Best Beaches in Rethymnon Region, Crete

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Get the Digital City Guide to Crete’s Best Beaches

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!

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.

You can check out some of Rethymno’s best and less crowded beaches in the southern part of the region, including Plakias, Triopetra, and the famous Preveli.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The sunbeds are usually free if you order something to drink or 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 find the perfect rental home in the Old Town of Rethymnon.

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

Just outside the city of Rethymnon, heading east, towards Heraklion, this beach is spacious and features clean sand and colorful pebbles.

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

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

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 pack a lunch. The beach is not so popular, so it doesn’t get crowded… well, maybe only during the weekend.

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

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

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

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’s 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.

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. 

The sea has amazing turquoise color and is crystal clear. There are a 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 tavern 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

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 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. 

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

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. 

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

In the village of Bali, you can find 4 amazing bays surrounded by 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 (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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

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.

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

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!). 

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!

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

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. 

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

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 are 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, octopuses, and more.

Many Cretan centers for scuba diving include a visit and an immersion in the wonderful Skinaria in their programs.

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

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. 

A fantastic 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 or 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.

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.

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

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 pebbly 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 a few caves where you can hide from the sun and the heat.

East of 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.

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.

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

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 check out some of the 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!
Which is your favorite beach in Rethymnon?

About me:

Gabi Ancarola

I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.