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Ammoudi beaches are located 32 kilometers south of Rethymno and 5 kilometers east of Plakias village. Ammoudi beaches are accessible via a paved road from the village of Lefkogia. This road leads you directly to the first beach, Ammoudi, recognizable by its distinctive green slippery rock. Ammoudi beach has a slight organization, with available amenities such as umbrellas, nearby taverns and rooms, and even a scuba diving centre. Ammoudi Beach offers white sand, rocky seabed, and bright green waters, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. There’s also the option to find shade and camp under the many tamarisk trees located next to the beach.
Heading west from Ammoudi, a dirt road begins that will take you towards Damnoni, passing by towering cliffs and impressive rocks. Just 200m west of Ammoudi, along this dirt road, you’ll discover a parking plateau that offers an unrestricted view of Damnoni. Here, you’ll see an enchanting miniature sandy beach, featuring turquoise waters and a unique rock in the sea. Known as Klisidi, this beach is an attractive choice when not crowded, though this is rare during peak season.
Adjacent to Klisidi, you’ll encounter the stunning nudist beach of Small Ammoudi or Ammoudaki. This small beach is popular among nudists for its turquoise waters and exceptional white coarse sand. It also has a small canteen offering umbrellas and sunbeds. On the beach’s west side, you can swim in a marine cave, where the sunlight turns the water a vibrant blue. You can easily walk on the sandy seabed. There’s also an underwater hole connecting Ammoudaki with Klisidi, allowing you to travel between the two beaches with just a dive. If you wish to reach the Ammoudi beaches on foot, simply walk east of Damnoni until you reach Ammoudaki.
Located 33km south of Rethymno and 3km south of the village of Lefkogia on Crete Island, you’ll find the small, serene beach of Skinaria (or Shinaria). The beach is situated in the eastern part of the broader Plakias area. Skinaria boasts soft, grey-beige sand and fine pebbles, complemented by the crystal blue depths of the sea. The sea bed is primarily rocky, though the northern part of the beach features sandy terrain.
The area is teeming with life, both terrestrial and marine. Freshwater ponds dot the beach, fed by springs from the Kouroupa mountain. These ponds have fostered lush vegetation around them, giving the area a tropical landscape feel. The local inhabitants claim that the marine life is as vibrant as the terrestrial, and indeed, Skinaria’s seabed is one of the richest on the island. It is home to an abundance of marine creatures, including huge morays, blackfish, and octopuses. Furthermore, the water’s clarity is remarkable, often exceeding 40m horizontally, making it a popular spot for scuba diving centres in Crete.
The beach offers minimal organization, with a local tavern providing a few umbrellas and refreshments. On our last visit, umbrellas and sunbeds were complimentary with a refreshment purchase. Access to the beach is via a narrow, 2km road that begins in Lefkogia. Along the way, an awe-inspiring cylindrical cave can be spotted within a rock on your left.
Situated 35km south of Rethymnon and 5km east of Plakias on Crete island, Damnoni beach is a well-known tourist destination. The resort is fully developed and well-structured, featuring a wide bay with turquoise waters and coarse, whitish sand. Visitors can enjoy numerous facilities including umbrellas, snack bars, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. Additionally, there’s a scuba diving centre, top-notch hotels, restaurants, and a horse-riding centre.
The westernmost part of the beach, which is highly organized, is home to a small river that maintains water nearly all year round. The eastern end of the beach is more serene and connects to the neighbouring Ammoudakii beaches via a short unpaved road. Beyond the western end of the beach, you’ll find several secluded small coves with sand and rocks, located right next to the area’s small harbour.
Nestled approximately 35km to the south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias, you’ll find Preveli Beach, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. This gem lies where the majestic Kourtaliotikos Gorge meets the flow of the Grand River (Megalos Potamos). Recognized as the most celebrated beach in southern Crete, it has been a summer haven for countless visitors and was a preferred spot for hippies in the ’60s and ’70s.
In this oasis, a lush colony of Theophrastus palm trees flourishes along the banks of the Grand River, evoking a tropical paradise. The river culminates in a 500m long lake before joining the sea, providing year-round water. You can saunter under the canopy of the palm and other trees, following the river as it ascends through the stunning canyon, and take refreshing dips in the cool pools within the gorge.
In 2010, a major fire devastated this tropical paradise, but remarkably, the palm grove has mostly rejuvenated. At the river’s exit, a beach of pebbles and sand stretches out, where the seawater remains refreshingly cool due to the river. A striking heart-shaped rock adds charm to the eastern section of the beach. Since the area is protected, the beach remains unspoiled, with no parasols.
Two main routes lead to Preveli, either from the west or east. One option is driving from Plakias towards the Preveli Monastery, and 1.5km beyond the Kato Monastery of Preveli, you’ll find a spacious car park. Here begins the path descending to the beach. This parking spot offers an extraordinary viewpoint from the towering cliffs to the west, perfect for capturing stunning photos. It’s a 15-20 minute walk to reach the beach, but be prepared for a strenuous climb back up.
An alternative route to avoid the steep ascent involves driving along the paved road to nearby Drimiskiano Amoudi and taking a brief 5-minute walk to Preveli. However, this route doesn’t offer an impressive cliff-top view. You can also opt for a boat ride to Preveli from Agia Galini and Plakias.
The beach owes its name to the nearby historic Preveli Monastery, a male-only monastery established in the 16th or 17th century, dedicated to St. John the Theologian. The old and new monasteries, known as Piso and Kato Monastery respectively, are situated in the vicinity. The former, now deserted, is located just south of the ancient Preveli stone bridge.
Kalypso Beach sits on the southern coast of Crete, 34 kilometres (21 miles) from Rethymno. Kalypso beach has steep cliffs, narrow passages, and deep water. Kalypso Beach provides scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, hiking, cliff-jumping from 10-meter heights, and biking. Kalypso Dive Center provides tours and diving equipment. Access to Kalypso Beach is free via Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa. Hotel guests receive complimentary sunbeds. The area functioned as a pirate hideout during the Byzantine era.
Kalypso Beach is suitable for families with kids, but it best fits older children who swim confidently. Younger children benefit more from shallow beaches like Damnoni and Plakias. Dogs are allowed at Kalypso Beach. The best time to visit Kalypso beach is from June to September, this time offers ideal conditions, with sea temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). May and October remain suitable for swimming at Kalypso Beach, with temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F).
Car rentals and taxis provide the fastest access to Kalypso Beach from all major Crete towns like Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Bus and taxi transfers operate from Rethymno and Plakias. A taxi ride from Rethymno costs 128 € ($138, £110). A bus from Plakias costs 5 € ($5.39, £4.17). Dining options near Kalypso Beach include Plakias Bay Restaurant, Medousa Restaurant, and Mesogeios Restaurant.
Accommodations near Kalypso beach include Kalypso Cretan Village Resort, Hapimag Resort Damnoni, and Alianthos Garden Hotel. Preveli Beach lies 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) away from Kalypso Beach and features a palm grove. Damnoni Beach sits 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) away and offers watersports. Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located 11 kilometres (6.9 miles) away and with a 40-meter waterfall. Spili Village stands 23 kilometres (14.3 miles) away and features a Venetian lion-head fountain.
Kalypso Beach lies on the southern coast of Crete, Greece. Kalypso Beach is located 34 kilometres (21.13 miles) south of Rethymno, between Plakias and Preveli Beach. Kalypso Beach is also called Pirates’ Fjord Beach. It served as a pirate refuge during the Byzantine era. Kalypso Beach features a unique geological formation. Kalypso Beach offers activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, hiking and biking.
Kalypso Beach lies 97 kilometres (60.27 miles) from Chania International Airport and 115 kilometres (71.47 miles) from Heraklion Airport. The best way to get to Kalypso Beach from any airport and all major cities is by car rental or taxi. Access to Kalypso Beach is free of charge and is available on foot through the nearby hotel. The Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa provides direct beach access, a pool, and spa facilities. Hotel guests receive free use of beach sunbeds. The best time to visit Kalypso Beach spans from May to October, when the climate includes warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
At Kalypso Beach, the most popular beach activities are snorkelling and scuba diving. The underwater world is rich in marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures. The Kalypso Dive Center provides guided tours and equipment rentals for both snorkelling and diving. Cliff jumping is another popular beach activity at Kalypso Beach. Visitors can jump from the 10-meter-high cliffs into the deep waters below, providing an exhilarating experience.
The calm and clear waters of Kalypso Beach make it a perfect spot for swimming. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent; two beds and an umbrella set cost €10 ($11, £9). The surrounding area offers several hiking trails with stunning views of the cliffs and the sea. A 25-minute hike leads to Damnoni Beach. Kalypso Beach offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration, making it a unique and memorable destination for visitors to Crete.
The best time to visit Kalypso Beach is from June to September. During this period, the sea temperatures at Kalypso beach are pleasantly warm, ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 25.5°C(77.9°F). These warm water temperatures make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying various water activities. For those who prefer slightly cooler waters but are still comfortable for swimming, the months of May and October are good options. During these months, sea temperatures range between 19°C (66.2°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F).
Kalypso Beach offers several nearby attractions:
You can get to Kalypso beach from any major cities and airports in Crete by taxi, car rental or public transport. Buses connect Heraklion or Chania to Rethymno. Rethymno–Plakias bus rides last 1 hour and 20 minutes and cost €5 ($5.39, £4.17). Taxis cover the final 10-minute stretch from Plakias to Kalypso Beach for €8 ($8.63, £6.67).
Taxi rides offer direct access. Rethymno to Kalypso Beach costs €128 ($138, £110) by taxi or €145 ($156, £125) by minivan. Heraklion and Chania Airports offer similar pricing for the 1.5 to 2-hour trip. Taxis from Plakias to Kalypso Beach cost €8 ($8.63, £6.67). Many services allow pre-booking.
Car rental offers more flexibility. Drivers reach Kalypso beach from Rethymno in 45 minutes.
Yes, renting a car in Crete to visit Kalypso Beach is possible and highly practical. Kalypso Beach, positioned near Plakias on the southern coast, lacks direct access via public transportation, making private transport necessary for efficient travel. Travellers arriving through Heraklion or Chania airports often secure vehicles immediately upon arrival to maintain schedule flexibility. Car rental in Crete supports access to remote coastal locations like Kalypso Beach, where narrow roads and limited signage require reliable navigation. Major and local car rental agencies operate throughout Crete, offering compact models suitable for tight bends on mountainous terrain. A valid driver’s license and a minimum age of 21 are standard requirements. Kalypso Beach remains a favoured stop due to its distinctive inlet and diving facilities, and renting a car simplifies multi-stop day trips, allowing visitors to explore gorges, ruins, and coastal villages en route without dependence on rigid bus timetables.
Listed below are the best hotels to stay near Kalypso Beach:
Below are the best places to eat near Kalypso Beach:
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.
Beyond the charming village of Drymiskos, a sequence of coves unfurls into a series of beaches spanning 3 km, collectively known as Drymiskiani Gialia (Drymiskos Beach). Rocks and reefs segment these beaches, providing an exciting snorkelling experience. The area remains largely undiscovered due to its more challenging accessibility compared to other locations in the South Rethymnon prefecture. The most well-known section of Drymiskian Beach is Amoudi, the westernmost beach where the paved road from Preveli beach ends. Ammoudi serves as the starting point for a brief trail to Preveli beach, where most visitors park their cars.
Venturing eastwards from Amoudi along the paved road, one can discover numerous serene sandy beaches, perfect for solitude and naturism. At the heart of Drymiskian Beach, Kefala’s beaches are marked by a distinctive black, tooth-like rock jutting from the sand. The best beaches in the area can be found on either side of this rock. Continuing further, one reaches the less crowded Anatolika beaches, also known as East, renowned for their deep, clear waters. From Anatolika, the journey can be extended to the Kerames beaches, the first of which is Gialopotama. While most beaches lack trees, large rocks provide ample shade throughout the day.
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.
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.
The quaint village of Kerames is situated 49km to the south of Rethymno, in close proximity to the village Agalianos. South of Kerames, there are numerous stunning beaches, with Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos sandhills of Akoumiani Gialia being the most well-known. To the north of Akoumiani Gialia, there is Keramiani Gialia or Kerames Beach, named after the nearby village.
The narrow, poorly paved road leading to Keramiani Giulia ends near the local port of Agia Fotini, which is also known as Agia Fotia. This location is home to beautiful small pebble beaches, perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and is surrounded by large boulders. The traditional Stavros tavern is built on an old carob storehouse and serves fresh fish on the beach. It also offers accommodation, and has a reminiscent atmosphere of the Greek islands of the 1960s. The tavern provides free umbrellas and showers. Near Agia Fotia, there is a small river that forms a green forest. Following the path north along the river, you will encounter a tall palm tree and the old church of Agia Fotini, located near a small house with a lovely garden. A 5-minute walk west of the tavern along the rocky shore will lead you to another pebbly beach.
On the hill near Agia Fotini tavern, you can still see the remnants of the ancient town Kionia, which thrived in its heyday. Today, the ruins cover an area of over 150 meters east to west and 100 meters north to south, while the other half of the town is submerged underwater, in front of the tavern. Traces of buildings and terraces that suggest the existence of Kionia can be seen in the surrounding area. It is thought that the sinking of the town forced its inhabitants to leave and move to higher ground, where the villages Kerames and Agallianos now stand.
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