Mochlos in eastern Crete

Mochlos (120 inhabitants), between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia in eastern Crete, is an idyllic little fishing village with three four tavernas, a few cafes and a couple of shops.

It's a rather worn village, not beautiful in any way. Still, it is one of my favourite villages in Crete. I can not say exactly what it's that makes me love Mochlos. There is something about the sea, the small offshore island, and the mountains in the distance that appeal to me. And the exceptional tranquillity that rests over the village, at least during the low and shoulder seasons.

There is nothing to do in Mochlos, except to sit and look out over the sea, and to read books of course. Mochlos is a perfect place to be in if you just want to be. And I guess that we all want that sometimes.

There is no good beach in Mochlos, but the water is lovely and you can swim off the rocks. It is swimming distance across to the small offshore island and it's not uncommon to see people swim there. The island - also named Mochlos - is uninhabited, but it was inhabited in early Minoan time (3,000 BC) and for a long time ahead. At the time the island was no island, it was linked to the mainland. The sea was then about two metres lower than it is today. Excavations started on the western part of the island in 1908 and a Minoan cemetery and the remains from a Minoan settlement was found. Excavations have been on and off ever since.

Mochlos "beach".

The evenings in Mochlos is very peaceful.

The best thing about Mochlos might be the evenings when you sit at one of the tavernas, looking out over the dark sea and enjoying cold white wine and day fresh fish. Taverna Ta Kochilia is in my opinion the best taverna in the village.

This is what I wrote in the diary the first time we came to Mochlos: "We were met by a calm sea and mountains reminding us of Amorgos. Here was not as touristy as many other villages and towns we passed by. We parked the car and started looking for a room. We found one almost at once. The room had a balcony with divine sea views and only cost 28 €. Camilla went to pick up the car, I sat down on the balcony, opened a cold beer that I got at the taverna below. Me and the beer looked out over the calm sea and toward the impressive mountains. I enjoyed what I saw. When Camilla came with the car I shouted at her: ask how long the room is available, we have to stay here!"

ACCOMMODATION IN MOCHLOS

I hope you will experience an evening or two in Mochlos. If you stay overnight you have to set the alarm clock and get up to watch the sunrise. If you are not religious before, it involves a considerable risk (chance) that you will be religious after watching this show. As you understand, the range is limited, and it is best to book in advance.

Limenaria Apartments is located just outside the village and they got very good reviews from the guests.

Book Limenaria Apartments »

Book other hotels in Mochlos here »

View of Mochlos.

Mochlos is located approximately 37 kilometres east of Agios Nikolaos, and about 35 kilometres west of Sitia.

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