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There are several bays with the most turquoise water surrounding the village of Istro, just 8 km south east of Agios Nikolaos on the route from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia. In Istro you find different kinds of beaches, both a pebble beach (on the west side of the village) and sand beaches with some beach chairs and umbrellas on the east side. These beaches are relatively quiet and still sort of unspoilt, although many of the people that have an accommodation in Agios Nikolaos come here to enjoy the beach. This is because in the town of Agios Nikolaos itself there are no really large or good beaches (they are more intimate and cosy).

The best know beach in the Istron area is called Voulisma Beach or Golden Beach. It is a beautiful and long sandy beach, where you can rent sunbeds. Because it is so popular it can get quite busy during the high season. The area is peaceful and green with olive groves, vineyards, orange and lemon trees. The main road runs through the village of Kalo Chorio. The area near the coast is known as Istro or Istron, but sometimes those names - Kalo Chorio and Istron - are simply exchanged. Istron had a good and regular connection by bus with Agios Nikolaos and with the town of Ierapetra in the south of Crete.

You can park your car at the top at the side of road and walk down. There are also some hotel rooms, apartments and studios for rent if you want to stay longer. Renting a villa with a private pool is also one of the options (see below). For the people that want to have something to eat or to drink there is plenty of choice for tavernas and kafenions. In the village of Kalo Chorio in the area of Istro you find all facilities like mini markets and shops.

The first beach you run into driving from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia is an empty pebble beach. The water (on the picture) lost some of its turquoise colour here due to a storm just before. After this pebble beach you will find the (just a little bit more) cultivated sand beaches, some small, some larger. On some parts of these beaches you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. When the weather is calm the colour of the water here is a beautiful turquoise.

The Kavousanos Taverne is situated on the main road that leads from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia and it overlooks the sea. The Greek breakfast consists of 2 x toast, 1 x jam, 1 x butter, orange juice (something you fill up with water, tasted cheap), tea or coffee. The English breakfast was a bit better with bacon & eggs, a sausage, white beans and some slices of tomato. The coffee is nescafé. Friendly people though...

Our verdict: a 6 out of 10

Boasting stunning views of Istron and the sea, Elpida Hotel is set amidst lush gardens and featuring a charming courtyard and outdoor pool, just 800 metres from the sandy beach. Elpida Hotel & Apartments offers a variety of accommodation to suit your holiday needs. Each one is fully air-conditioned for your comfort and you can enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning throughout your stay. With beautiful views of the surrounding area and towards the sea, Elpidas terrace is an ideal place to relax with a drink and soak up the sun. Cool down with a refreshing swim in the pool or challenge friends and family to a game of pool or table football in the games room. A short walk from Elpida Hotel will take you to plenty of great bars and taverns for your evening entertainment. You can also enjoy a leisurely 15-minute stroll to the nearby sandy beach.

Check availabilities and prices & book the Elpida Hotel in Istron click here.

For all hotels. studios, apartments and villas in Istro - click here.

Spend your days soaking up the sun by the pool, taking part in water sports on the beach, scuba diving or simply wandering through the olive groves and mountain paths. Sea & Sun Apartments, are situated in the village of Kalo Chorio at Istron Bay, only 7 km from the bustling town of Agios Nikolaos. Half of the complex's public areas are placed in a natural cove, offering a unique atmosphere. All rooms have a spacious balcony or patio with view over the sea, the mountains and the pool area. Another great place to relax is the roof garden, which is especially atmospheric as the sun is setting and the buzz of the night is approaching.

Check availabilities and prices & book Anny Sea & Sun Apartments in Istron click here.

Situated on a hillside and overlooking the beautiful Istron Bay, each of the stylish villas has a private swimming pool, free wireless internet access and private parking. The villas are set on different levels of the hillside, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with privacy. They are well appointed and elegantly furnished and decorated, creating a homely atmosphere. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in your private swimming pool, or soak up the sun on the terrace.

You also have the option of enjoying the facilities at the Istron Bay Hotel. Enjoy a game of tennis on the flood-lit court. Children can join in the fun with the Childrens Club. There are also plenty of water sport activities available at the nearby beach as well as a diving club. In the evening you can taste gastronomic delights in one of the superb restaurants. The hotel has a great rooftop bar with amazing views of the bay.

Check availabilities and prices & book a private villa in Istron click here.

With an outdoor pool overlooking the Cretan Sea, Kounenos Apartments offers self-catered accommodation with a wonderful view over the bay. It is situated on the hill of Istron-Kalo Chorio, 300 metres from the beach. Surrounded by a large garden and olive groves, each guest accommodation has a fully equipped kitchenette. Furnished in typical Cretan style, all units feature round wooden tables, stone floors and stone-built beds. Wi-Fi is free in the entire property. Kounenos Apartments is approximately 900 metres from the village centre. Agios Nikolaos is some 11 km away. Free private parking is available, and guests can hire a car on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Kounenos Apartments in Istron, Istro - click here.

Villa Castello is situated 100 metres from the centre of Istro and 350 metres from the nearest beach. It offers bright, traditional apartments with free Wi-Fi and views over the sea, the garden or the mountain. Castello apartments are whitewashed with wooden furnishings each including 2 balconies. They feature a kitchenette with dining area, a satellite TV and a safety box. The spacious, private bathrooms come with a shower. Within 300 metres, you will find local restaurants serving Cretan cuisine. The village of Kalo Chorio is 2 km away and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos is at 11 km. Free private parking can be found right outside the property.

Check availabilities and prices & book Villa Castello in Istron, Istro - click here.

Quietly nestling in the mountainside near Kalo Chorio, overlooking Mirabello Bay, the elegant Aloni Villas feature a private swimming pool each, furnished terrace with views of the sea and the mountains. Agios Nikolaos is within a 10-minute drive. Featuring modern decoration in earthy colours, all the spacious villas at the Aloni have a fully equipped kitchen with stove, microwave oven and coffee machine. Each includes a dining area and living room with flat-screen TV, DVD player and sofas. Guests can relax in their private terrace, covered by a pergola. Each has an outdoor dining area, BBQ facilities and sun loungers around the pool. The famous Ammoudara Beach is within 8 km. Free private parking is offered on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Aloni Villas - click here.

Located in Vathy of Lasithi, Vathy Bay Villas offers split-level, self-catering accommodation with unobstructed views over the Cretan Sea. The house is set amidst a blossomed, colourful garden featuring a stone-paved terrace and BBQ facilities. Opening to a balcony, the traditionally decorated Vathy house has a living room with built-in sofas and fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, fridge and oven with cooking hobs. A bathroom with bath tub and an additional toilet are available. Guests will find restaurants, bars and mini markets within 3 km from the property, while Karavostasi Beach is also 3 km away. The seaside Agios Nikolaos Town and its port is 7 km away. Heraklion International Airport is at a distance of 65 km. Free on-site parking is possible.

Check availabilities and prices & book Vathy Bay Villas - click here.