Kavousi

Kavousi is a village in eastern Crete, Greece. It is in the Lasithi regional unit and sits on the hills above the northern coast, about midway between the towns of Sitia and Ierapetra. The surrounding area is known for its rural landscape, traditional architecture, and olive groves, and it serves as a base for visitors exploring eastern Crete.

The most prominent feature of the Kavousi area is its ancient hilltop settlements: Vronda and Kastro. These fortified sites overlook the modern village and date to the Bronze Age, with evidence of habitation from the Middle to Late Bronze Age and continuing into the early Iron Age. Excavated remains include stone walls, domestic buildings, and pottery, indicating organized settlements with long-term occupation and external connections across the Aegean. The sites contribute to understanding the development of Minoan-influenced communities in eastern Crete and their later transitions.

Today Kavousi is known for its scenic views, traditional Cretan hospitality, and access to nearby beaches and hiking routes. The toponym Kavousi has uncertain origins, and the village remains a quiet agricultural community with limited but steady tourism, particularly for archaeology enthusiasts and walkers.