Tholos Beach
A tranquil, less-developed beach on Crete, known for its authentic Greek canteen and surrounding ancient olive groves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the sun before crowds
Tholos Beach
Best Time
Enjoy the sun before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, less-developed beach on Crete, known for its authentic Greek canteen and surrounding ancient olive groves.
"Honest Greek food, amazing views. Highly recommended."
Taste the Souvlaki!
Don't miss the chicken souvlaki at Petros Kantina – it's a local favorite! :shaved_ice:
Relaxed Atmosphere
Tholos is ideal for a quiet, relaxing holiday away from busy resorts. :palm_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tholos Beach Serenity
A peaceful, less-developed beach ideal for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
Petros Kantina's Authentic Flavors
Savor incredible souvlaki, fresh salads, and tzatziki with breathtaking views.
Surrounding Olive Groves
Wander through ancient olive groves and vineyards near the beach for a scenic stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Dining Delights at Petros Kantina
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Taste the Souvlaki!
Don't miss the chicken souvlaki at Petros Kantina – it's a local favorite! :shaved_ice:
Relaxed Atmosphere
Tholos is ideal for a quiet, relaxing holiday away from busy resorts. :palm_tree:
Family-Run Charm
Experience genuine Greek hospitality at the local canteen. :heart:
Scenic Surroundings
Explore the beautiful ancient olive groves and vineyards. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Taste the Souvlaki!
Don't miss the chicken souvlaki at Petros Kantina – it's a local favorite! :shaved_ice:
Relaxed Atmosphere
Tholos is ideal for a quiet, relaxing holiday away from busy resorts. :palm_tree:
Family-Run Charm
Experience genuine Greek hospitality at the local canteen. :heart:
Scenic Surroundings
Explore the beautiful ancient olive groves and vineyards. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tholos Beach is praised for its serene atmosphere and the delicious, affordable food at Petros Kantina, offering an authentic Greek experience. While most find the family-run canteen charming, a few reviewers have noted less-than-friendly interactions. The beautiful surroundings and peaceful vibe are consistent highlights.
"As other people have already said, the Petros Kantina is a good choice to eat something soft and tasty. The family who run the place are simple and very nice. The chicken souvlaki, salad, tzatziki and pita are so good.
Thanks for the hospitality. Highly recommend."
Mihaela CHITORAN
"I’m quite shocked at all the positive reviews, I will admit that the souvlaki is nice but that’s it. The owners are extremely rude and miserable and will openly talk bad about tourists and their appearances (assuming they don’t speak Greek) it’s known amongst the locals that he is a nasty man. I would advise against this place. Apart from the rudeness the hygiene is VERY bad and I’m surprised that he is even allowed to be open.. there are plenty of other lovely places where the owners are friendly and won’t talk bad about you."
Laila del rey
"Best souvlaki on the island! Petros is king."
Michiel Berkers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tholos Beach is located about 26km east of Agios Nikolaos and 4km north of Kavousi village on Crete. You can reach it by car or scooter, following signs from the main road. It's a scenic drive through olive groves.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted from the nearby villages. If you're coming from Agios Nikolaos, head towards Kavousi and then follow the signs for Tholos Beach.
Renting a car or scooter offers the most flexibility to explore the area around Tholos Beach and other nearby attractions.
Public transport directly to Tholos Beach might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes to Kavousi and then consider a taxi or walking the remaining distance.
The roads leading to Tholos Beach are generally well-maintained, though some smaller paths might be unpaved. Drive cautiously and enjoy the scenic route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tholos Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it. You can enjoy the sun and sea freely.
As a natural beach, Tholos Beach is accessible at all hours. However, facilities like Petros Kantina will have their own operating times, typically during daylight hours.
No booking is required for Tholos Beach itself. If you plan to dine at Petros Kantina, it's usually first-come, first-served, especially during peak times.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Tholos Beach, other than standard rules about respecting the environment and local customs.
Absolutely! Tholos Beach is perfect for a day trip, offering a peaceful environment to relax, swim, and enjoy a meal at the local canteen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most popular and recommended spot is Petros Kantina, right on the beach, serving delicious and affordable Greek food like souvlaki and salads.
Petros Kantina offers authentic Greek dishes, with their chicken souvlaki, fresh salads, tzatziki, and pita bread being highly praised. It's a great place for honest Greek food.
While souvlaki is a highlight, you can likely find vegetarian options like Greek salads and tzatziki with pita bread. It's best to ask the staff directly about current offerings.
Reviews consistently mention that the food at Petros Kantina is affordable, making it a great value for money experience.
Yes, Petros Kantina serves drinks along with food, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing beverage while relaxing by the sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beach landscape, the charming Petros Kantina under the trees, and the surrounding ancient olive groves for beautiful shots. The golden hour light is particularly stunning.
While Tholos Beach faces east, the late afternoon light casting a warm glow over the landscape and sea can be very photogenic. The views from Petros Kantina are also lovely.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens if you want to capture details of the surrounding hills.
The combination of the tranquil beach, the rustic canteen, and the ancient olive trees offers a unique, authentic Greek island photography experience.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and be mindful of privacy before flying a drone over the beach or nearby areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as shade might be limited outside the canteen area. The surrounding olive groves also offer a pleasant, shaded spot for a picnic or a quiet moment. It’s a great destination for a relaxed family day out, away from the hustle and bustle of larger tourist resorts.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own water and snacks to further minimize costs. The authentic, no-frills experience at the canteen aligns perfectly with a budget-friendly travel style, offering great value for money.
couples
The authentic atmosphere and the beautiful natural surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for quality time together. It's an ideal spot to unwind and reconnect away from the typical tourist crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Tholos Beach
The surrounding landscape is equally captivating, with ancient olive groves and vineyards framing the fertile valley where the beach is situated. This natural beauty adds to the tranquil ambiance, inviting visitors to explore the picturesque surroundings. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the local environment.
For travelers looking for a less commercialized beach experience, Tholos offers a refreshing escape. Its understated charm and natural beauty make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the eastern part of Crete.
Dining at Petros Kantina
The menu at Petros Kantina features classic Greek dishes, with the chicken souvlaki, fresh salads, tzatziki, and pita being frequently praised. Many reviewers highlight the quality and taste of the food, calling it some of the best on the island. The family who runs the place is often described as simple, nice, and kind, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere.
However, it's worth noting that there are some conflicting reviews regarding the owners' demeanor, with a few guests reporting rudeness. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall consensus leans towards a positive dining experience, especially considering the honest Greek food and the unbeatable location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit