Xerokambos (Xirokambos) - Crete

The place - Xerokambos

The extreme south-east coast of Crete offers a gem with topography of sweeping cave-filled mountainsides, pausing briefly to house Xerokambos itself before two long sandy beaches and great swimming in beautiful waters.
There are but a few places to stay, the same with tavernas.
Beach life at its most tranquil in a dramatic setting. Two accommodations are very close to each beach, the rest are between 150 and 400 metres away, a shortcut can always be taken on foot through olive groves if you are up to it. There is hardly a “village” at Xerokambos, each place to stay and each taverna is widely separated. Without a car or motorcycle there is a long walk if you want to eat at any but the nearest taverna to where you are staying – but you need a vehicle to get to Xerokambos anyway.
 

How to get there - Xerokambos

Accessible from Zakros via 9 km of  narrow, but now surfaced road or from Ziros on a spectacular, winding and recently surfaced road. The road through Xerokambos itself is now surfaced. See "how to get to Xerokambos" about getting to Xerokambos and bus schedules from Ziros.
 

Where to stay - Xerokambos

West beach.
Best recommendation goes to Akti Rooms (west part of Xerokambos), just a few paces from and  truly  "on" the beach. 10 rooms with basic kitchen facilities in each, really attractively furnished and superbly finished, modern, clean and all with balconies and sea views. 
Price category: H4/H3. Review, photos, rates & reservations with CreteTravel.com
Eolos is poised above Akti Rooms adding about 100 metres between it and the sea itself. Good apartments with a view to the sea. They also run Xerokambos’ mini market - where you can use the card phone (both businesses open from the 1st of May till the 20-30th of October).
Contact details: Kostas Takakis, tel. 28430-26741
East Beach. Price category: H4
Liviko View & taverna  - 300 m from the sea.
Contact details: Katerina Hatzidaki, tel. 28430-27001. Price category: H4
(Phones: see Calling Crete)
 

What to see/do - Xerokambos

Enjoy and relax. Walk along the coast road (a track) towards Ag. Irini, passing a small bay with another pleasing beach and yet more natural sculptures in rock formed in the mountain surrounds. Swim. Many caves in the gorge on this route also. In fact this area would delight those in search of caves. Eat wonderful fresh fish and superb local rabbit, lamb, pork and salads - depending what upon what the special of the day is, at any one of the tavernas.
Visit Kato Zakros, a quiet beachside place, with a famous Minoan palace.
 

Where to eat & drink - Xerokambos

Traditional taverna Kastri (just behind Akti and Eolos) is excellent for grilled meat and especially fresh fish. You'll receive a warm welcome from the "clean-proud" family; open also in the morning for coffee, possibly breakfast, with relaxing view to the sea. Tel. 28430-26715. They have some rooms available for rent  as well.
Another option for food is Liviko View, with a taverna right under their rooms. Tel. 28430-27001. All tavernas offer many salads and vegetable dishes (vegetarians will have no problem enjoying good food).
There are 2 or 3 more tavernas, depending on the season, in the Xerokambos area.
All price category:D/C.
 

Special Comments - Xerokambos

A place to enjoy the sea and the mountain-scapes and peaceful surroundings - as close as you can get to experiencing the dream of quiet by the sea in Crete. No nightlife (eating and a drink, the moon, the waves, the air provide that) - no mobiles! (very limited reception).
 

Photo album - Xerokambos

To see more of Xerokambos, see its photo album.
 

[ Back ]    Currency Converter

Simple map - Xerokambos

We have drawn  a simple map of Xerokambos, to give a better idea of where things are. See Xerokambos simple map.
 

Top of page