Tsoutsouros
Tsoutsouras or Tsoutsouros is located 63km on the south of Heraklion, at the exit of the imposing Mintri canyon.
In this area the ancient city of Inatos was built, port of Priansos. Tsoutsouras’ name has been derived from the Venetian name Zuzzuro.
It is a very picturesque and beautiful village with a significant tourist infrastructure and a wonderful sea. It compines not only a very well organized tourist region but also a destination for relaxing vacations ...
In front of the village is the small harbor of the region. Both eastern and western of the harbor are two large sheltered bay with total length of 2km, who have lovely sand and crystal clear sea ...There are 3 sandy beaches with sun beds and parasols, and a great beach area with trees.
It is ideal for family holidays with all facilities nearby, to your accommodation, food, drink and entertainment! That is everything you need for relaxing summer vavations!
One very important wealth factor of the village is also the people, who are pure, warm-hearted, hospitable and eager.
The energy and the properties of the area
The area of Tsoutsouros also features healing properties! The water is high in salt and iodine. Many doctors suggest those with musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems swimming in Tsoutsouros. The density of the sea in salt and iodine, combined with its clearness consist a strong challenge for visitors. The climate is also superb as there is no moisture and helps treating respiratory problems.
Besides these properties, however, Tsoutsouros also features ... magic properties! It is a region with a strong influence of myths, folk stories and fairy tales about dragons and monsters. Stories are rumored, about illegal excavations of the past, about fantastic modern stories and paradoxes but also about the presence of energy said to be hidden there.
Excursions
Tsoutsouras may constitute a base for excursions to other beaches of the area. The entire surrounding area features a magnificent nature giving opportunity to guests to seek a taste of adventure trips, short or long, in the heart of the mountains through rivers and streams, at the peaks through the mountain paths, but also at beautiful idyllic beaches.
To the west you can also visit Maridaki, a small beautiful beach where you can go mostly by boat or on foot.
Even further at the west you can visit Agios Nikitas where you can also go by boat. Here is the miraculous monastery of Koudoumas and a small palm forest.
To the east you can visit Kastri, where is a small harbor with fine restaurants. Even further at the east you can also visit and swim in Keratokambos and Arvi. Finally you can go for a day trip to Chrissi Isle (Gaidouronisi) by boat.
History - Mythology
In ancient Inatos, where Tsoutsouros is now located, Ilithyia, the goddess of childbirth was worshiped for many centuries.
In the cave, which is located at the north of the village, many offerings of worshipers of the goddess were found, such as bronze and clay figurines of women, pregnant women and sexual complexes, jewelry, clay double ax, clay models of ships and Egyptian figurines made of faience. Especially the last, witness the radiance of the sacred throughout the known world of the times.
In recent years, the cave came back to the fore, making Tsoutsouros known throughout Greece. According to reports, in the cave, but also throughout the region, were found objects of incredible technological advancement of the Minoans, which where taken by the American army in complete privacy, to provide expertise. The issue was addressed by the television show "Gates of Unexplained". Even if these theories are not true, the fact is that the area actually emits a special unique ambiance.
At the west there are two peaks, which locals call Zeus and Hera, because they remind them of two lying bodies. From there begin the Asterousia Mountains that surround southern the fertile valley of Messara. According to mythology, the king Asterion raised in these mountains the sons of Zeus, Minos, Rhadamanth and Sarpedon, who then reigned at Knossos, Phaistos and Malia, respectively, thereby building the first great European civilization.
On Pera Tsoutsouros, we meet Kerkelos region (or sole of Zeus), in which the people of ancient Inatos tied their ships. Here traces of ancient Inatos have been found inside and out of the water. In the south, the coast is full of beautiful caves and unique karst formations. In one of them, Drakospilia, is said that the residents found a skeleton of a dragon, which was burnt in order to make room and to dig for ancient traces. Although the fact sounds imaginary, there are many witnesses of (still living) people who saw it, that puzzled scientists. Eastern of the beach, a Minoan settlement named Aliori, was excavated.
