Agios Nikolaos beach at Bali

Bali Beaches, Crete: A Guide to All Four Coves is located 1.5 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.

Skepasti beaches (Koukistres) is located 4.7 km away.

The Skepasti beaches, situated roughly 27km to the east of Rethymnon and a mere 2km eastward from the namesake village Skepasti in the Milopotamos province, are predominantly reachable via poor dirt roads that originate from the village. Among these beaches, the local population’s favourite is Koukistres. The Skepasti beaches, which are exposed to the northern winds, are characterized by their pebbly texture and deep waters. They are entirely unorganized and quite a distance from the closest hotels and eateries, which are located in Panormos. Thus, it’s essential to bring all necessities if you plan to visit. The surrounding terrain, marked by rugged Cretan landscapes and barren, rocky grounds, adds to the remote charm.

While here, it’s recommended to combine beach activities with a trip to the quaint, traditional village of Skepasti. The village derives its name from the Byzantine church of Panagia Skepasti, which has a fascinating legend associated with it that’s worth exploring.

Glaros beaches is located 5.5 km away.

Charakas is a region situated approximately 36km to the east of Rethymno and 44km to the west of Heraklion, near Bali. Just half a kilometer east of the Panagia Charakiani Church, a small peninsula forms where the petite beaches of Glaros and Katevati can be found. The major highway that links Heraklion and Rethymno is conveniently close by.

Katevati Beach

Located on the western edge of this peninsula is the small but charming Katevati beach, known for its large pebbles. It boasts spectacular views of the rugged Talean Mountains to the south. Its rocky underbelly makes it an ideal spot for fishing and snorkeling. However, it is unregulated, so visitors are advised to come equipped with necessities such as an umbrella, food, and water. Furthermore, it is shielded from the prevalent northern winds due to its eastern positioning. To the north of the beach, on a hill, there are ruins from an ancient settlement.

Glaros Beach

A short distance to the north of the first beach, accessible via a trail starting north of the highway, are the three beautiful beaches of Glaros (also referred to as Glaria or Peristeri) which face west. The beach gets its name from the small, greenish islet of Glaros that’s separated from the shore by a very narrow canal (less than 2m in width). While the shore is sandy, the seabed is rocky, making it an ideal spot for solitude seekers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The northernmost beach, which can be reached by crossing a hill with a Minoan settlement, is considered the most beautiful.

Charakiani Beach

Situated below the Panagia Charakiani Church is a beach with large, round pebbles that attract snorkelers and spearfishermen. This beach can be easily accessed by following a trail that starts from the church. It is easily identifiable by a small islet located directly opposite the beach.

Propatoumenos beaches is located 6.7 km away.

Between the coast of Panagia Charakiani and Kefali hill, where archaeological remnants have been found, lies the region of Propatoumenos, just a short distance west of Holy 317 Fathers Church. Propatoumenos translates to “the area that can be walked”. This is because there used to be a walking trail to the ancient town of Astali, near Bali. Given that the surrounding Talean mountains are incredibly steep and difficult to traverse, this area was perfect for walking. This broader area is rich in unexcavated Minoan settlements, most of which have been left to the mercy of roaming goats. Within this region, we encounter three remote pebbly beaches with pristine waters, situated just a stone’s throw away from the highway. The seabed, teeming with rocks, conglomerate formations and natural arches, is an ideal spot for snorkelling. Across the beaches, the small islet of Prassonissi, home to seagulls, can be accessed by swimming.

Kefala Beach

Tucked away to the east of Panagia Charakiani, near Bali, is Kefala Beach. This hidden gem, with its crystal clear waters all year round, remains fairly unknown. Although generally inaccessible, the beach unveils a stunning coastline adorned with vibrant hues of red soil and green vegetation from shrubs and wild carob trees during calm weather. Kefala has a charming pebble beach with a rich seabed. Further east, the beaches of Kalo Horafi and Vrahi can be found. Kefala gets its name from the low peak, about 40 meters high, situated just above the sea that once housed an unknown Minoan settlement. The entire area above the beach is scattered with remnants of ancient walls and structures.