East of Trypiti, where the Kladi Gorge meets the Libyan sea, the beauty of the natural wilderness has melded with the unusual conglomerate-rock formations occurring where a river meets the sea – at Domata.
Domata Beach
This area gets its name from the three terraces that have formed on the slope, achieving a landscape of unique physical beauty. The terraces resemble roof-lines (of houses – thus domata). Pebbles of all sizes make up the beach; clear crystal waters wash it.
The difficult access – by boat or a slog on foot through the rough gorge or along a trail to Aghia Roumeli (3-4 hours off) – has ensured a complete isolation. No infrastructure exists, but the numerous pines provide a wealth of shadow to bathers and campers. Be advised: if taking the path to Aghia Roumeli, take great care – the path is steep and dangerous in places as it ascends to some 700 m above sea level.
Resuming the eastwards journey, you will meet two off-the-track beaches: Fournoti and Kalogeros.
Fournoti Beach
Quite amazingly attractive .. and so perfect for anyone desirous of solitude and wishing to have the benefit of the beauties of nature, this beach is accessible only by sea.
It has small pebbles and clear water, with pine trees all around. At its mid-point is a cave – providing refuge by day from the sun and a place to pass the night (if you wish).
The area is protected by the Natura 2000: there grows here – and only in a few other places nearby in Sphakia – a plant with yellow flowers (Hypericum aciferum). Tags mark the spots where they are to be found.
Kalogeros Beach
Next to Fournoti is the small isolated beach of Kalogeros (the Monk): its name comes from a reef that projects up out of the sea, and looks like a monk.
Like Domata, the beach has small pebbles and clear cold water, with pines growing around. Also a small cave exists at one end – providing shade in the day and shelter by night. It is not developed in any way, so take care to bring along food and drink.
Between here and Aghia Roumeli are many, especially tiny, beaches with small pebbles and large cliffs behind them: they are collectively known as the Caves (cut) in the Marble.
Very close to Kalogeros is the settlement of Aghia Roumeli, right at the mouth of the Samaria Gorge.
