Summary
Rethymno's beaches divide neatly: the long sandy north coast (city beach, Adelianos, Episkopi, Bali) and the wild, dramatic south (Preveli, Triopetra, Plakias, Damnoni). This guide compares them honestly — facilities, water conditions, when to go, and how the south-coast drive splits a one-day visit.
The best beaches in Rethymno at a glance
| # | Beach | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preveli (Palm Beach) | 40 km south of Rethymno | Palm river, adventure swim |
| 2 | Plakias | 38 km south of Rethymno | Family-friendly, restaurants, accessible |
| 3 | Triopetra | 52 km south of Rethymno | Wild beauty, sunsets, fewer crowds |
| 4 | Damnoni | 40 km south of Rethymno | Family-friendly bay, sheltered swimming |
| 5 | Rethymno City Beach | Walking distance from old town | Walk-from-town swim, families |
| 6 | Bali | 32 km east of Rethymno | Sheltered coves, snorkelling |
1. Preveli (Palm Beach)
- Location
- South coast
- Distance
- 40 km south of Rethymno
- Water
- Open sea + cool river pools
- Facilities
- Limited
Where the Megalopotamos river meets the Libyan Sea under a grove of native Theophrastus palms. The most exotic-feeling beach in Crete and well worth the descent. The river upstream offers natural pools for cooling off after the steep climb back.
Infrastructure
A small canteen at the beach, no sunbeds, no toilets.
Sand & swimming
Coarse sand and pebbles where the river meets the sea; open Libyan Sea swimming with refreshing cool currents from the river.
Local secret
Walk 200 m upstream from the beach to find chains of natural pools shaded by palms — almost always empty in the morning.
How to get there
- Drive 1 h south from Rethymno via the south-coast road through Plakias.
- Park near Preveli Monastery, then walk down the steep concrete stairs (20 min). The climb back is exhausting in the heat — start early.
- Boat from Plakias in summer (no climb needed).
2. Plakias
- Location
- South coast village
- Distance
- 38 km south of Rethymno
- Water
- Open Libyan Sea
- Facilities
- Fully organised
A long pebble-and-sand beach in front of the small village of Plakias, with full facilities and several good fish tavernas. The most accessible south-coast beach, ideal as a base for exploring Preveli, Triopetra and the surrounding bays.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds and umbrellas, multiple beach restaurants, lifeguard, watersports schools, large free car park.
Sand & swimming
Mix of pebbles and dark sand, fairly steep entry, can be choppy in afternoon.
Local secret
The eastern end of the beach (toward Damnoni) is quieter and has fewer sunbeds. Best place for sunset.
How to get there
- Drive 1 h south from Rethymno via the spectacular Kourtaliotis gorge.
3. Triopetra
- Location
- South coast
- Distance
- 52 km south of Rethymno
- Water
- Open Libyan Sea
- Facilities
- Limited
Named for the three rocks rising from the sea offshore, Triopetra is a wild south-coast beach with dramatic landscape and a much quieter atmosphere than Plakias. A handful of beach tavernas serve fresh fish, and the sunset over the rocks is unforgettable.
Infrastructure
Two beach tavernas with limited sunbeds; otherwise wild.
Sand & swimming
Dark sand, gradual entry, calm in the morning, surfable swells in the afternoon.
Local secret
Stay for sunset at one of the tavernas — the light hitting the three rocks is photographed by every visitor and never disappoints.
How to get there
- Drive 1 h 15 m south from Rethymno via Spili and Akoumia.
4. Damnoni
- Location
- South coast (Plakias bay)
- Distance
- 40 km south of Rethymno
- Water
- Calm, sheltered
- Facilities
- Organised
A sheltered south-coast bay 5 minutes east of Plakias, with a sandy beach and protected calm water. The smaller cove of Mikro Damnoni next door is clothing-optional and quieter.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds, two beach tavernas, easy parking.
Sand & swimming
Soft golden sand, sheltered bay, ideal for families and weaker swimmers.
Local secret
Walk over the small headland to the east to reach Mikro Damnoni — almost always quiet, naturist-friendly.
How to get there
- Drive 1 h south from Rethymno via Plakias.
5. Rethymno City Beach
- Location
- East of the old town
- Distance
- Walking distance from old town
- Water
- Shallow, sometimes choppy
- Facilities
- Fully organised
A 12 km arc of soft golden sand running east from the old town, fully serviced with sunbeds, beach bars and watersports. The closest beach to your hotel if you stay in or near the old town.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds, lifeguard, multiple beach bars, watersports schools, accessible facilities.
Sand & swimming
Soft sand, gradual entry, calm in the morning, occasional afternoon meltemi chop.
Local secret
Walk east for 20 minutes past the resort hotels to find quieter, less-crowded sunbed sections.
How to get there
- Walk from the old town in 5–10 minutes.
- Bus 21 from the central station for the more eastern resort sections.
6. Bali
- Location
- North coast (between Rethymno and Heraklion)
- Distance
- 32 km east of Rethymno
- Water
- Calm, very clear
- Facilities
- Organised
Bali is a small resort village with four sheltered coves of crystal-clear water — Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani and Karavostasi. Each cove has its own character; together they make Bali one of the best snorkelling bases on the north coast.
Infrastructure
Sunbeds and umbrellas in each cove, multiple beach restaurants, parking lots between coves.
Sand & swimming
Mix of pebbles and small sand patches; calm, exceptionally clear water.
Local secret
Karavostasi is the smallest and quietest cove — walk past Livadi and Varkotopos to find it.
How to get there
- Drive 30 min east from Rethymno on the E75 motorway.
Frequently Asked Questions
For drama and uniqueness, Preveli's palm river. For an easy swim from town, the city beach. For a south-coast base, Plakias or Damnoni. For sunsets, Triopetra. There's no single answer — most visitors mix two or three.
Yes, if you can do the steep stairs (20 min down, 25 min back). Take the boat from Plakias if you don't want to climb.
Yes — they're only 5 km apart. A typical south-coast day is morning at Preveli, lunch in Plakias, afternoon at Damnoni or Triopetra.
The city beach, Damnoni and Bali are all excellent for families. Skip Preveli with toddlers — the descent is too steep.
Morning and late afternoon. Midday is hottest; the meltemi often picks up after 2 pm and brings real swells to exposed beaches.
