We left Xirokambos with a heavy heart. Heading north but not in the mood yet to deal with the crowds, we decided to ‘skip’ for the time being the world famous palm beach of Vai and to stop in Itanos just 2 km further. The area is also known as Erimoupolis which means Desert City. It isn’t deserted of course but comparing to the bustling Vai it almost seems so. Great beaches, free access to the ancient ruins and even palm trees. This is our place!
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We arrived in Vai around noon. The parking area was full (!) and it wasn’t small at all… So we decided to seek refuge in Itanos [35.26418,26.26197] waiting for time to pass and for tourists to leave. Besides, after 17.00 the parking of Vai beach is free of charge! The parking area of Itanos is an open space at the end of the road next to the sea. It was not hard to find a place for our RV. A few minutes later we were strolling along the beach and the archaeological site. Not bad at all for plan B!
This is what is left of the once great city of Itanos, flourishing as a trade center from Minoan times until the early Christian era. Most of the ruins we see today are from the Hellenistic and the early byzantine period. The site is open to public access; it is a very pleasant walk before plunging into the crystal clear waters.
The beach below is south of the ruined city. To get there you have to walk for a few hundred meters but it is much nicer and more secluded than the other beach near the parking lot.
For those wishing to stay overnight it is advisable to park on the paved road before the parking area. According to the Greek law it is forbidden to stay overnight inside archaeological sites (this regulation is valid for everyone, not only campers, caravans or tents). The road can not be held as part of the archaeological site!
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