Location
Hiona (or Chiona) beach is located 87km east of Agios Nikolaos, 19km east of Sitia and 2km east of Palekastro, near the village of Agathia.
The beach shelves gently, making swimming safe for small children.
Moreover, Hiona is an ideal destination for those who seek privacy.
Characteristics
| Access By: Car | Beach Type: Sand |
| Depth: Shallow | Temperature: Normal |
| Organised: Little | Crowded: Normal |
| Natural Shade: Yes | Windy: Yes** |
| Family-friendly: Yes | Nudism-friendly: Yes* |
| Handicapped accessible: No | Blue Flag: Yes |
Facilities
The beach is slightly organised near the three taverns which are renowned for their delicious fish soups.
Notes
*East of the main beach, you will find several small, secluded coves ideal for nudism.
**In summer the wider area is frequently affected by strong winds.
Opposite the beach you will see the small islets of Grandes.
The wider are is also of great archaeological interest as 200m from the beach, in the position Roussolakkos, there are the remains of an ancient Minoan port and settlement which is said to have been established since the Early Minoan period and flourished during the Late Minoan period.
A walk to the top of the hill Kastri, on the west end of the beach, is also highly recommended so as to see the ruins of an old fort and enjoy the magnificent sea views.
The hill was called Paleo Castro (i.e. Old Fort) by the Venetians, who built a fortress probably on the ruins of a preexisting Minoan fort.
How to reach Hiona
Hiona beach is accessible by rented or private cars and motorbikes.
If you choose to drive from Agios Nikolaos, follow the new National road (E75) towards Sitia, to the east.
When you get to Sitia, take the provincial road Sitias-Paleokastrou.
When you reach the square of Palekastro, follow the signs to the village of Agathia and little before entering the village, turn left to the dirt road leading to the beach after about 1,2km.
Alternatively, you can take a public bus from Sitia to Palekastro.
