Kedrodasos
Kedrodasos Beach: An Untouched paradise
Kedrodasos Beach, located on Crete’s western coast, one kilometer from the renowned Elafonisi, is a pristine and lesser-known beauty in the Chania district. This Juniper Cluster is a retreat for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking the serenity of unspoiled surroundings. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand shores, and one-of-a-kind environment, this is a place that provides a completely immersive and unforgettable experience.
A Natural Paradise
Kedrodasos Beach has remained relatively unspoiled by mass tourism. The beach is part of a protected nature reserve and is surrounded by a dense cluster of cedar trees (Kedros in Greek) that dot the area, providing shade and an otherworldly ambiance, giving the beach its name. These trees stand out against the white sands and turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea.
These trees are mistakenly considered cedar trees, though. Actually, they are juniper trees, and if you ever visit the beach, you should note that they are very fragile and need respect.
Unspoiled Beauty
The untouched beauty of Kedrodasos Beach is one of its most notable features. Kedrodasos, in contrast to some of Crete’s more developed beaches, retains a raw and natural beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in the undisturbed wilderness because there are no beach chairs, umbrellas, or commercial enterprises.
It is an excellent resort for people looking for peace and quiet away from the masses. The calm and clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, allowing tourists to discover the Libyan Sea’s marine life and underwater splendor. You’ll get a sense of serenity floating in the moderate waves that you won’t find in more touristic spots.
Activities and nearby beaches
There are a few activities to enjoy here, apart from swimming and snorkeling. Even though in some parts the beach is protected by the winds, there are people who kitesurf or windsurf in the region, and it is a popular spot for such activities.
In addition, since it doesn’t get crowded and there are no establishments in the vicinity, its a spot that nudists choose for swimming.
Lastly, there is hiking. The cedar/juniper grove covers a big area of about 11 hectares and is a truly beautiful destination. Just after Kedrodasos, there are three different beaches on its coastline, which you can access with a bit of hiking.
The European path E4 crosses the beach (there are yellow and black signs on the way), and you can explore the region by having it as your guide. Walking trails meander through this forest, allowing visitors to explore this special ecosystem.
To preserve the pristine nature of Kedrodasos Beach, it is essential to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Visitors should take any trash with them and avoid disturbing the local wildlife. It’s a place where the beauty is in its unspoiled state, and it’s up to all who visit to keep it that way.
AGIOS IOANNIS BEACHES
The fame of Kedrodasos has boosted the number of visitors in recent years. As a result, if you wish to be completely isolated during peak season, as in the past, there are some nice beaches 1-2km to the east and on the route towards the solitary chapel of Agios Ioannis (Saint John).
They are more isolated versions, but with fewer trees and natural shade. They are only accessible by trekking east from Kedrodasos and are connected by the E4 route.
The first beach we encounter is known as Pahia Ammoutsa (Thick Sand), called like that after the sand and sand dunes, and it is the longest in the area.
After a few meters, we arrive at the small beach of Kambi Lakkos, which is located at the end of a small stream.
Finally, just below the chapel of Saint John lies the beach of Kokkino Ammoutsaki (Red Sand), so named because of the reddish sand.
It should be noted that Saint John Chapel can also be reached by car from Paleohora via a dirt road.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN kedrodasos
Sunbathing & Swimming
Snorkeling
Wind or Kite surfing
Relax under the shade of juniper trees
Hike the E4 path
Visit the nearby beaches
Explore the chapel of Agios Ioannis
Enjoy the sunset
Photography
How to Get There
Regardless of how you arrive at Kedrodasos Beach, it is well worth the effort and will undoubtedly be a wonderful experience.
Kedrodasos Beach is located on Crete’s southwest coast, 90 minutes from the picturesque city of Chania. The most convenient method to get here is to rent a car, but you can also take a guided tour, taxi, or local bus.
By car:
Renting a car in Crete is our preferred mode of transportation because it is fairly economical and allows you great flexibility and control over your itinerary.
If you’re heading from Chania to Kedrodasos Beach, use E65 West towards Kissamos. When you get close to Nopegia, you’ll come to a junction with a sign indicating Elafonisi Beach. Continue to follow the signs toward Elafonisi on the left. The roads are winding and extend for roughly 40 kilometers through the mountains. There are a few additional twists and turns along the road, but Elafonisi signs are plain and easy to locate.
Take a left just 1 kilometer before the Elafonisi Beach parking lot. It’s a gravel road that winds between greenhouses and farms, making us wonder if we’d taken the wrong turn. The road terminates about 10 minutes later at the Kedrodasos Beach parking area.
Parking space and the trail:
Kedrodasos Beach is not a particularly popular beach, but it can be difficult to get a parking space because the parking area is just large enough for roughly 20 cars.
If you visit Kedrodasos in the middle of summer, chances are the spaces will be full when you arrive. But don’t be concerned! Parking along the road entering Kedrodasos Beach is also permitted. On your way to the main parking lot, there are also some smaller spaces off the road for overflow parking. This simply means you’ll have to walk a little further to get to the beach!
It takes around 10 minutes to walk from the trailhead to Kedrodasos Beach.
The trail appears to be a dusty dirt road that hasn’t been used in decades. It may be difficult to find your way around. This route continues for a few hundred meters before entering a tiny juniper forest. You’ll be just a few feet away from a stunning open vista of Kedrodasos Beach.
The hike is not tough, but the terrain can be rough and rocky in places, so wear appropriate shoes or sandals as you make your way to the beach.
By bus:
To get to Kedrodasos Beach by bus, take a bus to Elafonisi Beach, then hike or take a taxi to Kedrodasos Beach.
Elafonisi Beach has only one bus every day. It leaves Chania Bus Station at 9:00 a.m. The bus then departs Elafonisi around 16:00 and returns to Chania at 18:00.
Check the KTEL website for the most up-to-date schedules.
The bus from Chania to Elafonisi only runs from April to October. Crete has no buses throughout the winter.
By boat:
You can access Kedrodasos beach by boat from Paleochora too. The tours end in mid-October, and it is the same tour for Elafonisi Beach. It is a daily trip in high season.
Conclusion
Kedrodasos Beach is a unique and beautiful location that is worth visiting for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and picturesque surroundings. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or a place to explore, Kedrodasos Beach has something to offer. With its unique geography, and ecological importance, it is a location that you will not want to miss when visiting Chania, Crete.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR AN ENJOYABLE VISIT TO kedrodasos
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May 15, 2023
