ChiaLu Beach (also known as Tsilou) is one of the most hidden and unique destinations on the southern coast of the Heraklion region, situated west of Kaminaki and east of the Tris Ekklisies settlement.
Located in the heart of the rugged Asterousia Mountains, it sits exactly at the exit of the impressive Mesosfini Gorge. The beach is characterized by its raw natural beauty, featuring fine pebbles and crystal-clear, deep waters that take on a unique blue hue due to the rocky seabed. The towering vertical cliffs surrounding the shore create a setting of total isolation, making it a sanctuary for those looking to escape civilization entirely.
Access to ChiaLu Beach is extremely difficult and presents a challenge for most visitors. The most recommended and safe way to reach it is by sea, using a boat from Tsoutsouros, Maridaki, or Tris Ekklisies. By land, access requires navigating rugged dirt roads followed by a strenuous hike through the Mesosfini Gorge, a route that demands mountaineering experience and proper equipment. Due to these difficulties, the beach remains pristine and rarely visited, even during the peak summer months.
Regarding facilities, the beach is completely unorganized and possesses no infrastructure whatsoever. Natural shade is limited and depends on the sun's position relative to the surrounding cliffs. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying adequate supplies of water and food, as well as their own shade equipment. ChiaLu is ideal for enthusiasts of wild nature and snorkeling, as the untouched seabed offers rich imagery of marine life in an environment that remains authentic and raw.