BEACHES
ALL YEAR ROUND
North Coast Beaches
Thanks to its award-winning beaches, Rethymno is an ideal destination for summer vacations.
On the north shore with its sandy, organized beaches you can find some of the biggest and most luxurious hotels of the island.
Rethymno beach
The beach of Rethymno is located in the east of the city and extends to a length of 12 km, ending in the area of Scaleta. It is a beautiful beach with crystal clear water and golden sand, awarded with 12 Blue Flags. It’s fully organized with sun beds, umbrellas, showers, water sports, beach bars, restaurants, taverns, lifeguards, etc., but there are many places for peace and quiet away from the suffocating and intense rhythms of everyday life. It is ideal for children as it deepens gradually and not abruptly and has plenty of space for sand games, so parents and children can both enjoy it.
There is also a SEATRAC wheelchair system for people with special needs that can easily be moved in and out of the water. What is striking, and at the same time unprecedented on this beach, is that the protected Carreta-Carreta sea turtles lay their eggs along the beach during the summer months. That’s why several places are protected by discreet fencing so that the sea turtles can give birth safely.
Kamari beach
The beach of Kamari is a small rocky beach ideal for snorkeling, located about 7km west of Rethymnon, near the village Gerani, at the exit of Vederi Gorge. It is equipped with a SEATRAC wheelchair system for people with special needs that can easily be moved in and out of the water.
Petres beach
Petres beach is 13km west of Rethymno. It is named after the imposing Petres Gorge that ends here. All around there are facilities such as accomodations, restaurants, etc. The rocky seabed is ideal for fishing and snorkeling. You can also try scuba diving with the assistance of the diving school based there.
Episkopi beach
The beach of Episkopi is located 12 km west of Rethymno, about 15-20 minutes drive from the city centre by car or bus. This is another beach with a huge area, 3.5 km long. It is organized in some parts with sun beds, umbrellas, taverns and large hotel units and in some parts unorganized, so guests who want more isolation can enjoy the quiet spots of the beach. The waters are clear, crystal and shallow, ideal for diving and absolute relaxation. What you need to know is that the beach is often affected by the winds, which can create dangerous currents. Of course, there are lifeguards along the beach to take care of your personal safety.
Spilies beach
This beach is not one of the most famous in the prefecture of Rethymno, but it is very special. It is a small bay surrounded by large rocks and caves, which is why it has this name. The visitors can visit the beach by car. It is an organized beach with sun beds and umbrellas and a small canteen, so you can get the essentials during your stay on the beach. It has pebble and the waters have a wonderful blue-green color which in combination with the imposing rocks, offer a magnificent and exotic landscape. If you keep on going to the east, you will find Geropotamos beach named after the river that empties into the sea and Panormo beach, by the picturesque fishermen's village of Panormo.
Bali beaches
Another beautiful, quiet, family and tourist destination is located in Bali, 30 km east of Rethymno. Attendance is easy either by road (car, bus) or by sea taxi from Rethymno, which passes through unique natural landscapes, caves and secluded beaches. Bali consists of four beaches known as Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani and Karavostasis.
They are all fully organized, with wonderful clear, blue water and golden sand, in the protected bay of Bali and thus are not often affected by the “meltemia”(winds). There are also several hotels and rooms for rent, ready to welcome you, so you can combine vacation and relaxation with the beautiful beaches in Bali. It includes a diving school, so you can enjoy and explore the rich sea floor of Bali with the assistance of trained staff.
The most organized beach of the southern side, is Plakias beach, which gives you the opportunity to try sea sports, but also to visit more deserted beaches such as Korakas beach near Kato Rodakino, Souda beach and Damnoni, Ammoudi and Shinaria beaches located next to Plakias for romantic strolls on the beach, more calm relaxation by the sea.
Just before the Monastery of Preveli, and if you follow the trail on foot for about 15 minutes you will reach the most famous beach in the region, the Preveli beach, with palm trees right at the mouth of river Kourtaliotis.
If you keep to the south and follow the road to Aghia Galini you have more options.
Option 1:
At the 40th Km. turn towards the village Akoumia and carry on. You will find a large sandy beach, Triopetra.
Option 2:
At the 46th Km. near the village KriaVrisi turn right and carry on towards the sea until you see the beach of Agios Pavlos. The rocks and dunes form small coves which you will surely love.
