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A coconut tree at the beach. Photo by Elizeu Dias.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Mavros Molos

Being Kissamos’ most important and popular beach does not necessarily imply that it is overcrowded. Mavros Molos, on the other hand, is a popular but quiet beach right next to Kissamos’ center, with all the necessary organized structures for a full day in the area.

Kissamos’ main beach is the long bay. It has large areas of fine sand and shallow water, which make it ideal for families with children. The beach is close to dozens of bars and restaurants, and it is also easy to find inexpensive lodging.

The beach is well-kept. It rents out umbrellas and sunbeds, but some trees near the beach provide free natural shade.

1. It is rated as a blue-flag beach

Blue flag signs on the seafront at Ventnor, Isle of Wight, in July 2012 Photo by Editor5807

The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognizable and popular international symbol of quality. The award has been given to beaches and marinas that meet the strict award criteria since 1987.

Beaches must not only have high-quality bathing waters. They must also meet 32 criteria, including cleanliness, organization, information, swimmer and visitor safety, protection of the beach’s and coastal area’s natural wealth, and environmental awareness.

2. Two tourists tragically drowned at the beach in 2014

It is believed that one of the men attempted to save the other when he became distressed while swimming at Mavros Molos beach in Kissamos. He was unable to pull him out of the water, and both men died tragically. The men drowned in the western part of the island, which is known for its strong riptide currents.
Swimmers discovered the bodies of the two men floating in the sea and summoned an ambulance, police, and the Kissamos Port Authority.

3. It is a popular yoga retreat destination

Morning beach yoga in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Photo by Karlyn Langjahr

When people go on a yoga vacation, they practice yoga in groups at the yoga shala. It overlooks the sea and is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places to practice yoga.

4. Snorkeling is a popular fun activity

Scuba diver snorkeling on the way to the dive spot Photo by Wusel007

Due to the shallow and clear water, one of the most popular activities is snorkeling. If you enjoy swimming on the surface, snorkeling is an amazing experience. Tourists enjoy a pleasant boat ride with two distinct stops. They can snorkel into a Crystal Cave as well as in an open water area with a lot of marine life. There are a lot of fishes, octopuses, and calamari.

5. There is a big supermarket next to the beach

Sklavenitits, a popular supermarket chain, is conveniently located nearby in case you need to stop by after the beach. During the week. It is open until 9 p.m. on weekdays, until 8 p.m. on weekends, and closed on Sundays.

6. Mavros Molos beach restaurant bar is a major landmark

Einfaches Strandrestaurant morgens Photo by Manfred&Barbara Aulbach

The family-run Mavros Molos Beach Restaurant is located on the sandy beach of “Mavros Molos” and serves Mediterranean Cretan Creative Cuisine with direct access to the beach of the Kissamos Gulf. You can find authentic Cretan recipes cooked with Cretan virgin olive oil! The restaurant has a sea view and is ideal for a coffee in the morning or lunch after a swim. It is cozy and modern, with natural colors, wood, and rock, creating a warm and welcoming environment in which to relax.

The location is right on the beach of Mavros Molos, just a few steps from the center of Kissamos. The restaurant serves fresh dishes of traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is incredibly romantic! The restaurant also caters to vegetarians and vegans.

7. The beach has modern sporting facilities

Mavros Molos has a lot to offer apart from a serene atmosphere and sandy shores. If you’re not shooting hoops on the basketball court next to the beach, then you can play beach tennis. Both courts are in good condition.

Apart from the usual water activities such as jet skiing and swimming, revelers enjoy Stand Up Paddleboarding(SUP). SUP is the world’s fastest-growing water sport, with a surge in popularity over the last two years. Paddleboarding is a fun way to get closer to nature while also getting a full-body workout, meditation, and socialization. SUP is a low-impact sport with a wide range of board versatility, making it a sport for everyone to enjoy, regardless of skill level, location, or type of paddleboarding you want to do.

8. Mavros Molos beach has a surf school

Middle School Surf Team practice at Manresa State Beach near Watsonville, California Photo by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious

Kalo Surf school is a project by Andreas Koulepis who finally realized his passion for a surf school after ten years. After a long odyssey around the world, he decided that there is no better place to live and surf than right at home.

It is Greece’s first surf school that is not based in a single bay, allowing one to go to the right spot at the right time, resulting in more waves. This allows us to provide consistently surfable waves. Charges range between 55 Euros for one surf course to 225 Euros for five courses.

9. Remains of the ancient port were discovered at the beach

At Cisamus, there are only a few remains from the classical period (4th century BC). The excavations show that the town grew rapidly at the start of Roman rule. Rescue excavations in recent decades have revealed significant remnants of the town. These ruins include sections of cemeteries, several bathhouses, and numerous urban villas, many of which are well-equipped with mosaics.

A temple and a Christian church are still standing. Several high-quality statues were discovered in town, many of which came from the theater area, others from the bath houses, and still others from private homes. The earthquake in year 365 severely damaged the town.

10. The archeological museum is easily accessible from the beach

Archaeological Museum of Kissamos, Crete, Greece Photo by Tomisti

The Kissamos Archaeological Museum is located on the town’s main square, Stratigou Tzanakaki, and houses an impressive collection of local discoveries from various historical eras.

Downstairs, you can see Minoan displays dating back to the 9th century BC, which are spread across two floors (from Nopigia). Many of the best exhibitions are centered on the nearby cities of Polyrhenia and Falassarna (which flourished between the 4th and 1st centuries BC) and the early Roman period.
Meanwhile, the first floor focuses on Kissamos excavations, including some exceptional mosaics, as well as items discovered in the tombs of Falassarna and Polyrhenia.