Off the beaten path, the charming fishing village of Mochlos is a great place to relax and eat good seafood. Unspoilt by mass tourism, the village has kept a low key atmosphere with traditions still alive. It is worth the detour. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.
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Why visit the village of Mochlos in Crete
Most touristic places in Crete are crowded and very noisy.
If you are looking for a quieter and more traditional experience by the sea, Mochlos is a good choice for you (although not if you are looking for a sandy beach)
In the village you will find:
- locals (I know it seems strange to write that, but in some touristic villages you will not find locals living there any more...)
- great seafood taverns
- beaches
- colorful rock formations
- as well as an island with Minoan ruins
- and peace... So many places in Greece are very loud, here you will find a more relaxing environment
Mix-up
Be careful not to mix-it up with Mochos (without the l) a typical mountain village known for its traditional dinner parties.
Planning tips - Mochlos Crete
Where is Mochlos in Crete?
- On the North shore, East of Malia
- Malia to Mochlos - 1h drive
- Elounda to Mochlos - 55min drive
- Sitia to Mochlos - 50min drive
How to get to Mochlos Crete
The only way to reach Mochlos is by car with the last few km down a mountain road.
You can find the GPS coordinates Mochlos in my eBook:
- 5 easy-to-plan Maps
- 60+ Scenic locations for your itinerary
- 16+ extra photo stops and places to see
- Planning info to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 150+ original photos to help you select where to go
Parking in Mochlos
There are only a few spot along the roads, so just follow the signs to find the free parking area.
Where to stay? - Mochlos accommodations
Close to the water, you will find mostly rental accommodations or small hotels.
The village has kept its charm without big chains or loud party hotels.
For example, you could consider:
- Hotel Mochlos with colorful rooms and terraces - Check out prices and availability
- Or Koilon apartments with amazing views of the blue sea and the island - Check out prices and availability
- Or check out accommodations in and around Mochlos
Note: there is only a mini-market in the village so if you are staying longer than a night you should shop for food before.
Drive to Mochlos Village
You can already enjoy Mochlos on the drive down the mountain.
The village is located on the North coast, niched across from the small island of Mochlos.
It is not a difficult drive, but the road is a little smaller and winding.
There are not many places to stop and admire the view. But you can see the waterfront at the end of the small tongue of land across from the islet:
Seafront & Rock formations
What is enjoyable is that you can walk along the water without being bothered by cars.
There is a pedestrian way along the taverns and shops to admire the views of the mountains and the sea.
It is a short walk (the village is small) but a very enjoyable one. It was one of my mom's favorite places in Crete.
You can see how close the islet is creating a small harbour.
The taverns have terraces to enjoy the deep blue of the water and the sunny weather.
But what I love the most are the beautiful rocks sculpted by the sea (I always love rock formations).
You can see a few examples in the pictures below just below the taverns and also on the back side of the village.
Some of the rocks are quite colorful:
Mochlos Beach Crete
Mochlos is not really a beach destination. But you can still enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean.
The area is mostly rocky beaches, but there is a small beach right in the middle of the village with a slow slope and some sand.
Not much space to lie down but enough to get into the water.
Just be careful that the area has urchins, so it is recommended to wear plastic shoes.
In the morning you may be lucky to see divers collecting them for the taverns.
If you keep walking West from the village, you can find another beach with sand near the harbour which is less in plain sight of all the tourists at the taverns.
It is the fishing port of Limenaria (sorry I did not take a picture).
Mochlos Island & Ruins by boat
Mochlos island is a very little known Minoan site. You could be exploring it by yourself.
It was discovered by the American archeologist Seager in 1907 with the help of local fishermen.
The excavations in 1908 have unearthed tombs and habitations from thee Minoan civilization.
There is also a small chapel dedicated to St Nicholas. This is why the island can also be referred to as the islet of St Nicholas.
How to reach it?
It is within swimming distance (around 200m) but can be dangerous with the swell.
A local can take you on his boat for a few euros. Just ask at one of the taverns or shops.
If you are into archeology, 2 buildings were also discovered behind the modern village of Mochlos. They belonged to artisans (pottery and Bronze crafting).
Things to do around Mochlos
If you are planning a road trip around Crete, Mochlos makes for a great stop and a quiet evening.
You can use my eBook to help you plan your road trip:
- 5 easy-to-plan Maps
- 60+ Scenic locations for your itinerary
- 16+ extra photo stops and places to see
- Planning info to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 150+ original photos to help you select where to go
But Mochlos can also make a great base for a quiet holiday.
- Only 1h away you can visit Elounda with the famous Spinalonga island
- And on your way to Elounda, you can swim in the turquoise waters at Voulisma beach
- You can explore the mountains covered with olive trees
- You can take a day trip East to Vai beach with its palm trees
- ...
Want to see more of CRETE?
Charming, isn't it?
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