Nestled at the base of two majestic mountains, Kavousi is one of the most captivating villages in Ierapetra.

Sitting at an elevation of 140 metres with a commanding view over the olive tree-dotted plains and the waters of the Cretan Sea, Kavousi is a historically rich and vibrant village, brimming with a wide array of activities and attractions. The village is home to a population of approximately 500 residents.

Numerous picturesque trails originate from this location, including one leading through the Mesonas Gorge, which is a relatively straightforward route guiding us to the village of Thrypti (Thripti) at an elevation of 860 metres.

Enroute, you'll encounter several points of interest:

1. The ruins of Agios Ioannis church (St John), constructed by a hermit during the First Byzantine period, nestled in a cave to the west of the village, culminating in a small cove along the sea.
2. The ancient copper mine at Chrysokamino, adjacent to Theriospilo, featuring remarkable stalagmites.
3. The renowned Kavousi olive tree, boasting a colossal trunk with a 17-metre diameter, believed to be around 5,000 years old and located 2 kilometres southeast.
4. The captivating Tholos Beach.
5. The remnants of ancient Azoria.
6. The charming village of Thrypti (Thripti).

Situated at an elevation of 860 metres, the settlement provides an ideal environment for vineyard cultivation, which was the primary driving force behind its establishment. The first official population census was conducted in 1940, recording only three residents. However, both in the past and today, the settlement is predominantly inhabited during the summer months, primarily by individuals from Kato Chorio and Ierapetra, gradually transforming it into an increasingly popular resort over the years.

Nearby attractions include:

• The gorge of Ha and the mountains of Thrypti, known locally as the ‘Aori’, which feature lush vegetation and are home to various rare species of animals and birds.
• The church of Afentis Christos, perched at an elevation of 1,476 metres, offering panoramic vistas of the Dodecanese Sea, Kasos, the Libyan Sea, and the regions of Ierapetra and Sitia.