Koutalas Beach

Koutalas Beach, located on the island of Crete in Greece, is situated near Cape Drepano and north of the Kokkino Chorio village. This relatively undiscovered beach is about 25 kilometers east of the city of Chania and sits within the municipality of Apokoronas. The beach is a popular spot among scuba divers due to its clear waters and the presence of beautiful sea caves in the vicinity, such as the Elephants' Cave and Petsis Cave.

The natural characteristics of Koutalas Beach include a rocky seabed, large round pebbles, and stones. The beach is nestled at the exit of a rocky gorge and is enveloped by a narrow bay. The clear, shallow waters of the beach are home to a variety of fishes and crabs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. There is also a small underwater cave for explorers. The steep cliff walls that descend into the deep provide a unique underwater view and are also used for cliff jumping. However, caution is advised due to the presence of rocks.

Despite being relatively isolated and receiving few visitors, Koutalas Beach offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, which makes it an ideal spot for sunbathing and relaxation. However, due to its remote location, the beach does not have any facilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own essentials such as umbrellas, food, and water.

To reach Koutalas Beach, travelers must follow the road north from Kokkino Chorio to Drepano Cape and then continue to Faros (Lighthouse). From there, a dirt track leads directly to the beach. There is a small parking area at the beach, but additional parking is available before the last part of the road where it begins to ascend. Visitors entering the water are recommended to stay to the right due to some large boulders in the middle and to the left.