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Situated 37km south of Rethymno, nestled between Plakias and Souda’s beach, Fotinari (also known as Foteinari) offers two serene beaches resting in a compact bay rich with vegetation. The rocky seabed provides a perfect spot for fishing and snorkelling activities.
These adjoining pebbly beaches lack organisation, however, you can easily find accommodation and dining options nearby. As you approach from Plakias, heading towards Souda beach, the first beach you’ll encounter is the Small Fotinari, also referred to as Fotinaraki, due to its smaller size compared to the following beach, the Big Fotinari.
Both beaches are conveniently located near the main road, which runs directly over them. Two brief stone paths cut through a pair of small woods, leading straight to the beach. Additionally, Big Fotinari offers shade beneath the towering rocks that surround it.
Get directions to Fotinari beach
Fotinari beach is located in the southern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece.
Yes, Fotinari beach is suitable for swimming. However, it is recommended to check the water conditions before entering the sea.
The best time to visit Fotinari beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, there are several accommodation options available near Fotinari beach, including hotels, apartments, and villas.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Fotinari beach where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.
Yes, Fotinari beach is suitable for families with children. However, parents should keep an eye on their children while they are swimming in the sea.
Yes, there is parking available near Fotinari beach for visitors who come by car.
The water colour of the Fotinari beach is blue and green.
The Fotinari beach has pebbles, fine pebbles, and rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Fotinari beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Fotinari beach is usually calm.
The Fotinari beach usually has a normal crowd level.
The Fotinari beach has accommodation options and food/water nearby.
The Fotinari beach can be accessed via a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Fotinari beach.
Find below list of things to do near Fotinari beach:
Phoenix Dive Club was the first PADI dive centre founded in Crete and has been training divers on the south coast at Plakias for more than 25 years. It holds PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort status, one of the highest rankings PADI awards a dive centre, and runs the full range of PADI courses from a first breath underwater through to professional qualifications.
The centre is built around teaching rather than day trips. Four things define it.
First is the course range. As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort, Phoenix can offer every PADI course available, from first-time discovery dives through open water certification to specialities and professional levels. Second is the teaching style, which the centre describes as personalised, easygoing and professional rather than processed in batches. Third are the instructors, every one of whom began their diving career at this centre, which is unusual and says something about how it is run. Fourth is the specialisation: whether you want to learn about underwater plants and animals or to add technical skills, there is a course rather than a generic dive.
Twenty-five years of continuous operation on the same coast is the relevant number here, this is the established dive school of south Crete, not a seasonal operation.
The centre works the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit.
PADI courses available at a 5 Star Gold Palm resort include:
Course content follows PADI standards, taught by instructors who trained at the centre themselves.
We recommend Phoenix for the thing that matters most when you are learning to dive: the track record of whoever is teaching you. This was the first PADI centre established in Crete, it has run for over 25 years, and it holds 5 Star Gold Palm status. When you are about to breathe underwater for the first time, that history is worth more than a discount.
The south coast location is a genuine advantage. Plakias faces the Libyan Sea with sheltered bays and clear water, and it is far quieter than the diving on the north coast, which means smaller groups in the water and better visibility on most days.
The instructor detail is the one we would point at specifically. Every instructor at the centre started their diving career there, which means they were trained to the same standard they now teach. In an industry where seasonal instructors move between centres each summer, that continuity is rare.
Two things to note.
The centre’s strength is courses rather than one-off boat trips. If you want a single fun dive between beach days, ask what is running; if you want to come away certified, this is the kind of place built for it.
Contact the centre directly for current course dates, prices and availability, schedules on the south coast are seasonal and worth confirming before you travel.
Contact them before you travel, plan the days you need, and pick the season carefully.
Phoenix Dive Club is based at Plakias on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit and operates as a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort.
Contact the centre directly for course schedules, prices and availability: isabellapapadaki@yahoo.gr, +30 693 233 6525.
Phoenix was the first PADI dive centre founded in Crete and has been training divers for over 25 years.
It is one of the highest rankings PADI awards a dive centre, and it allows the centre to offer every PADI course available.
Yes. The centre runs discovery dives for people with no experience, alongside full certification courses.
Phoenix Dive Club is based at Plakias, on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit facing the Libyan Sea.
Every instructor began their diving career at this centre, and all teaching follows PADI standards.
Contact the centre directly by email or phone for current course dates, prices and availability.
Visit Preveli beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania. Cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach.
Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride.
Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain. Connected to Preveli beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited.
Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forest, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge.
This river trek takes you into Kourtaliotiko gorge from Rethymno, wading and swimming down the riverbed to the waterfall that pours into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the biggest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and the route runs below the roadside viewpoint where most visitors stop. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles over 5 hours from €67.50, and this Rethymno departure carries the largest review base of the two, 4.89 across 324 reviews, with guiding at a perfect 5.0.
The van meets you at a parking area above the gorge, and the route follows the water down to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages fill the 5 hours.
First is the equipment and briefing, a neoprene short-sleeve suit, a helmet, walking poles and a safety talk covering the whole route. Second is the great waterfall, which never stops flowing and is reached by a swim into the cave beneath it. Third is about two hours descending the river, dropping through natural pools under plane trees on a path away from the marked trail. Fourth is the Banana Garden, a small farm near the exit where a light lunch is served.
The operator rates it as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs south from Rethymno into the mountains behind the coast.
The price covers the kit, the guiding, the internal transfers and lunch, and it excludes the gorge ticket.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this departure specifically for people staying on the north coast, and the number that matters is 324. This Rethymno version has run three times as many bookings as the Plakias one, which means the pick-up logistics from the busier side of the island are well worn rather than improvised. If you are in Rethymno town or along that coast, this is the version built for you.
What the reviews describe is a well-drilled operation. One Swiss guest described the safety briefing explaining the entire river trekking process clearly before anyone got wet, and the guide flagging slippery and uneven ground throughout the walk. Another praised the pace: never rushed, time to look at things, time to ask questions. The guide, Yiannis, is named by German, Dutch, French and Irish reviewers alike.
Two details from the reviews worth repeating. One reviewer who had previously visited Kourtaliotiko with a large operator, a brief stop, a look at the waterfall, back on the coach, described this as a completely different experience. And several mention the Banana Garden by name, one noting it is still beautiful despite fire damage, with the plants explained in detail by the people who grow them.
Three things to weigh.
The water is genuinely cold. One reviewer described being up to the neck in it, another said the wetsuit made it manageable rather than warm. This is shaded mountain water, and the swim to the waterfall is not optional.
Pre-tour communication is the one recurring gap. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would like clearer information on the meeting point and start time beforehand. Confirm both directly with the operator rather than assuming.
Footwear is specified for a reason. Soft-soled water shoes are stated as unsuitable, and sure footing matters more here than fitness does.
Confirm the meeting point in writing, send your measurements, and bring cash for the ticket.
You meet the van at a parking area above the gorge, or take the optional pick-up from around Rethymno. Send your height and weight after booking for the wetsuit, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up.
Bring swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks, water and €5 cash. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable for this activity.
The trek runs 5 hours, including the waterfall section, roughly two hours down the riverbed and lunch afterwards.
The water is cold year-round. The gorge is shaded and fed from the mountains, which is why a neoprene wetsuit is provided rather than optional.
The price covers the guide, wetsuit, helmet, poles, waterproof bags, lunch and all internal transfers, plus skip-the-line entrance handling.
No experience is needed, the operator rates the route moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, though sure footing on wet rock matters.
Optional pick-up covers hotels around Rethymno, which is the main reason to choose this departure over the Plakias one.
The entrance fee is €5 per person, paid in cash and not included in the tour price.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Rethymno.
Preparation and gear briefing
Arriving in the entrance of Kourtaliotiko gorge, we are immediately amazed by the majestic walls that stand hundreds of meters high. We take the stone steps that lead us to the source of the river that formed this scenery through the ages. There, we can visit the little church of S. Nicolas Kourtaliotis, the local saint that lived here as a hermit, and learn about the old myths of the gorge. We take some time to put on our neoprene suits and our personal gear, distributed by the team leaders. Then, the instructors will give a safety briefing so that we can understand the use of our gear and learn to trust it. Now we are ready to get the fun started!
Canyoning games in the river
The source of Kourtaliotiko river becomes a natural playground for us! You are welcome to rappel down the steep canyon wall next to the waterfall and try adrenaline jumps in the water as many times as you wish. We swim around, we take pictures, and we play like kids. Our specialized instructors and guides will be next to you at all times to ensure your safety and guide you through the different activities.
Short river trek
Our adventure continues further down the river. Hiking towards the south, we soon discover a small cave called “the fairy cave” – if you are lucky enough, you may see one hiding behind the stalactites and stalagmites.
This river trek walks down the bed of Kourtaliotiko gorge from Plakias, wading and swimming through natural pools to the waterfall that falls into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the largest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and this route follows the water rather than the marked path, which keeps it away from the viewpoint crowds. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles, runs it over 5 hours from €63.75, and holds a 4.92 rating across 105 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The route drops into the gorge from above and follows the river downstream to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages make up the 5 hours.
First comes the kit-up above the gorge, a short-sleeved neoprene suit, a helmet, walking poles and a briefing on the route. Second is the great waterfall, viewed from the water and reached by a short swim into the cave it falls into; a small controlled jump is part of getting there. Third is roughly two hours down the riverbed, splashing through natural pools under plane trees on a path that does not appear on the standard trail. Fourth is the exit at an old olive grove and a light lunch at the Banana Garden, a small agricultural farm where the family grow what they serve.
The operator rates this as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs inland from the south coast into the Rethymno mountains.
The price covers every piece of equipment plus lunch, and it excludes the €5 gorge ticket.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this trek for a reason that is easy to miss from the listing: it is the only way to be in Kourtaliotiko rather than looking at it. Almost everyone who visits this gorge stops at the road viewpoint, photographs the waterfall from above and drives on. One reviewer described exactly that, having visited before with a large operator, stopped briefly, looked, and left, and said this tour is a different thing entirely.
Starting from Plakias is the practical advantage of this particular version. The south-coast villages sit minutes from the gorge, so more of your five hours goes on the water and less on the road than it does from the north coast.
Guiding scores a flat 5.0 out of 5 and the reviews explain why. The guide, Yannis, is named by walkers from Lithuania, the UK, Germany and France, praised for pointing out the herbs, trees and creatures in the rocks, for explaining slippery ground before people reached it, and for setting a pace that let families keep up. One family with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their holiday.
The Banana Garden lunch comes up almost as often as the gorge. Reviewers describe it as rustic, plentiful and locally grown, with the family showing what they have planted.
Two honest warnings, both of which GetYourGuide’s own review summary flags.
The water is cold and you will swim in it. Several reviewers said they had not understood that swimming to the waterfall was part of the route, and one described cold water and wind funnelling through the cave making the swim hard work. The wetsuit helps, but this is mountain water in a shaded canyon.
Footwear catches people out. The operator states that soft-soled water shoes are unsuitable, and reviewers repeat that ordinary sports shoes you do not mind soaking are what you want. Sure footing matters more than fitness on this route.
Send your measurements ahead, wear shoes you can ruin, and take the first slot of the day.
Provide your height and weight after booking so the right wetsuit comes with the van, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up. Bring €5 in cash for the gorge entrance.
Pack swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks and water. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable. The trek is moderate rather than hard, but sure footing on wet rock is the skill it asks for.
The trek runs 5 hours in total, with roughly two hours of walking down the riverbed after the waterfall section.
Yes, reaching the waterfall cave requires a short swim. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would like this made clearer in advance, and the water is cold.
A short-sleeved neoprene wetsuit is included, along with a helmet, hiking poles and waterproof bags for your phone and belongings.
Wear sports shoes with a firm sole that you can get wet. Soft-soled water shoes are explicitly unsuitable for this route.
A light lunch at the Banana Garden farm is included, though drinks are charged separately.
Families rate it highly. One group with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their trip, and the operator describes the route as moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Plakias.
Discover three famous beaches along the southern coast of Crete. Traverse the wild beauty of Kourtaliotis Gorge, stopping to admire its stunning waterfalls and the springs of the Preveli River that flow into Preveli Beach.
Begin your journey at Damnoni beach, where a boat awaits to take you to Palm Beach Preveli. Enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and take a short walk through the forest.
Head to a scenic viewpoint for breathtaking views and then board a boat to Preveli. Experience the mix of sandy beaches and lush greenery surrounded by palm trees and rocky cliffs.
Return to Damnoni beach for more relaxation before heading to the small resort town of Plakias for lunch, swimming, or shopping. Finally, make your way back to Rethymno via the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.
Find below the list of hotels near Fotinari beach:
Located in Plakias, a few steps from Foteinari Beach and 600 metres from Souda Beach, Fotinari Mare Villa offers a garden and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and Fotinari Mare Villa can arrange a car rental service.
Skinos Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 85 km from Fotinari Mare Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€211
/night
Featuring a garden, sun terrace and free WiFi, Fotmar is located in Plakias in Crete. The centre of Plakias with shops, taverns and bars is 1 km away.
Each air-conditioned apartment includes a balcony and terrace overlooking the sea. The kitchen is equipped with an oven and electric kettle. The bathroom comes with a bath or shower.
The town of Rethimno is 30 km away. Chania International Airport is 75 km from Fotmar.
Boats to secluded beaches such as Agios Pavlos and Rodakino depart from Plakias Port located 2 km away. The famous beach of Preveli with its palm-tree forest is 5 km from Fotmar.
from
€85
/night
Boasting garden views, Renting House GALINI offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 700 metres from Foteinari Beach. It has an open-air bath, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Renting House GALINI.
Souda Beach is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Skinos Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from Renting House GALINI.
Located in Plakias, 1.2 km from Foteinari Beach and 1.3 km from Souda Beach, Souda Bay Cottage offers a terrace and air conditioning. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, a TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 30 km from the holiday home, while Fortress of Frangokastello is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from Souda Bay Cottage.
from
€183
/night
Featuring pool views, Souda Bay Loggia provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 1.1 km from Foteinari Beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a barbecue.
Souda Beach is 1.2 km from Souda Bay Loggia, while Skinos Beach is 2.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from the accommodation.
from
€157
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Thromila is located in Dhamnóni. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa comes with 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and Villa Thromila can arrange a car rental service.
Foteinari Beach is less than 1 km from the accommodation, while Souda Beach is a 13-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from Villa Thromila.
Find below list of beaches near Fotinari beach:
Souda is nestled 41km to the southwest of Rethymno city, and a mere 3km east from the bustling resort of Plakias. Don’t mistake it for Souda Bay, the natural harbour of Chania city. It is, in fact, the final beach along the Plakias seafront, known as Yialia, commencing at Shinaria many kilometers away. Situated at the mouth of a verdant valley, Souda is crisscrossed by the Finikas river, which flows all year round. Cretan palm trees of Theophrastus, native to the area, flourish along the river and numerous other locations, establishing Souda as a significant refuge for the species.
In the midst of this stunning landscape, a sandy beach stretches out, adored by all who visit. However, this affection can quickly turn to annoyance when the northern winds whip up the sand, blasting unsuspecting swimmers. The landscape today bears no resemblance to the secluded paradise of the 90s, where a narrow dirt path led to a rocky shoreline and a sparsely populated nudist beach. While nudists still frequent the area, they no longer enjoy the same level of comfort. The beach is now more accessible with paved roads, organized facilities, umbrellas, and showers. There are several taverns and accommodations nearby. The rocky beach edges offer ideal conditions for fishing and snorkeling. A few benches can be found above the eastern rocks on the main road, offering panoramic views of the South Cretan Sea.
Perkins is a remote and dry area of southern Crete, nestled between the villages of Rodakino and Plakias, 43km to the south of Rethymno. This harsh terrain is dotted with a handful of secluded beaches, accessible either by boat or via the off-road route linking Souda beach to Korakas beach. From east to west, the beaches include Kokkinos Volakas, Stavri, Filadelfi, Parahoristra, Agios Antonios, Hohlakas, and Klimata.
The primary beach in Pefkias is located near the Souda bay and is known as Kokkinos Volakas (Red rock), named for the reddish rock found at its eastern end. A small beach alongside the rock houses a tiny cave and a small cluster of Cretan Date Palms, which originated from the neighboring Souda palm grove. The beach is pebbly and rocky, making it a perfect spot for fishing and snorkeling. Also, due to the lack of natural shade and minimal visitors, it is an ideal location for nudists.
To the east lies the smaller beach of Stavri, which is equally isolated and deserted. Visitors are unlikely to encounter anything or anyone else here. Like Kokkinos Volakas, Stavri can also be reached via the same off-road path connecting Souda to Rodakino.
Situated 36km to the south of Rethymno city, Plakias is a charming tourist haven nestled at the mouth of a fertile valley just beyond the Kouroupa range, where the Kotsifos river meets the sea. It owes much of its popularity to the impressive Gialia beach, stretching for 1.3km from the edge of the town to the east, ending at Cape Mouri. This fully-equipped beach, characterized by its crystal-clear, cool waters, is an ideal location for leisurely walks or cycling along the adjacent road. It features numerous hotels and restaurants, as well as beach essentials such as umbrellas, water sports facilities, beach volley courts, snack bars, changing rooms, and showers.
Paligremnos, the eastern portion of the beach, boasts fine sandy shores and is well-appointed with various amenities close to local accommodation and eateries. Noteworthy are the tall, vertical cliffs nearby that prove to be a magnet for climbing enthusiasts. This spot, also known as “Gonates” (knees), is steeped in local lore; it’s said that the epic hero Digenis knelt here to drink from a local spring. An intriguing phenomenon takes place here every full moon from September to January, as the moon’s reflection on the sheer cliffs draws large squids to the beach, which locals catch with long sticks. A few meters south of Paligremnos, you can also discover tunnels once used for transporting coal to waiting cargo ships.
Kalypso Beach is a small, steep-cliffed cove on the southern coast of Crete, 34 kilometres (21 miles) south of Rethymno, between Plakias and Preveli Beach. The beach sits at the foot of narrow rock passages that drop into deep, calm, deep-blue water, which makes it better suited to confident swimmers, snorkellers and divers than to paddling toddlers. Access is free on foot through the Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa, a paved road reaches the site, and the Kalypso Dive Center runs guided tours and equipment rentals on the shore. Locals also call it Pirates’ Fjord Beach, because the sheltered inlet worked as a pirate hideout during the Byzantine era.
If you want the short version: come for the scenery, the diving and the cliff jumping, rent a sunbed for the day, and drive rather than rely on buses.
Kalypso Beach is a narrow fjord-like cove framed by towering cliffs on Crete’s Libyan Sea coast. Kalypso Beach reads more as a rocky swimming spot than a wide sandy resort beach, with rocks in places along the shoreline and sudden drop-offs a step or two from the water’s edge. The sea here is deep blue, the surface is usually calm, and crowds stay at normal levels rather than the crush you find at Crete’s headline beaches.
The setting is the draw. Steep cliffs, narrow passages and deep water give the cove a dramatic, enclosed feel and a genuinely distinctive geological shape, which is why it also carries the “Pirates’ Fjord” name. The same cliffs that make it photogenic are the reason it demands a little care in the water.
Reach Kalypso Beach most easily by car or taxi, because the cove sits off the main tourist routes near Plakias with no direct public transport to the shore. Drivers reach Kalypso Beach from Rethymno in about 45 minutes. The beach lies 97 kilometres (60 miles) from Chania International Airport and 115 kilometres (71 miles) from Heraklion Airport, and a paved road runs to the site.
Access to the beach itself is free of charge and on foot through the neighbouring hotel. The Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa provides direct beach access, a pool and spa facilities, and hotel guests receive free use of the beach sunbeds.
You have three practical ways to arrive:
Yes, renting a car is the most practical way to visit Kalypso Beach, since the cove lies near Plakias with no direct public transport. Renting a car also removes the reliance on rigid bus timetables and lets you fold gorges, villages and other beaches into the same day trip. Narrow roads and limited signage lead to the site, so a compact model that handles tight bends on mountainous terrain suits the drive better than a large vehicle. Standard requirements across major and local agencies include a valid driver’s licence and a minimum age of 21. Travellers arriving through Heraklion or Chania airports often pick up a vehicle on arrival to keep their schedule flexible, and renting a car in Crete simplifies exactly this kind of multi-stop coastal trip.
Kalypso Beach offers a modest but useful set of facilities for a small cove. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, with a set of two beds plus an umbrella costing €10 ($11, £9), while hotel guests use the sunbeds for free. Food and water are available nearby, and the adjacent resort covers accommodation, an on-site restaurant, and spa and pool facilities.
The core facilities are:
Dogs are allowed at Kalypso Beach. Fishing is not, the beach falls within a natural park, so fishing is prohibited.
Snorkelling and scuba diving are the standout activities at Kalypso Beach, thanks to clear, deep water and a rich underwater world. The marine life here includes fish, sea turtles and other sea creatures, and there are underwater caves to explore along the rocky shore. The Kalypso Dive Center provides guided tours and equipment rentals for both snorkelling and diving.
The calm, clear water also makes plain swimming rewarding, provided you are comfortable out of your depth. The water is deep close in, so this is a swimmers’ beach rather than a toddler-friendly shallows.
Cliff jumping is the beach’s signature adventure, with jumps of up to 10 metres from the cliffs into the deep water below. Cliff jumping rewards confident, careful visitors, and it calls for the same caution near the rocks that the deep water demands. The surrounding cliffs and coastline also open up several hiking trails with views over the cove and the sea, and a 25-minute hike leads from Kalypso Beach to neighbouring Damnoni Beach. Biking is possible in the wider area too, which rounds out a spot that mixes adventure, relaxation and exploration.
Visit Kalypso Beach between June and September for the warmest, most reliable swimming conditions. During these months the sea temperature runs a pleasant 23°C (73.4°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F), ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. May and October stay comfortable for slightly cooler swims, with sea temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F). Across the wider May-to-October window the climate is warm with minimal rainfall.
Kalypso Beach suits confident swimmers, snorkellers, divers and adventure-minded travellers more than families with young children. The beach welcomes families, but it fits older children who swim strongly, because the shoreline is rocky and the drop-offs are sudden. Parents of younger children usually have an easier day at shallower beaches such as Damnoni and Plakias, which offer gentler, safer water. Anyone who supervises children closely and keeps clear of the cliffs can enjoy the cove safely.
Kalypso Beach sits within easy reach of several notable beaches, gorges and villages. Kalypso Beach works well as one stop on a longer south-coast day, and the following places are the closest highlights:
The nearest dining sits in Plakias village and near Damnoni Beach, a short drive from the cove. These tavernas lean on Greek and Cretan cooking and same-day seafood:
The closest places to stay cluster around Kalypso Beach, Damnoni and Plakias, from the beachfront resort next door to family hotels a few kilometres away. Rates below reflect the nightly ranges published by each property:
Plan Kalypso Beach around its deep water, rocky shore and off-route location. Keep these points in mind:
Yes, Kalypso Beach is worth visiting for its scenery and water activities. The narrow cove sits below towering cliffs above crystal-clear water, and it offers snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff jumping and sunbathing, along with rocky shores and underwater caves to explore.
Yes, Kalypso Beach is a safe, well-maintained beach. Lifeguards are present during peak season to watch swimmers, and visitors stay safe by taking care near the rocky cliffs and during cliff jumping.
Yes, both children and pets are allowed at Kalypso Beach. The beach has a rocky shoreline and sudden drop-offs, so parents supervise children closely, and the cove best fits families with older children who swim strongly. Families with younger children often prefer the shallower water at Plakias and Damnoni beaches.
Yes, Kalypso Beach is suitable for swimming in its calm, clear, deep water. Swimmers stay aware of the rocks and drop-offs and keep an eye on conditions before heading out.
No, fishing is prohibited at Kalypso Beach because the beach lies within a natural park.
The water at Kalypso Beach is deep blue, calm and deep close to shore. The seabed is rocky in places, and the clear conditions make the cove a strong choice for snorkelling and diving.
Access Kalypso Beach on foot via a paved road through the Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa, free of charge. Drivers and taxis reach the resort directly, while bus travellers connect through Rethymno and Plakias.
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