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After Skinias, the next beach is that of Chiona.
All around the area are olive groves. The beach (Snow) itself is quiet enough – large, very beautiful and quite without organization: sandy and with shallow blue crystal waters, and some tamarisks for shade.
At the north/west end of the beach, not far from the Kastri promontory, are some tavernas: with the view of the promontory and small islands of Grantes, you can enjoy some fresh fish for which the tavernas are known as the sea laps close by your table. Nearby are some rent-rooms, if you choose to stay at Chiona.
Next to the beach proper are some small bays, which being more isolated are favoured by nudists.
If here, you can visit the Minoan settlement – an extensive town – at Roussolakkos.
A short walk to the north and to the other side of Kastri is the beach Kouramenos.
This is a quiet beach with sand and pebbles and clear crystalline water: it stretches for some 1.5 km. Right by the beach are numerous tamarisks. In some places it is a little organized with a few umbrellas and sunbeds.
By the beach again are the tavernas, also with fresh fish, and also hotels and similar for a stay.
The beach is open to the northerly winds that blow steadily all summer long, which has made it a Mecca for certain athletic types and the windsurfing fraternity from the world over. Not by chance is there a Windsurfing school here .. and in June 2009 the European Windsurfing Games (free-style) were held here.
Further, because of the amazing sea-floor, Kouramenos is most fitting for diving.
Maridati is the next beach along to the north.
This consists of a small, but most attractive, beach with sand, small pebbles and clear crystalline waters. Naturally, the beach is not developed, but there are enough tamarisks around to cast shadows for you to enjoy.
On the beach is a small taverna: a few rooms for rent, if you want a quiet stay.
To get there from Siteia, follow the road to Palaikastro, and thence take the road north to Vai, and turn off right when you see the sign. This takes you on to a passable dirt-road which runs through what is locally termed the Valley of Colours. After 1.5 km you are on the beach.
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