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At a distance of 12 km south of Agios Nikolaos is the settlement of Istro. You will discover this community as you pass along the main national road east from Aghios Nikolaos towards Ierapetra or Siteia.
Here three beautiful beaches hide in three sheltered bays. The first is to the northwest side of the village – Karovostasi: it is the quietest and most secluded, with sand and pebbles and very clear crystalline waters. Reasonably organized, with also some tamarisks to give shelter to you.
Besides this is the second beach, is that of Aghios Panteleimonas called after a small white church here. Just as the first, this is sandy and equally developed: umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, with some opportunities for water-sports.
Voulisma is the third beach at Istron. A large beach with fine white sand and shallow, blue waters. It is developed, with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, water-sports and a lifeguard. It is a good location for young children: the water deepens only gradually, and by one end is a canteen for food and drink.
Apart from these, there is one more beach in the area .. to the east, outside of Istron village proper by the foot of a Hotel development called the Istron Bay. Access is by a path west of the hotel (before you get to it from Aghios Nikolaos). It is sandy, and reasonably well organized with umbrellas, sunbeds and showers. It too has a lifeguard for the safety of you and yours when swimming.
Going on to the east, the next beach is at Mochlos.
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