Argilos is a really special beach, very different from the famous beaches in Balos, Elafonissi and Vai. It is located on the southeast side of Crete, 47 kilometers south of Sitia, near Gerontolakkos. It is one of the most isolated areas of Crete and to get there, you have to take the road that connects Sitia with Ziros.
Argilos is an impressive beach, a small enclosed bay with golden sand, pebbles and shallow, crystal-clear waters. The stone natural scenery, all around, enchants the visitor. Due to its distance from major urban and tourist centers, it is not very well known.
What makes it special is that it has pieces of clay, on the sand, rocks and the surrounding slopes. Bathers either lightly dig the beach or use small pieces from the rocks, take the clay, make a natural makeshift paste and apply it on their face and body. Clay has been used since ancient times to treat skin irritations since it works as a cleanser of dead cells, leaving the skin smooth and soft. After drying, they can be easily washed off by simply taking a dip.
Due to its location, in the south of Crete, with high temperatures even in Autumn, the beach can receive visitors almost all year round. Visitors should be informed about the wind intensity in the area before visiting the beach. Also, a sign warns bathers not to take pieces of clay with them, but to simply enjoy the experience because this can mean serious alteration of the landscape.
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