Beaches in south coast of Rethymno!
Beaches
Check the beaches in the south coast of Rethymno!
Preveli is located about 10km east of Plakias and 35 km away from Rethymno. Beach of Preveli, is also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Great River flows. It is one of the most famous beaches in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but paradoxically the palmgrove recovered most of its damage. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas.
ACCESS
You have two basic options for accessing Preveli, from the west or east. The first option is to drive from Plakias to the Monastery Preveli, following the relevant signs. 1.5km after the Kato Monastery of Preveli, you will stop at a large parking lot, where a path that descends to the beach starts. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, west of the beach, where you can take some fantastic photographs. To reach the beach walk the footpath that takes about 15-20 minutes. However, return is tedious as the ascent is rather steep. To avoid the difficult climb, you can alternatively drive in the dirt road leading to nearby Drimiskiano Amoudi and walk the short path that leads to Preveli in just 5 minutes. However, you won’t have the chance to see the spectacular view from the tall cliffs on the west side.
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Preveli-stranden
Preveli is located about 10km east of Plakias and 35 km away from Rethymno. Beach of Preveli, is also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Great River flows. It is one of the most famous beaches in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but paradoxically the palmgrove recovered most of its damage. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas.
ACCESS
You have two basic options for accessing Preveli, from the west or east. The first option is to drive from Plakias to the Monastery Preveli, following the relevant signs. 1.5km after the Kato Monastery of Preveli, you will stop at a large parking lot, where a path that descends to the beach starts. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, west of the beach, where you can take some fantastic photographs. To reach the beach walk the footpath that takes about 15-20 minutes. However, return is tedious as the ascent is rather steep. To avoid the difficult climb, you can alternatively drive in the dirt road leading to nearby Drimiskiano Amoudi and walk the short path that leads to Preveli in just 5 minutes. However, you won’t have the chance to see the spectacular view from the tall cliffs on the west side.
Plakias is a popular tourist resor, next to it empties the river Kotsifos. One of the major growth drivers of the region is the long beachfront, known as Gialia. It is a well organized beach, with cool green waters. Along the beach there is a road, ideal for walking or cycling. Along this road there are several restaurants and hotels, while on the beach there are tamarisk trees, umbrellas, water sports, beach volley courts, snack bars, changing rooms, showers, etc. The eastern part of the long beach is called Paligremnos. The beach is sandy and very well organized, next to hotels and restaurants. Characteristic of Paligremnos are nearby vertical cliffs that rise to a great height that attract many climbers. In Paligremnos a strange phenomenon takes place on every full moon, from September to January. The moonlight is reflected in the mirror-like towering cliffs. Thus, many big squids approach the beach and locals gather them with big sticks. The main beach of Plakias is located between Paligremnos and Plakias village. It is very well-organized, just like Paligremnos.
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Plakias Beach
Ethnarchou Eleftheriou VenizelouPlakias is a popular tourist resor, next to it empties the river Kotsifos. One of the major growth drivers of the region is the long beachfront, known as Gialia. It is a well organized beach, with cool green waters. Along the beach there is a road, ideal for walking or cycling. Along this road there are several restaurants and hotels, while on the beach there are tamarisk trees, umbrellas, water sports, beach volley courts, snack bars, changing rooms, showers, etc. The eastern part of the long beach is called Paligremnos. The beach is sandy and very well organized, next to hotels and restaurants. Characteristic of Paligremnos are nearby vertical cliffs that rise to a great height that attract many climbers. In Paligremnos a strange phenomenon takes place on every full moon, from September to January. The moonlight is reflected in the mirror-like towering cliffs. Thus, many big squids approach the beach and locals gather them with big sticks. The main beach of Plakias is located between Paligremnos and Plakias village. It is very well-organized, just like Paligremnos.
Damnoni is located 5 km east of Plakias. It is a popular tourist resort, very well developed and organized. The beach that stretches in front of the resort is a long bay with beautiful turquoise waters and coarse whitish sand. Here you will find all the services of a well organized beach such as umbrellas, snack bars, showers, changing rooms, water sports, scuba diving centre, great hotels, restaurants, one horse riding centre etc. The west end of the beach, the most organized part, has a small river with water almost all year round. The east end of the beach is quieter and is linked with the adjacent beaches of Ammoudaki. Moreover, beyond the west end of the beach there are several small coves with sand and rocks, where you can get isolated. These are located just next to the small harbor of the area.
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Damoni-stranden
Damnoni is located 5 km east of Plakias. It is a popular tourist resort, very well developed and organized. The beach that stretches in front of the resort is a long bay with beautiful turquoise waters and coarse whitish sand. Here you will find all the services of a well organized beach such as umbrellas, snack bars, showers, changing rooms, water sports, scuba diving centre, great hotels, restaurants, one horse riding centre etc. The west end of the beach, the most organized part, has a small river with water almost all year round. The east end of the beach is quieter and is linked with the adjacent beaches of Ammoudaki. Moreover, beyond the west end of the beach there are several small coves with sand and rocks, where you can get isolated. These are located just next to the small harbor of the area.
Triopetra is located about 52km south of Rethymno. It can be accessed by car, through paved roads that start either from Akoumia or Sachtouria. Triopetra lies in the central part of a long beachfront, called Akoumiani Gialia. The first beach, known as Small Triopetra , is located in a closed sandy and rocky bay, south of the three rocks.. On the beach there are a few rooms and taverns, and umbrellas are offered. The area also hosts a small harbor, in the southeast part of the beach. Be careful if it is a windy day, the conditions there are terrible.
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Triopetra Beach
Επαρ.Οδ. Δρυμίσκου-ΑσώματωνTriopetra is located about 52km south of Rethymno. It can be accessed by car, through paved roads that start either from Akoumia or Sachtouria. Triopetra lies in the central part of a long beachfront, called Akoumiani Gialia. The first beach, known as Small Triopetra , is located in a closed sandy and rocky bay, south of the three rocks.. On the beach there are a few rooms and taverns, and umbrellas are offered. The area also hosts a small harbor, in the southeast part of the beach. Be careful if it is a windy day, the conditions there are terrible.
Skinaria is 2 km away from Plakias, it is a small beach with soft gray-beige sand and fine pebbles, with crystal blue deep water. The seabed is rocky, but on the north part of the beach, it is sandy.Life thrives in the area, both inside and outside of the sea. On the beach there are small ponds with fresh water that comes from springs that carry water from the mountain of Kouroupa. The beach is slightly organized, with a tavern offering a few umbrellas and refreshments; the last time we visited the beach, umbrellas and sunbeds were free if you bought refreshments. The beach can be accessed via a narrow road that starts from Lefkogia.
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Skinaria Beach
Skinaria is 2 km away from Plakias, it is a small beach with soft gray-beige sand and fine pebbles, with crystal blue deep water. The seabed is rocky, but on the north part of the beach, it is sandy.Life thrives in the area, both inside and outside of the sea. On the beach there are small ponds with fresh water that comes from springs that carry water from the mountain of Kouroupa. The beach is slightly organized, with a tavern offering a few umbrellas and refreshments; the last time we visited the beach, umbrellas and sunbeds were free if you bought refreshments. The beach can be accessed via a narrow road that starts from Lefkogia.
Agia Galini is one of the most popular seaside resorts of southern Rethymnon, situated next to the exit of the Platys River. This small town is bustling with life during the summer months and provides all the necessary touristic amenities. The natural beauty of the emerald beaches, the rugged caves in the west, the myth of Icarus and Daedalus (the cave of Daedalus and Icarus is 20 meters away from the apartment), the memories of the hippies and the tranquility of the sea, have made this village a favorite destination for thousands of visitors. The beach of Agia Galini contains many tavernas and beach bars. The sea in the area is almost always calm. The part of the beach near the port is very well organized and provides all the necessary amenities. It has fine pebbles and cold water, due to the river Platys or Amarianos which is located 200m east of the port. In the area near the river, ruins of an ancient temple of Artemis have been identified.
If you cross the river (there is a metal bridge), you will find the second beach which extends further 1km to the east. The beach has small pebbles and is less organized.
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Agia Galini-stranden
Agia Galini is one of the most popular seaside resorts of southern Rethymnon, situated next to the exit of the Platys River. This small town is bustling with life during the summer months and provides all the necessary touristic amenities. The natural beauty of the emerald beaches, the rugged caves in the west, the myth of Icarus and Daedalus (the cave of Daedalus and Icarus is 20 meters away from the apartment), the memories of the hippies and the tranquility of the sea, have made this village a favorite destination for thousands of visitors. The beach of Agia Galini contains many tavernas and beach bars. The sea in the area is almost always calm. The part of the beach near the port is very well organized and provides all the necessary amenities. It has fine pebbles and cold water, due to the river Platys or Amarianos which is located 200m east of the port. In the area near the river, ruins of an ancient temple of Artemis have been identified.
If you cross the river (there is a metal bridge), you will find the second beach which extends further 1km to the east. The beach has small pebbles and is less organized.
Souda is located 3km east of the resort of Plakias. Don’t confuse it with the Souda Bay, the natural port of Chania city. It is actually the last beach of the beachfront of Plakias, which starts at Shinaria, several kilometers away. Souda is located at the exit of a small green valley that is run by the small river Finikas, which has water all year round. Along the river and in several places of the area, there are colonies of the native Cretan palm trees of Theophrastus, making Souda one of the most important reserves for the species.In front of this magnificent scenery, a beautiful beach with sand is stretched, loved by all visitors.
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Souda Beach
Souda is located 3km east of the resort of Plakias. Don’t confuse it with the Souda Bay, the natural port of Chania city. It is actually the last beach of the beachfront of Plakias, which starts at Shinaria, several kilometers away. Souda is located at the exit of a small green valley that is run by the small river Finikas, which has water all year round. Along the river and in several places of the area, there are colonies of the native Cretan palm trees of Theophrastus, making Souda one of the most important reserves for the species.In front of this magnificent scenery, a beautiful beach with sand is stretched, loved by all visitors.
Matala is located 68km southwest of Heraklion and 28 km away from Agia Galini. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of south Heraklion prefecture. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with nice view to the islands of Paximadia. There is a beautiful sandy beach, 300m long, with fine gravel and crystal clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the bach) and waves are common, due to frequent west winds. Furthermore, there is a huge cave on the north part of the beach, from the top of which some people dive. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguard, first aids, beach volley courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala you will find many options for accommodation, entertainment and eating. In the evenings, the bars on the beach are full with many people, both locals and foreigners. Especially in June, the internationally renowned Matala Festival takes place.
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Matala-stranden
Matala is located 68km southwest of Heraklion and 28 km away from Agia Galini. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of south Heraklion prefecture. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with nice view to the islands of Paximadia. There is a beautiful sandy beach, 300m long, with fine gravel and crystal clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the bach) and waves are common, due to frequent west winds. Furthermore, there is a huge cave on the north part of the beach, from the top of which some people dive. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguard, first aids, beach volley courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala you will find many options for accommodation, entertainment and eating. In the evenings, the bars on the beach are full with many people, both locals and foreigners. Especially in June, the internationally renowned Matala Festival takes place.
You can access the area by driving from the village Sachtouria. It's a peaceful place, well-hidden in a sheltered bay, which is ideal for quiet family holidays. The bay has a beautiful beach with green deep waters and magnificent rocky seabed. Near the beach you can find a few rooms and taverns. Moreover, basic services are provided on the beach, such as umbrellas, sunbeds and pedal boats.
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Agios Pavlos Beach
You can access the area by driving from the village Sachtouria. It's a peaceful place, well-hidden in a sheltered bay, which is ideal for quiet family holidays. The bay has a beautiful beach with green deep waters and magnificent rocky seabed. Near the beach you can find a few rooms and taverns. Moreover, basic services are provided on the beach, such as umbrellas, sunbeds and pedal boats.
The valley of Agios Georgios is located 7 km west of Agia Galini. There are two small bays with wonderful pebbly beaches, which are separated by a rocky shore. The weather here is almost always very mild, making the beaches ideal for swimming all year round. To access the beaches of Agios Georgios, you can follow the asphalt – paved road leading here from Agia Galini to Agios Pavlos. Moreover, there are boats running from Agia Galini to Agios Georgios. Although the area is not developed, on the east beach, which is called Lichnistis, there are a few rooms, a tavern and umbrellas.
Agios Georgios
The valley of Agios Georgios is located 7 km west of Agia Galini. There are two small bays with wonderful pebbly beaches, which are separated by a rocky shore. The weather here is almost always very mild, making the beaches ideal for swimming all year round. To access the beaches of Agios Georgios, you can follow the asphalt – paved road leading here from Agia Galini to Agios Pavlos. Moreover, there are boats running from Agia Galini to Agios Georgios. Although the area is not developed, on the east beach, which is called Lichnistis, there are a few rooms, a tavern and umbrellas.
Hiking
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Kotsifou Gorge
Αξιοθέατα
Preveli Monastery