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Travel to the fishing village Mochlos

Mochlos is a small charming fishing village located In the gulf of Mirabello in eastern Crete. Nobody arrives in Mochlos by chance. A great place to relax, soak up the peacefulness of the place and enjoy a leisurely meal in one of the excellent waterfront tavernas.

Mochlos is a small charming fishing village located In the gulf of Mirabello in Eastern Crete

Εasily within reach of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Sitia (all an easy one hour drive), the possibilities for exploration and sightseeing are numerous. At the end of a narrow road winding past massive open-cast quarries, tranquil Mohlos Village is a well-hidden gem along Crete’s northern shore. 

In this pint-sized small and charming fishing, village time moves as gently as the waves lapping the pebble-and-grey-sand beach. The beach is not organized but there are basic facilities. There’s practically nothing to do here – which is precisely why people come: to sit in the few tavernas by the waterside, to bathe at the single sandy beach, and perhaps to ride across to the uninhabited off-shore island, where American archaeologists are excavating a significant Minoan settlement.  The settlement was twice destroyed once due to an earthquake and after that by the volcanic eruption on Santorini.

Things to do in Mochlos

With only a few local tavernas, a couple of shops, and two taxi men to the town, it’s ideal for a quiet little weekend getaway or maybe longer, no noise, no pollution, and you can eat at maybe some of the best tavernas in Crete whilst looking over to the Minoan site, just a 5-minute boat ride away.

There is one small sandy beach, however, if you don’t mind rocks, there’s plenty of opportunities to get into the water around the seafront, great for a little snorkel. Just beside one of the tavernas, there is a natural rock pool which is heated by the sun during the day making it the perfect spot to have a little relaxation and take in the views.
Just beside one of the tavernas, there is a natural rock pool which is heated by the sun during the day making it the perfect spot to have a little relaxation and take in the views.

In front of the small village, you will find the small sandy beach of Mochlos with clear waters. If you head to the east, you will find the second bay of the village, which is smaller and rockier. If you keep going east, after approximately 350m, you'll find several secluded small bays with round pebbles. - Keep an eye out for sea urchins while bathing at Mochlos: they flourish in the clear, unpolluted water( the mini-market sells protective plastic shoes). In the mornings, you'll see divers collecting them for restaurants along the coast, which serve up the roe as "achinosalata" - a much-prized delicacy. The area is also ideal for snorkelling and fishing, as the rocky bottom is home to plenty of fish.

Take the boat to the island which is a sight of an ancient Minoan settlement where tombs, buildings, and houses have been discovered over the past few decades. Visit the archaeological site of Mochlos, the American archaeologist R.B. Seager discovered the archaeological site of Mohlos in 1907, after following the instructions of a local fisherman. The following year, the excavations began on the little island, which revealed 20 built tombs and about 12 habitations. The plain of Mochlos has settled over 5,000 years ago, and the island of Mochlos or Agios Nikolaos is home to the remains of a Minoan settlement, dating back to approximately 3000 B.C.

 The Psira islet looks within swimming distance, especially when the weather is calm, but it is easier to arrange a ride with a local fisherman if you want to go over. Pseira is a small island ίn the northwest of Mochlos and is uninhabited now and barren. The name has alternative spellίngs and must have come about because the shape of the island seemed to resemble that of a louse ( psira : louse). South-west of the island, tucked into the corner of the bay of Mirabello, is another tiny island called Konida – «the nit». In Psira a Minoan settlement of 15-20 acres has been found, being one of the most important sites in Crete. Boat Tours operate on regular trips to the island, or visitors can ask after the skipper at one of the tavernas.

Boat Tours operate regular trips to the island, or visitors can ask after the skipper at one of the tavernas.

 Visit the nearby village of Tourloti (7.5km) a real paradise with its small kafenia but with fine views. If you want some more gorgeous view, you must go up to the central church of the village, from where you can see all the Mirabello's Bay, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda. If you are a fan of the rural and country-side life of Greece, then you should visit this cosmopolitical village of Sitia Province, and see the beauty of the eastern region of Crete.

Maybe one day on your way to Sitia, just beyond the village of Skopi, you will come to a track signed left for the Faneromeni Monastery. After a partly asphalted around 5 km track you will approach this monastic church overlooking a gorge near to the sea, standing as a metaphor for recent Cretan history, the church has been battered but still stands unbowed. Unfortunately, most of the frescoes have been destroyed.

 During the Summer, the locals organize several social events such as fishing contests (especially during August) and if you're lucky, you might meet and participate in some of the events.

How To Get to Mochlos

- We recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and infrequent (you cannot reach Mochlos by public transport).

- By Air:  From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania and, more frequently, to the capital Heraklion. 

- By Sea: The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port or Heraklion Port. 

- By Car: If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We offer competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.

- By Taxi: Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location, however, isn’t the cheapest way.

Where to stay in Mochlos

At Mohlos Village you won’t find any all-inclusive hotels, night clubs or fast food outlets, and that’s what makes it perfect.

There are only a few apartments, villas to stay at but they are all run by friendly inn-keepers who are incredibly accommodating.
Just beside one of the tavernas, there is a natural rock pool which is heated by the sun during the day making it the perfect spot to have a little relaxation and take in the views.

Renting a car is not only the easiest way to get to Mochlos, it’s also the best way to explore the region. Crete is full of stunning drives. Having a car gives you plenty of flexibility. Rent your car here

Top Questions about Mochlos village answered:

Where is Mochlos, Crete?

Mochlos is a small village on the northeastern coast of Crete, located between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia.

Description of Mochlos:

Mochlos is a peaceful fishing village known for its quiet charm, traditional atmosphere, and proximity to ancient archaeological sites.

How to get to Mochlos?

You can drive to Mochlos from Heraklion (about 1.5 hours) or Agios Nikolaos (40 minutes) via the E75 highway and local roads.

Mochlos Crete: What to see and do?

Visit the nearby Minoan archaeological site, enjoy fresh seafood at local tavernas, relax by the sea, or take a boat to the islet of Mochlos.

Is there an Archaeological site in Mochlos?

Yes, there is a Minoan archaeological site on a small islet just off the coast of Mochlos.

Are there sandy beaches near Mochlos?

Mochlos has small sandy and pebble beaches, ideal for swimming and relaxation.

Are there nearby villages to Mochlos?

Yes, villages like Tourloti, Lastros, and Myrsini are located nearby.


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Happy family next to the beach