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About a kilometer to the east of Meakis is Arvi itself, which has a small port and a lovely beach.
During the Roman period, this became a major port in the Mediterranean; and it is believed that the Saracens landed here in their conquest of the island in 828 AD. Today the region is well-known for growing fragrant bananas, helped by the warm climate.
The strand is quiet, with sand, a few pebbles and blue waters: being relatively-well organized, it has amenities for a comfortable sojourn – some umbrellas, sunbeds and opportunities for water-sports. Several tavernas operate nearby, and there are plentiful rooms to rent. Continuing eastwards, the next beaches you chance upon are Latomia and Kalikovrechtis, which are basically but extensions of that of Arvi.
The beach (the Quarries) in front of its village is secluded and quiet – and 4 km long! It has sand, rocks and deep, blue waters. It gets its name from the quarries that worked here once, extracting marble. It is not an organized beach – rent-rooms and tavernas are to be found at Arvi and Psari Forada. To reach this spot, you go to Arvi – and from there, either on foot or in a car, you take the dirt-road which runs from Xerokampos.
Near to Arvi is a quieter and more secluded beach with the peculiar name of Kalikovrechtis: this is derived from the word kalikosi, and old Cretan dialect word for the shoes of that time: those who visited here would take off their shoes to stop them getting wet.
Kalikovrechtis is sited close to some plastic greenhouses common to the region: it has clear water, rocks and large smooth flat expanses of stone in the sea.
Very close to Kalikovrechtis, the village of Faflakos boasts a very long beach in front of the community: it has coarse sand, stones and blue water. Secluded and quiet, it has no organization, though rent-rooms do exist close by for your stay.
When here, pay a visit to the small chapel of Aghia Paraskevi, and also to the nearby Monastery of Keralimeniotissa, with its legends of repentant pirates. Continuing the inspection of the Arvi beaches, the next up is Sidonia, better known as Psari Forada.
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