Ferma is a small village on the southeast coast of Crete, in between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, with a couple of hotels and taverna's. The beach is large and with sand and pebbles. On one side there is a small taverna with just a few umbrellas and sunbeds, on the other side there is nothing but the beach. This side is also used by the naturists - us in this case because there was nobody else on the beach besides two people near the taverna - but we were told that this is the naturist part of the beach. The sea is crystal clear and it has a bit of pebbles when you get into the water.

The best part of the naturist beach of Ferma is actually at the end where the unfinished church is (also good for some shade) and there are some larger rocks in the water, protecting it from the waves. Here it is sandy and shallow and very easy to get in and out of the water. Since the beach at Ferma is pretty large it would be wise to bring your own water if you plan to lie down at the naturist part of it. There are several tavernas in the village and also a good supermarket. In the meantime the beach of Ferma has become one of our favourites for a lazy afternoon in the sand. It is always nice and quiet and it is easy to get into the sea at the end of the naturist beach.

Directly to the west and within walking distance of this quiet beach with naturist area there are two other beaches. The first beach is a small but beautiful sandy beach in a protected bay. You can go there by car and park it at the Kakkos Bay Hotel where there are rooms and nice bungalows with sea view for rent. But if you walk over the cliffs from one beach to another and continue along the coast, you can see the remains of two ancient Roman fish tanks. They are carved in the rocks and there's a hole in them to let fresh seawater flow inward. If you keep walking you will automatically end up at the next beach. On this beach you will also find sunbeds and umbrellas.

Behind the beach at the Kakkos Bay Hotel you will immediately find the next beach. This beach is a lot bigger and on some parts of it it is also possible to rent a sunbed and umbrella. There are also several tavernas on the beaches where you can eat and drink something.

Unfortunately closed, so can no longer be booked. These apartments are located in the southeast of Crete, on a half hour drive from Ierapetra, and they are run by Loes and Peter. I was already there once before only to have a look around, because I was tipped by various people that liked it so much that they regularly returned. The first time I only saw Peter and had a chat with him. I thought that he was a very nice guy. One of the good things is that in front of the apartment complex there is a large and quiet beach where there is also a part that is used by naturists. In the back on the beach it is very pleasant, protected behind the small rocks and sand leading you into the sea, making it easy to go for a swim. So this was reason enough for us to return to Tania Apartments.

In October 2008 we could taste a little bit of the great atmosphere here. Loes and Peter are two sweethearts with the word hospitality high in their flag. Moreover, they are very relaxed and they both have an infectious smile and a healthy dose of humor. Our studio was spacious, clean and with simple furnishings, but with very good beds (I have slept like a rose .....!!), enough wardrobe space (we never use that because we have always just a little hand luggage - but for the people that carry around suitcases), a sitting area with a kitchenette and a bathroom (with hot water!). Of course we also had a nice patio with a table and chairs. A perfect spot for a drink of coffee or an ouzo. Nothing to be unhappy about. In addition there were such good vibrations in and around the area. It radiated off the people, and you could tell they were having a good time. Everybody was very friendly with each other. In a short time we have met a couple of really nice people.

The breakfast is very well taken care of and Loes turns it into a a breakfast treat / surprise with special things, fresh ingredients and crunchy fresh bread.

Located in Ferma, Belissario offers an outdoor pool and extensive views of the Libyan Sea. It offers free public Wi-Fi and rooms with private balcony and mountain or sea views. All of the guest rooms in Hotel Porto Belissario have air conditioning, telephone and satellite TV. The rooms are equipped with traditional Cretan furniture and each has its own private bathroom. Some rooms include access to a private yard. The hotels restaurant serves a full menu of traditional Cretan cuisine. You can have a drink in the bar or relax the landscaped gardens. Guests can sit by the pool area which overlooks the Lybean Sea, and the beach is just a 3-minute walk away. Hotel Belissario is just 10 km from the ancient town of Ierapetra and is less than 80 km from Heraklion International Airport. Free parking is available on site.

Check availabilities & prices and book Hotel Porto Belissario in Ferma - click here.

Situated on the pebbled beach of Ferma, Kakkos Bay offers air-conditioned rooms with views of the Libyan Sea. It has a swimming pool and a restaurant, and it is surrounded by the lush gardens. Kakkos Bay Hotel & Bungalows offers traditional accommodation with built-in beds. Each unit is equipped with a satellite TV, fridge and a private bathroom with bathtub. The hotel's restaurant serves Cretan cuisine and fresh fish in a stone-paved terrace. There is also a bar, where guests can have their drink and enjoy the sea view. Near the hotel, guests will find taverns and supermarkets. The town of Ierapetra is 10 km away. Wi-Fi is available throughout and free on-site parking is possible.

Check availablities and prices & book Kakkos Bay Hotel and Bungalows - click here.

Just 15 metres from the beach, Kirvas Villa is a self-catering accommodation located amidst olive and palm trees in Koutsounari. Free WiFi access is available. Accommodation will provide you with a satellite TV, air conditioning and a balcony. There is a full kitchen with an oven and a refrigerator. Featuring a bath or shower, bathrooms also come with a hair dryer. At Kirvas Villa you will find a spacious garden. Activities in the surrounding area include hiking and diving. The property offers free parking. Heraklion International Airport is located 103 km away.

Check availabilities and prices & book Kirvas Villa - click here.

This is a popular restaurant with the locals. The taverna is situated at the sea side in Ferma and the service is very friendly. The atmosphere is top. They serve mainly fish dishes in the taverna.

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10

This small tavern which belongs to the Kakkos Bay Hotel has a limited menu of Greek dishes, but it is good, the people are very nice and it is cheap. We ordered a Greek salad, meatballs and tzatziki. Everything tastes really good. The feta cheese is very tasty and the bread fresh and crisp. We get free yogurt with candied fruits at the end.

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10