Skepasti beaches (Koukistres)

Panormo beaches is located 2.6 km away.

Panormo, located approximately 20km east of the city of Rethymnon in the Milopotamos province, is a peaceful coastal village. It has experienced rapid growth in recent years while preserving its traditional charm. Its attractiveness lies in the untouched beauty of the Cretan countryside, the charming village, stunning beaches, and convenient accessibility.

Panormo boasts two primary beaches and several smaller ones. The village’s Greek name, which translates to ‘a location with a natural port’, aptly describes Panormos as it is a natural harbour with tranquil waters. The beach at the harbour, known as Limanaki, serves as the region’s port. It’s sandy, with clear waters, making it perfect for families with young children due to its shallow waters and the protection from waves provided by a cement pier. The beach is well-equipped with umbrellas, showers, water sports facilities, and plenty of accommodation and dining options nearby. Adjacent to Limanaki is a smaller, less populated sandy beach.

The second main beach, Limni, is situated just 200m west of the village. Similar to Limanaki, it is sandy and shielded by a rocky pier, essentially dividing it into two separate beaches. Further east, a small, secluded cove with a pebbly beach is perfect for undisturbed relaxation and snorkelling during calm seas. Panormo can be reached via direct bus services from Rethymnon or suburban bus services between Heraklion and Rethymnon. Excursion boats also operate from the local harbour.

A short history of the area

Panormo is historically significant and is thought to be located on the site of the ancient city of Panormus. The discovery of the impressive basilica of St. Sophia, dating back to the 6th century AD, confirms the presence of an ancient city. The basilica, situated 500m southwest of the village, is considered one of the largest Christian churches in Greece and the biggest in West Crete. The village is also known as Kastelli of Milopotamos, named after the fort built by the Genoese conquerors in 1206, which was later captured by the Venetians. Remnants of this fort can still be seen near the harbour.

In more recent history, Panormo served as a hub for transporting goods produced in the surrounding region, particularly olives and carobs. A renovated old carob mill, now used as a cultural centre, can still be visited. The village was bombed during the German Occupation. The construction of a new national road in the 1970s, adjacent to the village, and the building of a marina in 1980 has contributed to Panormo’s tourism growth. The village celebrates three festivals every year: Ascension, St. John on June 24, and St. Nicholas on December 6.

Agios Nikolaos beach at Bali is located 4.7 km away.

The beach of Agios Nikolaos, situated slightly west of Bali in the province of Mylopotamos, is nestled in a secluded area. The beach’s name is derived from the Byzantine two-nave church of Saint Nicholas, which is positioned within a lush green creek leading to a stunning cove. Despite the ravine drying out towards the end of spring, the presence of numerous plane trees indicates the existence of water.

The cove is encased by striking limestone rocks that create small caves, adding to the charm of Agios Nikolaos. The beach, however, has a rocky seabed and is almost semicircular in shape. Unfortunately, it is often littered with trash brought in by the north winds.

Access to Agios Nikolaos beach is via two poorly maintained dirt roads that start near the motorway, beyond Bali. One of these routes, which first ascends to the antennas at Bombadopirgos peak before descending to the beach, is closed off. The other route approaches the beach from the east, but due to its poor condition, a walk of roughly 10 minutes is required.

Bali Beaches, Crete: A Guide to All Four Coves is located 6.2 km away.Bali has 4 beaches, each set in its own sandy cove with clear, greenish water: Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani (Harbor), and Karavostasis. The resort sits in a wide bay 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, and the bay faces west, so the sea stays calm and family-friendly. The four coves sit within a short distance of each other along the same shoreline, so on most days you can walk between them and pick the one that suits you.Bali is a coastal resort built around a series of small bays on the north coast of Crete. The National Road that connects Heraklion and Rethymno runs alongside the village, so you can reach it easily from anywhere on the island. It suits family getaways and quieter, romantic trips in equal measure. The water here runs cooler than at many Cretan beaches because springs around the bay channel fresh water into the sea from the Psiloritis Range, and the west-facing bay keeps the four coves sheltered, calm, and well suited to children.Use the guide below to choose your cove, then read the practical notes on facilities and getting there.

The Four Beaches at a Glance

The four coves and who each one suits are compared in the table below.

Beach	Character	Best for
Livadi	Longest beach; open bay, more exposed to wind; lively	Space, easy access, first stop in the village
Varkotopos	Secluded bay; sand and gravel; shallow water	Young children, families
Limani (Harbor)	Beside the port; restaurants and shops	Eating out, a swim near the harbor
Karavostasis	Smallest and prettiest; can feel crowded	A scenic swim, photos

Livadi Beach

Livadi is the first beach you reach as you enter the village, and it is the longest in the area. It sits in an open bay that is more exposed to wind than the other three coves, so it can be breezier on gusty days. The beach is well-organized and often busy, though it is less picturesque than the others. The name Livadi means “meadows” and comes from the nearby valley. At its eastern end you will find two separate smaller beaches, known as Kouskouras.

• What it’s like: Long, open sandy stretch; livelier and more exposed to wind than the other coves.
• Who it suits: Anyone who wants room to spread out and the easiest beach to find on arrival.
• How to reach it: It is the first cove as you enter Bali from the National Road.

Varkotopos Beach

Varkotopos lies at the center of the village in a secluded bay. The beach is a mix of sand and gravel, well-organized, and popular. The water is shallow, which makes it a good choice for young children, and it sits close to all the amenities you are likely to need.

• What it’s like: A sheltered cove with sand and gravel and shallow, calm water.
• Who it suits: Families with young children who want shallow water and nearby facilities.
• How to reach it: It is at the village center, a short way on from Livadi.

Limani (Harbor) Beach

Limani (Harbor) Beach sits further north, on a clean stretch of shore right beside the scenic port of Bali. Known in Greek as Limani, meaning “harbor,” it is well-organized and surrounded by restaurants and shops, so it is an easy spot to combine a swim with lunch or a coffee by the water.

• What it’s like: A tidy beach next to the harbor, ringed by tavernas and shops.
• Who it suits: Anyone who wants to eat, drink, and swim in the same place.
• How to reach it: Continue north through the village toward the port.

Karavostasis Beach

Karavostasis is the last beach you reach and the most beautiful in the area. It is smaller than the other bays, so it can look crowded when it fills up. It is well-organized, though a little less so than the other three.

• What it’s like: The prettiest and smallest of the four coves; fills up quickly.
• Who it suits: Those after the best-looking swim who don’t mind a smaller, busier cove.
• How to reach it: It is the furthest of the four coves along the shoreline.

Facilities at Bali’s Beaches

Bali’s coves are organized beaches. Across the resort, the beaches generally offer the facilities listed below.

• Sunbeds and umbrellas
• Food and drink, with tavernas, restaurants, and shops (most concentrated around the harbor at Limani)
• Showers
• Water sports
• Lifeguard cover
• Bus services and paved-road access to the village
• Family-friendly, sheltered water

Facilities vary from cove to cove and by season, so it is worth checking on the day.

Getting to Bali and Around the Coves

Bali sits directly off the National Road between Heraklion and Rethymno, which makes it straightforward to reach from either city or from the airports. The village is compact and the four coves lie close together, so once you arrive you can move between Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani, and Karavostasis on foot.If you want the freedom to visit more than one cove in a day, or to combine Bali with other beaches and villages along the north coast, having your own vehicle helps. You can compare options through the site’s car rental listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bali located in Crete?

Bali is a seaside resort 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, reached easily via the National Road that connects the two cities.

How many beaches does Bali have?

Bali has 4 beaches, each in its own sandy cove: Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani (Harbor), and Karavostasis. Two smaller beaches, Kouskouras, sit at the eastern end of Livadi.

Which Bali beach is best for young children?

Varkotopos suits young children well, thanks to its shallow water, secluded bay, and nearby amenities. The west-facing bay keeps all four coves calm and family-friendly.

Which is the prettiest beach in Bali?

Karavostasis is the most beautiful of the four. Because it is the smallest, it can feel crowded when busy.

Why is the water at Bali cooler than at other Cretan beaches?

Springs around the bay channel fresh water into the sea from the Psiloritis Range, which keeps the water cooler.

Which Bali beach is the longest?

Livadi is the longest beach in the area. It sits in an open bay that is more exposed to wind than the other three coves.

Geropotamos beach is located 6.5 km away.

Geropotamos, situated approximately 18km east of Rethymnon and 3km west of Panormo, is named after the eponymous river that empties into the eastern end of the beach. The beach, though small, is marked by its sandy terrain and crystal-clear, cool water, a result of the river that runs throughout the year, forming a small lake near the shore. The beach is minimally organized with umbrellas and a canteen that provides refreshments, coffee, water, and some basic food supplies. A luxurious hotel is also located adjacent to the river. Although easily accessible, the beach remains quiet and uncrowded. However, the orientation of the shore makes it susceptible to northern winds.

Geropotamos’ location on the main road connecting Heraklion and Rethymno makes it easily accessible. You can even reach it by bus by asking the driver to stop at Geropotamos. The area’s importance is underscored by its status as a natural shelter for rare birds and animals, courtesy of the Waterland. West of Geropotamos, the shore is riddled with cavities, home to the rare monk seals (Monachus monachus) and falcons.

A few meters west of Geropotamos beach, you’ll find an extraordinary rocky arch known as Kamara. Beneath Kamara, there lies a small beach with sand, small pebbles, and crystal blue waters. The beach’s size makes it vulnerable to north winds, with waves almost covering it. However, on calm sea days, it is truly beautiful. The beach, surrounded by vertical cliffs that provide natural shade, is only accessible by boat. A fun activity on windless days is to swim from Geropotamos and snorkel en route.

Cape Lianos, the eastern end of Geropotamos beach, also known as the Lavris area, is a rocky cape with a luxury hotel built on it. In front of the hotel, there are some small artificial coves with piers protecting them from waves. Although they appear private, you can reach the coves via a footpath that begins near the Geropotamos beach and heads eastwards, even if you’re not a hotel guest.

The Lianos Cape area, along with the Geropotamos wetland, is protected under the European program “Natura 2000”. It is home to a variety of reptiles, birds, turtles, amphibians, mammals, and plants, some of which are indigenous or endangered.