East of Krios and on the road to Palaiochora, at the villages of Aghia Kyriaki and Gialos, is an especially pretty beach – Grammeno Votsalo (or the Inscribed Pebble). The name is derived from its multi-coloured pebbles which are so streaked and veined with various minerals as to seem to have been written on. Such pebbles are typical of this entire stretch.
The beach is set on the small promontory of Trachili (the Neck). This, cloaked in a wonderful cedar forest (junipers in fact), divides the beach in two.
To the west is a relatively large and protected cove with golden sands, while to the east (Kountoura) is a large and pebbly expanse, which is less visited. Both have umbrellas and sun-beds. Up on the cedar-clad promontory are plenty of attractive coves where one can enjoy a swim. The only discordant note in this harmony is a considerable body of greenhouses in the small village behind the two beaches.
Hereabout exist organized camping where you can stay, and a very few rooms for rent, as well as some tavernas with very tasty food.
The following triad are described starting from Palaiochora and going westwards on the coast road towards Grammeno Votsalo and Kountoura.
