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CRETE, RETHYMNON

The Best Beaches in


Rethymnon That You
Must See When Visiting
Crete!

Sharing is caring!

The Rethymnon region proudly


presents its visitors with some of the
most spectacular beaches on the
island. From long sandy shores to
secluded lagoons, private coves, and
rocky bays, here you will find a
comprehensive list of the best
beaches in Rethymnon.

Disclaimer: Posts include affiliate links to products or


services and I might earn a commission if you make a
purchase, at no extra cost to you. This allows me to
continue writing helpful articles for your travels. I only
recommend things I use myself or that I believe will deliver
value to you. 

Best Beaches in
Rethymnon Region, Crete

Triopetra

When visiting Crete, it’s a great idea


to spend some time exploring the
coast of the Rethymnon region.
There are stunning beaches both on
the north and south coasts and with
very different characteristics.
As with the rest of the island, there
are beaches for every taste!

Preveli.

You can check some of Rethymno’s


best and less crowded beaches in
the southern part of the region,
including Plakias, Triopetra, and the
famous Preveli.
On the northern coast, it’s quite
easy to access most beaches since
they are close to the city of
Rethymnon and near most of the
best resorts in the area.

Ligres Beach

You can check this full article which


includes the best beaches in
Rethymnon, but you can also
discover great beaches in the article
about the best beaches in south
Crete.
Some of the most secluded shores in
Rethymnon are nudist-friendly, you
can read on to check where to swim
without clothes, or you can also
bookmark this guide to the best
nudist beaches of Crete.

Ikarus Watersports Rethymno

Ikarus Watersports in
Rethymno
Jet ski & Jetski Safari, Parasailing, Water
skiing are just a few of our water activities

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···
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Get the Rethymnon Digital


City Guide
for only €0.99!

Beaches Near the City of


Rethymnon
Don’t want to leave the city area? No
problem, these are some of the
beaches you can check close to
Rethymnon city…

···

City Beach of Rethymnon


(Paralia Rethymnis)
Latitude: N 35.367687 | Longitude:
E 24. 487151
Characteristics: Sandy beach, fully
organized with a great choice of
beach bars.

City beach, Rethymnon.

Rethymnon city has a great long


sandy beach stretching from the
Main Marina to the city suburbs. 
The beach is well maintained with all
the necessary amenities. It offers a
variety of water sports as well as
places to play beach volleyball and
tennis.

Paralia Rethymnon.

The seawater is clean on calm days,


but if it is wavy it can be a little bit
turbid due to the sand. Rethymnon
beach has clean soft sand and it’s
easy to access the sea.  
The beach is divided into small areas
that are kept by private beach bars
that are in charge of the beach
organization.

Paralia Rethymnon.

The sunbeds are usually free if you


order something to drink or to eat.
Sometimes you need to pay extra for
the beach sofas.
All the orders are delivered to your
sunbed so you can fully relax on the
beach.
When visiting, remember to pay
attention to the signs, as this is a
sheltered area for Caretta Caretta
turtles during the summer months.

You might also want to


read: Rental Homes in
the Old Town of
Rethymnon.

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Top Beaches in Crete

Platanes Beach
(Also known as Platanias)
Latitude: N 35.371789 | Longitude:
E 24.528512
Location: Less than 10 km from
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Partly sandy, partly
pebbled beach; crystal clean sea, it
has few beach bars renting
umbrellas and sunbeds

Sunset at Platanes, Rethymnon.

Just outside the city of Rethymnon,


heading east, towards Heraklion,
this beach is spacious and features
clean sand and colorful pebbles.
The access to the sea is great and
easy, so it is also nice for families
with children. There are a few
venues to rent a sunbed. 
They also serve great drinks and
tasty snacks. If you order something
from the bar, then the sunbeds are
free.
If you prefer to rent just the
umbrella and a couple of sunbeds,
the price will be around €6. A small
mountain river divides the beach
from the suburbs of Rethymnon.
Be aware of the signs, this beach is
also a sheltered area for the Caretta
Caretta turtles in summer.

···

Adelianos Campos
Latitude: N 35.374815 | Longitude:
E 24.541229
Location 9 km east of Rethymnon
town
Characteristics: Sand mixed with
pebbles, fully organized, and
featuring a few water sports
centers

Adelianos Kampos, Rethymnon.

Another great choice if you want to


get out of the city, but you don’t feel
like going too far. 
The beach is divided into areas that
are kept by different beach bars,
some of the most popular ones are
Siroccos and Roulis Beach Bar, and
they are equipped with sunbeds and
umbrellas that you can rent. 
There are also two water sports
centers, Tzagas Water sports, and
The Beast Water Sports. 
This beach gets full during the high
season especially in the afternoon
hours and during weekends as it is
popular among the locals. 
Also here, Caretta Caretta turtles
seek refuge in summer, so be aware
of the signs.

Kamari Beach
Latitude: N 35.361758 | Longitude:
E 24.407515
Location: Less than 7 km west of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Rocky with pebbles
and some sandy areas, slightly
organized

Kamari Beach, Rethymnon.

On the way to Chania, about 7 km


from the city of Rethymnon, lies a
small rocky beach known as Kamari.
Parts of the beach are hidden by
rocks, so you can easily find natural
shade on sunny days. 
Kamari is perfect for snorkeling as
the waters here are crystal clear and
full of fish… And the underwater
rock formations are amazing! 
For older kids, it’s great fun for them
to climb the rocks and discover the
small hidden caves.

There are a few umbrellas, but it is


better to come with your beach mat
and to pack a lunch. The beach is not
so popular, so it is doesn’t get
crowded… well, maybe only during
the weekend.
Next to the beach, there is a lovely
tavern and the picturesque small
church of Panagia Kamariani.
There is also a river coming from a
small gorge and it is a favorite place
for ducks and geese.

You might also want to


read: Best restaurants in
the area of Rethymnon.

···

Beaches on the North Coast


of Rethymnon
The northern coast of Rethymnon is
a collection of nice shores for you to
choose from, ranging from hidden
rocky coves to wide sandy beaches,
take a look!
···

Vythos Beach
Latitude: N 35.358070 | Longitude:
E 24.369721
Location: 13 km west of Rethymnon
town
Characteristics: Small rocky beach
with calm clean waters; organized
with umbrellas and sunbeds

Vythos, Rethymnon.

This small beach is located in a


picturesque lagoon surrounded by
palms.
It is mostly rocky but has some parts
featuring sand mixed with pebbles
and shells.
The sea rocks create a natural pool
and protect the lagoon from the
waves. 
This place is great for snorkeling.
The sea is clean and you can see the
bottom in full detail. You can access
the beach from the bar which offers
sunbeds and umbrellas for free.
It is a great idea to order some
drinks, but I don’t recommend this
place for food as it is overpriced. 
All in all, it’s a great beach not
usually overcrowded. 

Episkopi Beach
Latitude: N 35.355919 | Longitude:
E 24.338984
Location: 14.6 km west of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Long beach,
pebbled and sandy, partly
organized; exposed to the winds

Episkopi Beach.

This long beach spreads for almost 3


kilometers and you can choose
exactly where to stay for the day.
You can either go to the organized
beach tavernas with all the
necessary amenities or you can
enjoy some solitude in the part of
the beach that’s not organized.
In both cases, you will have soft sand
with some pebbled parts and
comfortable access to the sea.
The crystalline waters are perfect
for a swim.

This beach is great for children,


especially if you stop in some beach
taverna as they have great
playgrounds that kids simply adore! 
Episkopi Beach also offers amazing
views of the White Mountains and
the Akrotiri Peninsula.
Unfortunately, this beach is exposed
to the northern winds, so it can be
unpleasant on days with Meltemi.

···

Skaleta Beaches
Latitude: N 35.396821 | Longitude:
E 24.613268
Location: 20 km east of Rethymnon
town
Characteristics: Sandy beaches
with pebbles, rocks in the sea;
organized with umbrellas and
sunbeds, and a few beach bars
available

Sunset hour in Skaleta.

The village of Skaleta offers a few


great beaches. As you enter the
village from the East, there is a
beach with golden sand and pebbles,
but the seabed is rocky with some
big flat rock formations not far from
the water edge. 
This part of the beach is great for
small kids as the waters are shallow
and the rock formation creates a
safe pool that doesn’t allow children
to swim further into the sea. 

The beach is organized with free


sunbeds and umbrellas at the beach
bars. If you are searching for a photo
shooting place, then this beach is
perfect as it has great scenery and
offers amazing sunsets with all the
shades of gold, red and purple.

Do remember that this area is also a


shelter for Caretta Caretta turtles in
summer.
The eastern beach in Skaleta is a mix
of sand and pebbles with crystalline
waters, perfect for snorkeling. The
beach ends with a scenic cliff too. 
Over there, you will also find the
lovely small church of Saint Nicholas
(Agios Nikolaos).
It is very popular for wedding
ceremonies, as the atmosphere in
the evening is very romantic.

Spilies Beach
Latitude: N 35.41965 | Longitude: E
24.636834
Location: 36.5 km east of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Fully organized
pebbled beach under the rocks;
clean turquoise waters.

Spilies Beach.

This picturesque small beach hides


between the rocks next to the bridge
of Geropotamos. 
As its name suggests, the area is
dotted with several coves and caves
(spilies translates as caves)
You need to follow a small dirt road
to reach the area, which is also quite
beautiful and gives some jungle
vibes.
The beach is pebbled with free
sunbeds, and it is surrounded by
stunning rock formations of red and
white colors. 

Spilies, rocky formations.

The sea has amazing turquoise color


and is crystal clear. There are few
sea caves near the beach that can be
seen if you swim close to the rocks.
The sea is rather deep, so it is not the
best idea to leave small kids
unattended.
There is also a beach taverna that
offers food and drinks. The prices
are reasonable and the service is
great.

···

Geropotamos Beach
Latitude: N 35.413149 | Longitude:
E 24.645334
Location: 24.6 km east of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Organized pebbled
beach with a small bar on site, clean
waters

Geropotamos.

The first time you see this beach, you


might say there is nothing special
about it.
But the secret of this beach lies in
the rock arch that enters the sea.
You can either swim to the arch and
cross under it.
Or you can also walk to the small
river on the other end of the beach
to have a great view of this unique
rocky formation.
It’s especially wonderful during the
sunsets when you can admire the
sun getting slowly down behind the
arch!

The arch at Geropotamos.

The beach itself is clean with small


pebbles and has nice straw
umbrellas with comfortable
sunbeds. You have easy access to the
sea, but it gets deep in a question of
a second.
Be careful during windy days when it
gets wavy as the currents here are
pretty strong. 
The beach bar has a great variety of
snacks and drinks.

You might also want to


read: Where to Stay in
Rethymnon.

Panormos Beaches
Latitude: N 35.425713 | Longitude:
E 24.688666
Location 29.8 km east of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Two organized
sandy beaches and one wild
pebbled beach, clean waters, busy
during the high season

Port of Panormos, sunset in


wintertime.

There are several beaches in the


village of Panormos. The first one is
a little bit outside of the village, and
thus it is calmer and quieter.
It is sandy, organized with umbrellas
and sunbeds, and is protected from
the waves by the rocky pier. 
Right next to it, there is a small
pebbled beach, perfect for solitude
seekers and snorkeling. 

Panormos.

The third and main beach lies


directly in the small port and it is
usually crowded as Panormos is a
popular holiday destination. It is well
organized, featuring showers,
umbrellas, and sunbeds.
There is also a small water sports
center.
Both sandy beaches are perfect for
children as they have soft golden
sand and shallow waters. 

···

Bali Beaches
Latitude: N 35.421686 | Longitude:
E 24.782511
Location: 41 km east of Rethymnon
town
Characteristics: There are 4 fully
organized sandy beaches with
crystal clear waters; protected
from the winds

Bali, Rethymnon.

In the village of Bali, you can find 4


amazing bays surrounded by the
mountains.
The first one is Livadi Beach and it is
situated directly as you enter the
village. It is a very long sandy beach
with shallow crystalline waters and
it is perfect for children.
Along the beach, you can find cafes,
bars, and tavernas.

The second beach is called


Varkotopos and it has golden sand
and it features some rock
formations.
Varkotopos is fully organized and it
is a great choice for families with
children as it has an inflatable water
park to have fun. 
The third beach lies by the main Port
and so it is called Limani Beach. It is
also sandy and gets crowded in
summer.
Nevertheless, the sea is clean and is
perfect for a relaxing swim.

Karavostasis, Bali, Rethymno.

Karavostasis (or Evita Bay) is the


furthest and the most scenic beach
in Bali. It is also sandy, but it is
surrounded by beautiful rocks on
both sides.
There are umbrellas and sunbeds
directly on the beach and on the
green lawn above. 
There are also changing rooms and
showers available.

A water sports center offers jet ski


and boat walks to visitors. If you
climb the cliff from the left side of
the beach you will have a stunning
view over most of the village of Bali.

You might also enjoy


reading: Best bars and
pubs in Rethymnon.

Best Beaches South of


Rethymnon
Check the spectacular southern
coast of Rethymnon, these are some
of the most beautiful shores you’ll
find…

Ikarus Watersports Rethymno

Ikarus Watersports in
Rethymno
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Call Directions

Plakias Beach
Latitude: N 35.198611 | Longitude:
E 24. 396220
Location: 33.7 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Sandy with little
pebbles, this beach offers all the
amenities you need. Plakias is
exposed to south winds.

Plakias, Rethymnon.

The main beach in the village of


Plakias is well organized. It is quite
long so even during the high season
it doesn’t feel crowded.
There are sunbeds with umbrellas,
but you can also take advantage of
the natural shade of the many
tamarisk trees.
On the eastern side of the beach,
there are huge cliffs, popular among
climbers. Along the beach, there is a
long promenade with tavernas and
beach bars as well.
To the west of the main beach of
Plakias lies Skinos Beach. It is
divided by the sea rocks into
different small natural pools which
are perfect for kids as the waters are
shallow and calm.

Plakias Beach.

This beach is also organized but


there is an area full of natural coves,
wild and ideal for a solitary time by
the sea.
It is a great place for snorkeling as
the waters are clear and the
underwater life is very rich.
Please do check the forecast before
heading to the area. Plakias Beach is
exposed to southern winds which
can be strong.
During windy days you just can’t stay
on the beach as the sand blinds you…
if you happen to get there when the
wind is at its best, then head to Agia
Galini Beach, a few kilometers east
of Plakias.

Rodakino Beach
Latitude: N 35.181732 | Longitude:
E 24.295613
Location: 43 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Sandy with curious
rocky formations, partially
organized

The wild landscape in Rodakino.

This great beach is located about 30


km away from Rethymnon. The
village of the same name is at the
exit of a steep gorge also known as
Rodakino.
The beautiful settlement stands on
the sides of the gorge overlooking
the Libyan sea, the beaches in the
area are peaceful and lonely, great
for a relaxing time sunbathing or
swimming.
The beach features some beautiful
coves where it’s possible to enjoy
the sun and the crystal clear water
completely isolated.

Souda Beach
Latitude: N 35.197560 | Longitude:
E 24.365262
Location: 36 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: A fine sand beach, a
favorite in south Rethymnon

Souda Beach.

Fairly close to Plakias (some even


consider it a part of that
beach), Souda is at the exit of a small
green valley where you can even
discover the Finikas, a river that
gives its name to the area.
Souda is known to be a natural
reserve for the local palm tree
(native to the island), the same
variety you will find in Preveli or Vai
Beach.

The beach, adored both by locals


and tourists, offers a spectacular
natural landscape. However, just like
Plakias, it’s not ideal when the winds
blow from the north.
The beach is organized with
umbrellas and showers, there are
also several tavernas and beach bars
in the area.
On one extreme of the beach, there
are caves ideal for fishing and
snorkeling.

Enjoy the evenings in


town…Learn what you
can do in Rethymnon at
night.

Ikarus Watersports Rethymno

Ikarus Watersports in
Rethymno
Jet ski & Jetski Safari, Parasailing, Water
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···
···
Call Directions

Korakas Beach
Latitude: N 35.187056 | Longitude:
E 24.314797
Location: 43 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Beach with pebbles
mixed with sand, a great place for
sunset on the south of Rethymnon

Ikarus Watersports Rethymno

Ikarus Watersports in
Rethymno
Jet ski & Jetski Safari, Parasailing, Water
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Korakas Beach.

One of the several shores in the area


of Rodakinos (often known as
Rodakinos) is the beautiful beach of
Korakas.
The beach is located at the exit of
what used to be a river. The beach
features incredibly clear waters,
super clean, and calm.
There are a few nice tavernas and
beach bars for snacks and drinks
when it’s also possible to rent an
umbrella to spend the day.
You can also check in the tavernas
for rooms to let if you decide to
spend the night.
In the eastern part of the beach,
interesting caves and rocky
formations are a fantastic place
either to isolate or to explore.

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Ikarus Watersports in
Rethymno
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Kalypso Beach (The Pirate’s


Fiord)
Latitude: N 35.1843862 |
Longitude: E 24. 398262
Location: 35.8 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Organized rocky
beach with very deep waters; diving
school on site

Kalypso Beach, South Rethymnon.

This beach is located at the Kalypso


Cretan Village Resort & Spa but it is
open to the public. There are
sunbeds and umbrellas (€10 for two
sunbeds and an umbrella) on top of
the rocks.
The sea here is incredibly deep.
There is a small part where you can
go inside the sea from shallow
waters, otherwise, there are stairs
directly on the rock (or you can
simply dive!). 

Access to the beach.

This beach is great for good


swimmers as the depth here reaches
40 meters! There is a diving school
where you can take lessons and
receive a certificate.
The sea color is just magical,
spanning from turquoise to
saturated blue.
Despite the depth, the waters are so
clear that you can see the seabed in
detail!
Don’t forget the snorkeling mask, as
the bottom hides a few surprises,
like sunken cars and a blossoming
tree!

To read about Perivolia


and Pigianos Campos
beaches in Rethymnon,
check these things to do
in Rethymnon.

Damnoni Beach
Latitude: N 35.1809162 |
Longitude: E 24. 414035
Location: 32.5 km south of
Rethymnon town: 32,5 km
Characteristics: Organized beach
with white sand and clean waters;
great scenery

Ikarus Watersports Rethymno

Ikarus Watersports in
Rethymno
Jet ski & Jetski Safari, Parasailing, Water
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Call Directions

best beaches in Rethymnon

Damnoni, Rethymnon.

This is a popular beach situated not


far from the village of Plakias. 
The white sand, in some areas with
pebbles, is clean and the waters are
shallow, meaning this is a great place
for families with kids. 
The beach has all the necessary
amenities. During July and August, it
gets crowded, so it is better to come
in the morning hours.
The beach is also very famous
because of its incredible natural
beauty and crystalline sea.

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Ammoudaki Beach (Mikro
Ammoudi)
Latitude: N 35.180116 | Longitude:
E 24. 415721
Location: 31,7 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: organized small
beach; nudist tolerant; deep blue
waters

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best beaches in Rethymnon

Amoudaki.

This small beach is hidden not far


away from Damnoni Beach in a small
lagoon (actually 10 min walk). It has
deep blue and clean sea and sand
mixed with small pebbles.
There is a small bar offering
refreshments and snacks too, so
forget about packing a lot for lunch. 
The paid sunbeds are both on the
beach and the green lawn under the
shadow of the palms.
Ammoudaki is also nudist-friendly.

···

You might also want to


read: Most Stunning
Beaches in East Crete:
Complete Insider’s
Guide.
Ammoudi Beach
Latitude: N 35.178656 | Longitude:
E 24.417778
Location_ 31 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Sandy beach but
rocky sea bottom, bright green
waters; fully organized

best beaches in Rethymnon

Ammoudi.

This is a wonderful beach not far


away from the village of Plakias.
It features white sand and it’s
organized with paid sunbeds and
umbrellas (about €10 for the set).
On the beach, you will also find a
diving center. 

best beaches in Rethymnon

Small coves in the area.

The seabed is rocky which is perfect


for snorkeling. Also, the sea rocks
give a unique and amazing green
color to the waters.
The sea gets deep just steps from
the coast so it is better not to come
here with small children or at least,
keep a close eye on them!
There is also a small restaurant
hidden among the trees offering
good food and refreshing drinks.

···

Skinaria Beach
Latitude: N 35.166575 | Longitude:
E 24.422983
Location: 34 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Small sandy beach
with smooth and fine pebbles, not
much organization

best beaches in Rethymnon

Skinaria.

This beautiful, small beach in


Rethymnon is not so well known and
is often visited by locals. It’s a
beautiful sandy beach with a few
areas with pebbles and even rocks.
The color of the sea is intense, the
water is crystal clear.

Kids love the small ponds that form


on the beach from the springs that
carry water from the mountains…
There is a lot of green bushes and
plants, giving the area an exotic
touch.
Skinaria seems to be the perfect
place to go fishing or to observe the
seabed. There are endless varieties
of fish such as morays, octopus, and
more.
Many Cretan centers for scuba
diving include a visit and an
immersion in the wonderful Skinaria
in their programs.

You might also want to


read: Insider’s Guide to
Falasarna Beach.

Preveli Palm Beach


Latitude: N 35.151526 | Longitude:
E 24.474685
Location: 35 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Sandy beach, not
organized, hard to access but with
breathtaking natural beauty

best beaches in Rethymnon

When the river meets the sea,


Preveli.

Preveli is one of the most beautiful


beaches in Crete. It is hidden
between the mountains at the exit of
a gorge and there is a mountain river
that runs through the beach. 
An amazing palm forest grows along
the river’s banks making the
landscape exotic and so different
from the usual scenes you find on
the island. 
Preveli is a natural reserve so here,
you won’t find sunbeds or other
amenities nor water sports, just a
small café serving snacks and drinks.
But there is a grove of tamarisk
trees creating natural shade which is
quite convenient during our hot
summers.

best beaches in Rethymnon

Palm tree forest in Preveli.

The beach features grey sand, while


the seabed is full of rocks that create
a bizarre, so don’t forget your
snorkeling mask. The seawater is
warm, but the water that comes
from the river is freezing! 
The Palm forest is a must-see! There
is a narrow path leading you through
the palms until the gorge.
If you are brave enough you can
swim in the crystal, but very cold,
waters of the mountain river.
Access to the beach can be
described as difficult. There are
three ways to come here.

Very long and steep stairs come all


the way down to the beach from
Preveli Monastery (and this is the
path that most of the tours offer). 
Another way to get here is to pass
through a mountain dirt road for 5
kilometers and then again you need
to climb down the stairs, it’s a
beautiful way to get there, but not so
dramatic as the first option.
And the third way to reach Preveli
Beach is to go by boat from the
village of Plakias.

You might also want to


read: Best tours in and
around Rethymnon.

···

Triopetra Beach
Latitude: N 35.125385 | Longitude:
E 24.546572
Location: 53 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Slightly organized
beach with pebbles and sand, great
for solitude seekers

best beaches in Rethymnon

Triopetra means “three rocks”. The


beach got this name thanks to the
three giant unusual rocks standing
on the eastern side of the beach.
However, there are actually two
beaches.
West from the rocks it spreads a
long sandy beach. It is slightly
organized, with a few beach
tavernas offering sunbeds and
umbrellas.
If you walk to the three rocks, you
won’t find a lot of people even in
high season and you can enjoy
nature.
Next to the rocks, there are few
caves where you can hide from the
sun and the heat.

best beaches in Rethymnon

Small Triopetra

East from the Rocks lies a small, but


organized beach called Small
Triopetra. It is more crowded and
has all the necessary amenities. 
Both beaches offer incredibly clear
waters.
The seabed is just amazing, a mix of
huge rock formations and white
sand. This is a perfect place for
snorkeling and diving!

Ligres Beach
Latitude: N 35.137884 | Longitude:
E 24.530168
Location: 50 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Sand and small
pebbles. The beach is not organized
but there’s a good taverna
overlooking the beach.

Ligres.

This is among my favorite beaches in


the region, Ligres remains rather
unknown, ideal for complete
relaxation
Ligres is about 5 km from Triopetra,
and it’s a perfect place to isolate
yourself from the crowds of tourists.

The vast sandy beach of Ligres has


deep shores perfect for submarine
exploration and interesting rocky
formations. On the western side of
the beach, there are a few small
waterfalls that add a touch of
wilderness to the landscape.
The beach of Ligres maintains a
rather secluded atmosphere, with
very few tourist structures around.

On the beach, there’s a wonderful


tiny taverna serving drinks and
snacks but also exquisite fish, local
dishes, and fresh salads.

···

Agios Pavlos Beach


Latitude: N 35.102884 | Longitude:
E 24.563461
Location: 54 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Slightly organized
beach, amazing scenery, clear
turquoise waters

···

best beaches in Rethymnon

Organized beach in Agios Pavlos.

Agios Pavlos has two beaches. The


first and the main one is organized
with umbrellas and sunbeds. There
is also a taverna overlooking the
beach serving delicious local dishes
and refreshing drinks.
The beach is sandy with some rocks.
It is great for families with children
as the waters are clean and shallow.
From the taverna, follow the stairs
and make it directly to the rock.
If you follow them you will find a
plateau from where you will have a
breathtaking view over the second
beach of Agios Pavlos. 

···

best beaches in Rethymnon

Sand dunes, Agios Pavlos

This beach is famous for its wild


natural beauty and phenomenal
dunes!
The sea of incredible turquoise color
is perfect for discovering
underwater life. This is a great place
for a relaxing beach time far away
from crowds.
And it’s also one of the top-rated
naturist beaches on the island!

···

Agia Galini Beach


Latitude: N 35.098062 | Longitude:
E 24.692567
Location: 51 km south of
Rethymnon town
Characteristics: Well-organized
pebbled beach; calm waters even
on windy days

best beaches in Rethymnon


Agia Galini is a popular resort place
on the south coast of Crete. The long
pebbled beach starts from the Main
port and stretches all the way to the
river. It’s exactly due to this river
that the waters are colder, but
refreshing on hot summer days.

There are great beachfront tavernas


and bars, offering free sunbeds and
umbrellas.
The beach is not overcrowded, but if
you feel like you need more solitude,
then you can cross the river bridge
where you will find another beach
that is not so popular among
tourists.

It has a few sunbeds with umbrellas,


but the further you go, the wilder
and rockier the beach becomes. 
Because the beach of Agia Galini lies
in a natural lagoon, it is protected
from wind and waves.
And if it is too windy when you’re
visiting Plakias, you can always come
here to spend a great day on the
beach.

You might also want to


read: Best Places to Stay
in Crete for Beaches.

Did any of these beaches make it to


the list of the nicest bays you can
discover when visiting Rethymnon?
I’m sure more than one is already on
your itinerary and you can’t wait to
visit!

Please, help us protect the


beaches in Crete. Respect the
environment and don’t leave
any trash on the beach.

···

Which is your favorite beach in


Rethymnon?
Let me know in the comments
below!

You might also want to read these


articles about Crete’s top beaches:
– The Most Beautiful Beaches in
West Crete – A guide to the best
beaches in the Chania region.
– Best Beaches on Akrotiri
Peninsula, Crete – A guide to the
top beaches in the Akrotiri
Peninsula, Chania.
– Top Nudist Beaches in Crete:
Complete Insider’s Guide – A visit
guide to the best nudist beaches in
Crete.
– Elafonisi Beach Crete: The Best
Beach on the Island – A visit guide
to discover Elafonisi Beach.
– Balos Beach Crete: Complete
Insider’s Guide – A visit guide to
making the best of your day in
Balos.

Best hotels in
Rethymnon
Affordable: Ilian Beach
and Summer Drem in
Rethymnon Town.
Mid-range: Archipelagos
Hotel in town or Veneto
Boutique Hotel.
Luxury: Avli Lounge and
Rimondi Boutique Hotel
in the old town. Or read
my review of this top old
town boutique hotel.
Check also Rethymnon
Accommodation Guide
and Rental Homes and
Airbnb in Rethymnon.

···

GET READY FOR CRETE!


– Use Ferryhopper and
Skyscanner for the best
ticket rates.
– Find great
accommodation deals
on Booking.com.
– Compare car rental
prices with Discover
Cars.
– Check the best tours
with GetYourGuide.
– Visit Elafonisi,
discover Balos Beach,
hike Samaria, or explore
Knossos.
– Pack the Lonely Planet
Guide to Crete or get
my digital guide to
Chania.

Pin this Guide to Rethymnon


Beaches for your Next Crete
Adventure!

···

About the author of this blog:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

Gabi has been living in Crete for the


last five years. On the island, she
juggles being a solo mom, hosting
culinary tours in summer,
translating, and freelance writing.
She’s written for Greek Reporter,
published several travel guides
about Greece, and had more glasses
of frappe than any regular person
would be able to handle.

COMING TO CRETE SOON?

Get in touch and let me know!

Sharing is caring!

···

This entry was posted in Crete, Rethymnon


and tagged Beaches in Crete.

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