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Xerokambos |
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Xerokambos has experienced a small boom in recent years. Until about 20 years ago the area was only accessible on dusty slopes. Two asphalted roads now lead to the southeastern corner of Crete. This has multiplied the number of visitors, but the rush is still limited. Of course there was also a lot of construction - meanwhile more than 20 taverns and room rentals are waiting for guests in Xerokambos. Due to speculations about a great future for the Xerokambos region, land prices have risen. Especially after the expansion of the airfield from Sitia to an international airport, the big holiday boom was expected. But since the expansion of the airports will probably not take place for the time being (status 2017), the big boom flattened out again a few years ago. Currently there is no place on Crete that is further away than Xerokambos from an international airport (Iraklio or even Chania). It is about three hours by car to Heraklio. Currently at the beginning of 2018: From 2018 there will be some flights from England directly to Sitia. So things are still quiet in Xerokambos. Most of the guests are very close to nature or come because of the still mostly empty beaches. Around Xerokambos there are good hiking possibilities. The path along the sea to Agia Eirini is the most popular hike. On the way, one passes lonely bays and beaches. A few years ago, a large gas-fired power plant was built a few kilometres south of Xerokambos. But this can hardly be seen. Only the many overland power lines are noticed by many tourists. The landscape around Xerokambos is even bare in spring, when green meadows predominate in many regions of Crete. It is one of the driest regions in Crete. Even in winter the sea here is 17 degrees warm. Especially in spring a side trip or a whole holiday in Xerokambos is recommendable. The weather is then usually better than on the north coast of Crete. In summer the region is very hot, temperatures above 35 or even 40 degrees are not rare. Regular guests also come to the area in summer. Despite the heat, July to September is the main season, as everywhere in Crete. Many of the regular visitors of Xerokambos know each other. Especially in spring you can see many tourists on their bikes in the area. Getting to Xerokambos with your own car is easy nowadays. In addition to the main road Sitia - Palekastro - Zakros - Xerokambos, a second well-developed road has been leading into the region for several years. The other road is a pass road of Ziros, which is connected to the south coast (Makrigialos and further to the only city on the south coast of Crete Ierapetra) with an asphalted road. However, buses or other public transport do not yet travel to Xerokambos. Buses only go to the larger mountain village of Zakros about 7 km north. Xerokambos is especially suitable for individual tourists (also families) who are looking for a simple, nature-loving holiday far away from mass tourism. Meanwhile there are also hotels and taverns of the middle class. But those who are looking for nightlife or something similar are still completely wrong in Xerokambos. The landscape has its charms, but is rather barren, especially in summer and autumn. You don't have to do without the internet in Xerokambos anymore. Many taverns and accommodations have a fast DSL connection and good WLAN. As a day trip from the holiday resorts at the north coast the round trip Sitia - Palekastro - Vai - Zakros - Xerokambos - Ziros - Sitia is recommendable. However, the route is quite long, you should leave right after breakfast. Accommodations Xerokambos A good accommodation in Xerokambos is the Hotel Zeus (rooms, studios and apartments). You can book it in advance on Booking.com. Faros Houses about 100 metres further along the main road has small holiday homes that have an excellent reputation. Very nice operators, many apartments have a grandiose sea view. Our favorite is Villa Paris almost directly on the beach. Here three inexpensive small holiday apartments are rented. In the low season you get the apartments in Xerokambos inexpensive from 30 euros. All three have a fantastic view of the sea and the mountains. The extremely nice owner of the Villa Paris gives you fruit and raki to welcome you. If you are looking for a quiet holiday with children, this is the right place for you. All apartments have a kitchen. Since the shopping possibilities in Xerokampos are very limited, one should already think about food before the arrival. The nearest medium-sized supermarket is in Zakros, more than 10 kilometres away. In Xerokambos itself there is only one mini-market.
There are also more and more upper class accommodations in
Xerokambos. Villa Kalliopi is a holiday home with two bedrooms and
a swimming pool, which regularly delights guests. Search for more information on this website:
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