Geráni

Gerani is a village on the north coast of the Rethymno region, roughly 7 km west of Rethymno city. The coastal highway linking Chania and Rethymno runs along the shore here and crosses the Gerani bridge. The nearest beach is Kamari, 1 km away at the entrance of the Vederi Gorge, and the sealed entrance to the Gerani cave, a significant archaeological site in central Crete, lies a short distance south of that beach.

Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport. Gerani works as a quiet stop rather than a resort: the beach here is compact and pebbly, 2 gorges open within 6 km, and the long sand of Episkopi and the town beaches of Rethymno lie on either side.

Things to do in and around Gerani

6 outings sit within 8 km of Gerani, listed below from nearest to furthest.

1. Snorkel at Kamari beach. Kamari, 1 km from the village, is compact and carries pebbles and rocks in places, which is what makes it a favourite among snorkellers. A few umbrellas, taverns and rooms serve the beach, and a small harbour and the church of Panagia Kamariani stand nearby.
2. Look for the Gerani cave. The cave entrance sits a short distance south of Kamari beach and is sealed, so the site is seen from outside only. The Gerani cave counts as a significant archaeological site in central Crete.
3. Walk the Petres Gorge. The gorge, 3.7 km from Gerani and 13 km west of Rethymno, opens at Petres beach and narrows to a section about 1 km long that begins near the village of Karoti. It is easy to reach and holds ponds that take swimmers, though fences have been put across parts of it.
4. Follow the Gallos Gorge. The Galliano canyon, 5.4 km away, begins south-east of Gallos and ends at Rethymno town, carrying water from the Armeni region down to Koumbes beach over 5.5 km of green ravine. The Saounatsides watermill near the entrance worked until the 20th century and the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony lies a few metres south of it, though shepherds’ wires make the streambed route hard going.
5. Swim the long sand at Episkopi. Episkopi beach, 5.4 km west, runs about 3.5 km through a fertile valley between the Mouselas river and the river that comes out of the Petres gorge. Its western section is organised with a lifeguard, umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, snack bars and water sports, while the eastern end near the Petres bridge stays quiet.
6. Spend a day in Rethymno. The city 7 km east is the capital of the Rethymno region and the third largest in Crete, and its Renaissance centre mixes Ottoman and Cretan architecture. The Loggia, the Neratze, Veli Pasha and Kara Moussa Pasha mosques and the church of Agios Frangiskos each carry a piece of Rethymno‘s history.

Beaches near Gerani

6 beaches lie within 11 km of Gerani, running from a compact pebble cove at the village to 3.5 km of sand at Episkopi.

• Kamari lies 1 km away, pebbles and rocks in parts, with a few umbrellas, taverns and rooms. It takes the frequent northerly winds head on.
• Episkopi sits 5.4 km west, 3.5 km of sand 14 km west of Rethymno, shallow and usually a little wavy, named after the village 2 km inland to the south.
• Koumbes stands 5.4 km east, 2 km west of the centre of Rethymno and the only beach on that side of the city, with sand, fine pebbles, walkways and a view of the Fortezza fortress a few hundred metres east. Its name comes from the Turkish kubbe, meaning dome.
• Rethymno town beach begins 8 km east, a strip of golden sand 500 m east of the old town beside the Venetian port. Entry is free and the Eleftheriou Venizelou promenade runs alongside.
• Kavros is 9.3 km away, a wide sandy beach 4 km east of Georgioupoli with clear shallow water, restaurants, cafés and bars, and unorganised stretches at either end. It is open to the wind, so the waves build.
• Pervolia lies 10.1 km away, the furthest of the 6 from the village.

Where to eat in Gerani

Eating in Gerani means a small group of tavernas and cafés in the village itself, with a few more spread along the road towards Petres.

• Staras Comfort Food stands in the village centre.
• The 4 Bros is 200 m out.
• Maxis’ Courtyard sits 300 m away.
• Camari Garden Restaurant and Bar lies 500 m away, towards Kamari beach.
• Giannikos Tavern opens 2.5 km away.

Getting to Gerani

Gerani sits on the coastal highway that links Chania and Rethymno, and the road passes the beach and crosses the Gerani bridge. Rethymno lies about 7 km east, and the inland town of Episkopi, 120 m above sea level on the old Rethymno-Chania national road, is about 17 km from the city, further west.

Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Gerani. A car helps here, because the gorges and the quieter beaches sit a few kilometres apart inland and along the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gerani in Crete?

Gerani lies on the north coast of the Rethymno region, roughly 7 km west of Rethymno city. Crete has a second Gerani in the Chania region; this page covers the Rethymno one, the village by the Gerani bridge and the Gerani cave.

Does Gerani have a beach?

The nearest beach to Gerani is Kamari, 1 km from the village. Kamari is compact, with pebbles and rocks in places, a few umbrellas, taverns and rooms, and a small harbour at one side.

What is the Gerani cave?

The Gerani cave is a significant archaeological site in central Crete. Its entrance lies a short distance south of Kamari beach and is sealed, so the cave cannot be entered.

Is the sea at Gerani calm?

Kamari beach is exposed to frequent northerly winds. The sheltered alternative is the water further east at Rethymno, where the town beach is shallow and clear, or the organised western end of Episkopi beach, 5.4 km west.

Can you walk a gorge from Gerani?

2 gorges open within 6 km of Gerani, the Petres Gorge and the Gallos Gorge. Petres holds the longest river in Rethymno province, fed by tributaries running from the Kollita Gorges in the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, and the river forms a wetland near its mouth at Episkopi.

Which airport is closest to Gerani?

Chania (CHQ) is the closest airport to Gerani. The village lies east of it, on the north-coast road that runs on to Rethymno.