim at Mochlos beach. The beach is small and not organised, with sand and pebbles and deep, clear water. There is a mini-market and a bakery in the village for supplies.
Eat fresh fish. The tavernas of Mochlos are well known for freshly caught and cooked fish, best enjoyed while watching the sunset over the island.
The Minoan island
Cross to the island of Mochlos. The island lies only about 150 metres from the beach and has no residents. It is also known as Agios Nikolaos, after the small church of Saint Nicholas that stands on it. Boat tours run regular trips to the island, or you can ask at one of the tavernas about a boat. Only confident swimmers should attempt the swim.
See the Minoan settlement. The island holds the remains of a town dating back to around 3000 BC. In Minoan times it was not an island but was joined to the mainland, and it served as an important harbour. The American archaeologist Richard Seager began excavating here in 1908, uncovering tombs and houses.
Look for later remains. Visitors can also spot the remains of a Roman settlement, including a fish pond, and signs of a Byzantine settlement.
Learn where the treasures went. The gold jewellery found in the Minoan tombs is now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, not on the island.
Nearby beaches
Going east from the village, other popular swimming spots are Agios Andreas, Black Seli, Varkotopi and Tholos beach 4-5 km before.
Suggested routes
Half-day route: island and lunch
Morning: take a boat to the island of Mochlos and walk around the Minoan remains.
Midday: swim at Mochlos beach.
Lunch: fresh fish at a waterfront taverna.
Afternoon: a drink by the water, with a view of the island.
Full-day route: coast and beaches
Morning: the island, then a swim in the village.
Lunch: a taverna on the waterfront.
Afternoon: one of the eastern beaches, such as Agios Andreas or Varkotopi.
Eat and drink
The tavernas of Mochlos are the main reason many visitors come. They are known for freshly caught fish, served at tables by the sea. The village is small, so expect a handful of tavernas, a few cafes and a couple of shops.
Local tips
Plan to come by car. One local travel source says public transport is limited and that the village cannot be reached by bus.
Only swim to the island if you are a confident swimmer. Otherwise take a boat.
The beach is small and unorganised, so bring what you need for a swim.
Getting there
By car: take the main road between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, then follow the paved road down to the village. It is about 37 km from Agios Nikolaos.
By public transport: limited, so a car or a private transfer is easier.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mochlos from Agios Nikolaos?
About 37 km, or roughly 35-45 minutes by car.
How do I get to the island of Mochlos?
By boat from the village, with regular trips by local boat tours, or by asking at a taverna. Confident swimmers can also swim across, as the island is about 150 metres from the beach.
What is on the island?
The remains of a Minoan settlement dating to around 3000 BC, a small church of Saint Nicholas, and traces of Roman and Byzantine occupation. The island has no residents.
Can I reach Mochlos by public transport?
Public transport is limited, so most visitors come by car.
Nearby: build your day
Agios Andreas, Black Seli and Varkotopi beaches, to the east of the village
Tourloti and Myrsini, two small villages a short drive away
Ancient Olive tree of Kavousi
Sitia, about 35 km to the east, and Ierapetra, about 20-25 minutes away
Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.
