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Xerokambos in eastern Crete |
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Xerokambos (50 inhabitants) is, together with Kato Zakros, one of the nicest tourist resorts in eastern Crete. The Palm Beach of Vai is also located in the area but you can not stay there, and of course there is also Paleokastro that also offers some beaches. But I prefer Kato Zakros and Xerokambos. Note that there is a Xerokambos between Mochlos and Sitia as well.
Xerokambos is scattered over a plain with many olive trees.
Alatsolimni beach in Xerokambos in eastern Crete.
Xerokambos is a tiny coastal settlement with discreet tourism. Xerokambos is a perfect destination if you like peace and quiet. The village is scattered over a plain with many olive trees. Here are some tavernas and pensions, as well as a number of very good beaches. Book hotels in Xerokambos here » Argilos beach in Xerokambos in eastern Crete. |
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Taverna Creta Sun in Xerokambos serves very good food.
Mazida Ammos beach in Xerokambos in eastern Crete.
The steep uphill road from Xerokambos offers scenic views. After about 17 kilometres you arrive at a plateau with a village called Ziros. The plateau is not by a long chalk as large as the Lasithi plateau, nor equally attractive.
The scenic route between Xerokambos and Ziros. |
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The village of Ziros and the Ziros Plateau.
From Ziros, the road continues west until you reach the deserted medieval village of Etia. The village was founded during the Byzantine era, but flourished during the Venetian occupation. Not more than ruins remains, apart from a beautiful church and parts of a house.
Venetian villa De Mezzo in the abandoned village of Etia.
The most important house is called the Venetian villa De Mezzo and was originally three stories high. An information board in the village states that the house is: "one of the most beautiful architectural samples of this style in Southern Europe". Of course it's nice, but I don't know if I can agree with that particular text. Anyway, the place is perfect if you want to stretch your legs.
Inside the Venetian villa De Mezzo in the abandoned village of Etia. |
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From Etia, take the main road to the right towards Sitia, or to the left towards Ierapetra. If you turn left down to the coast you reach Makrygialos bay where the villages of Analipsi and Makrigialos are located so close together that they form the same village, as most people call Makrigialos.
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