Taxi from Heraklion Airport to Tsoutsouros

Tsoutsouros, a picturesque village located 60 km from the bustling city of Heraklion, on the south coast of Crete, is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed and tranquil vacation experience. Nestled next to the ruins of the ancient city of Inatos, this small fishing and farming community is quickly gaining popularity as a base for tourists who prefer a slower pace of life.

Reaching Tsoutsouros is an adventure in itself. From the east gate of Heraklion, Kazantzidis Avenue, take the road to Arkalochori, passing through Peza. After Arkalochori, continue on towards Viannos via the charming village of Martha. Just before reaching Martha, take the west direction towards the villages of Skinias and Kato Kasteliana. The drive is a scenic one, passing through lush vineyards and olive groves. From Kato Kasteliana, the last village before Tsoutsouros, an uphill road of 12 km leads you to the village, situated 435 m above sea level. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the majestic peak of Kofinas, and the picturesque valley of the river Mindris, which flows into the sea through a beautiful ravine.

Tsoutsouros can also be accessed from Ierapetra on the east or from Messara on the west. For a more adventurous journey, take the coastal dirt road from Ierapetra, Arvi, Keratokampos, or Dermatos (after Arvi). Public transportation is available only to the nearby village of Kato Kasteliana.

The climate in Tsoutsouros is temperate, with predominantly northern winds blowing during the summer. However, these winds do not affect the sea conditions. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the natural beauty of the area is at its peak and temperatures are more comfortable.

Rich in history, Tsoutsouros was once the site of the ancient city of Inatos, which served as a port to the renowned city-state of Priansos, located near the village of Kasteliana. Excavations by archaeologists have revealed ruins from both Greek and Roman times. A cave used for worshiping the goddess Eileithyia, the goddess of fecundity, was also discovered, containing many ancient statuettes and idols. Today, two small statuettes known as “NIOVIDES” can be seen at the Heraklion Museum (gallery XX), depicting Artemis shooting the children of NIOVI with a bow. Tsoutsouros also played a significant role during the German occupation, as one of the first organizations against the invaders was founded in the Viannos and Malevizi areas, helping allied soldiers escape to Egypt. The village was also a stop for submarines during this time, where allied soldiers and Greek patriots were able to embark.

While there are not many ancient ruins to visit in Tsoutsouros, the natural beauty of the area is a major draw for visitors. The beaches on both sides of the village are stunning, and the small valleys and gorges are home to rare species of Cretan flora and fauna. The area is also a popular spot for migratory birds, with some of them making Tsoutsouros their home for part of the year. There are many secluded beaches that can be reached on foot, while others, such as Maridaki or the monastery of Agios Nikitas, can be accessed by boat. The “Palm Forest,” a hidden gem unknown to most, is also reachable by boat. A small river, Midris, also flows into the beach and is a popular spot for visitors to explore, especially during autumn and spring.

In terms of accommodations, there are a few small, family-owned hotels in Tsoutsouros, offering rooms and apartments with modern facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. Some of these hotels are open year-round, as they are owned by permanent residents of the village. Beach facilities, such as sun chairs and umbrellas, are also available, as well as water sports. While there are a handful of tavernas serving fresh and delicious seafood, and a couple of bars, Tsoutsouros is not the place for those seeking a lively nightlife.

Visitors should note that Tsoutsouros is approximately 65 km from Heraklion Airport, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 4 minutes. For a fast and convenient transfer, they can book a taxi from our site, MyCreteTaxi. Keep in mind that this article is solely focused on providing information about Tsoutsouros and does not promote or endorse any specific businesses or services.