The coastal resort of Bali is situated in a vast bay, 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion. The National Road that connects Heraklion and Rethymno passes alongside the village, making Bali easily reachable from all parts of the island. It’s a perfect spot for family getaways and romantic vacations. Bali boasts four beaches nestled in sandy coves with appealing greenish waters. The beaches, shielded by the bay facing west, are typically tranquil and suitable for children, with good organization. The coolness of the water is attributed to the numerous springs around that channel fresh water into the sea from the Psiloritis Range.
As you enter the village, the first beach you encounter is Livadi, the longest in the area. It’s located in an open bay, which is more exposed to winds than the other three. Despite being well-organized and frequently bustling, it’s less picturesque than the others. Its name, Livadi (meaning meadows), is due to the nearby valley. At the eastern end of Livadi, you’ll find two separate smaller beaches, Kouskouras.
Moving ahead, at the village center, you’ll find the secluded bay of Varkotopos featuring a beautiful beach with sand and gravel, which is well-organized and popular. It’s perfect for young children due to the shallow waters and proximity to all necessary amenities.
Further north, you’ll come across the scenic port of Bali, adjacent to a clean beach. Known as Limani in Greek, it’s well-organized and surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops.
Karavostasis, the last beach you’ll encounter, is the most beautiful in the area. It’s smaller than the other bays, which often makes it appear crowded. Although it’s well-organized, it’s less so than the others.
Bali is a seaside resort located 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion in Crete, Greece, and is easily accessible via the National Road.
Bali is perfect for holidays due to its family-friendly, well-organized beaches with cool, greenish waters, making it ideal for family and romantic getaways.
Livadi is the first and longest beach you’ll find in Bali, known for its lively atmosphere and accessibility, but is less scenic compared to the other beaches.
Varkotopos Beach, located in front of the village centre, is well-organized, busy, and ideal for young children due to its shallow waters and nearby amenities.
Limani Beach, near the picturesque port of Bali, is well-organized, surrounded by many restaurants and shops, and known for its cleanliness.
Karavostasis is the smallest and most beautiful beach in Bali, often appearing crowded due to its size and lesser degree of organization than the other beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Bali beaches:
See Crete on a guided tour that combines history and craft for a hands-on experience. Visit the most historical spots on the island, learn their history, and enjoy a pottery lesson and olive oil tasting. Visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Melidoni Cave, and more.
Start by getting picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno, then arrive at the most important monastery of Crete: the Monastery of Arkadi. Explore the museum where many icons, monastic relics, and weapons reveal the monastery’s history. Enjoy an hour of free time.
Next, visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with its historical findings from Homer’s era. This is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. The museum hosts the whole history of Eleftherna from 3000 B.C. to 1300 A.D.
Afterward, enjoy a tour of the pottery workshop “TSIKALARIO” in the village of Margarites to learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this villa.
Later, visit Margarites village where you will have free time for lunch or a walk.
Next, head to an olive oil manufactory. Learn how Cretan people made olive oil in the past and see the evolution up to today. Take part in an olive oil tasting before heading to the next stop, Melidoni Cave.
Lastly, arrive at Melidoni, also called “Gerodospilios,” a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was used for religious ceremonies and as a place of worship. Learn the cave’s archaeological and historical significance before heading back to Rethymno.
Experience the ultimate cross-country adventure with Nostos Safari. This unique cross-country real-off-road experience takes you from the coast to the mountains. Drive through off-road routes and pass through breathtaking landscapes, from traditional village alleys to stunning mountain passes. With Nostos Safari, you’ll have the freedom and adventure of a quad bike to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Crete. Discover the unforgettable experience of cross-country living and book your quad safari today with Nostos Safari.
Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the Rethymno area, and then explore the traditional lifestyle and historical legacy of Crete.
Learn the Neolithic history of the Melidoni Cave and discover the pottery traditions of the village of Margarites.
Discover the oldest monastery in Crete at the 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, and then go to the village of Apostoli to visit an old olive oil factory. Enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern and listen to the beautiful sound of live folk music before making your way to St. Antonios Gorge. Stop at the Fragma Potamon dam before making your way back to Rethymno.
Get in touch with the history and the art of the Cretan pottery on this tour from Rethymno. Learn about local honey and bees at the Honey Museum. See natural stalactites at Melidoni cave. Explore the villages and feel the cretan hospitality.
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno. Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through the countryside. Arrive in Margarites and take a tour of a ceramic shop. Immerse yourself in local crafts during pottery.
Take a guided tour of the Honey Museum to discover the secrets of one of Crete’s most popular foods. Travel to Melidoni to visit the subterranean chambers and stalactites in Melidoni cave. Hear about the fascinating history of this cave.
Finally return to your accommodation in Rethymno at the end of your tour.
We have designed this unforgettable trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island’s most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle.
You will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where your expert guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention.
Then, from the history and cultural experience, you will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete.
Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP.
Our adventure begins from our base in Bali, after a security update and a little practice. We drive away from the main traffic through provincial and country roads, which only locals know and we cross one of the biggest olive groves of the island.
We explore 10 small traditional villages with narrow streets, meet local people and admire Venetian and Ottoman stone buildings of the 17th and 18th century, which will take us back in time to another era.
In one of our stops we explore one of the most important caves of Crete, Melidoni cave, which is located on top of a mountain.
We enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the beautiful valley, with dozens of villages and the highest mountain of Crete called Psiloritis – Idi.
We have much fun on the dirt roads, passing through the fields as we discover unique picturesque landscapes of the beautiful wildlife of Crete.
We’ll make enough stops during our safari, offering excellent opportunities for amazing pictures and breathtaking landscapes.
Find below the list of hotels near Bali beaches:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Sea-esta Beach House, By ThinkVilla is situated in Balíon. It has barbecue facilities, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Sea-esta Beach House, By ThinkVilla, while snorkelling and cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Bali Beach North, Caves Beach and Karavostasi Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Sea-esta Beach House, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Balíon, a few steps from Bali Beach North and 200 metres from Caves Beach, Ocean Dream Apartment! offers free bikes and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment 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 apartment offers a children’s playground. If you would like to discover the area, cycling, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Ocean Dream Apartment! can arrange a car rental service.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Karavostasi Beach, Bali Beach and Livadi Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Ocean Dream Apartment!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€194
/night
Set on an elevated position in the fishing village of Bali, Blue Bay Lifestyle – ex Bali Blue Bay is a 3-star hotel offering rooms with panoramic Cretan Sea views. It has a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a bar.
The air-conditioned rooms at Bali Blue are spacious and have a private balcony. They come with a LED TV, mini fridge and safety box. In the en-suite bathroom, you will find a hairdryer.
The hotel’s bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails, which you can enjoy at the furnished terrace overlooking the scenic bay. In the village you will also find many seaside taverns serving fresh fish.
The town of Rethymno is 30 km away, while Heraklion City with its port and airport is at 50 km. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas and free on-site parking is possible.
from
€123
/night
Situated in Bali, 50 km from Heraklio Town, SunOrama Apts-Studios feature a sun terrace and views of the sea. Réthymno Town is 30 km from the property. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The pet-friendly accommodation is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units include a terrace and/or balcony with mountains views. All units have a kitchenette equipped with an oven and refrigerator. A stovetop is also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. There is a private bathroom with a hair dryer in each unit. Bed linen is featured.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 55 km from SunOrama Apts-Studios.
from
€55
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a patio, Mayana Luxury Villa, an infinite blue experience, by ThinkVilla is set in Balíon. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Mayana Luxury Villa, an infinite blue experience, by ThinkVilla, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Bali Beach North, Caves Beach and Karavostasi Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Mayana Luxury Villa, an infinite blue experience, by ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€413
/night
Just 30 metres from the beach of Bali, Ikonomakis Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with direct sea views and free Wi-Fi access. Within walking distance, you will find traditional Cretan taverns and seaside cafes.
Ikonomakis studios and apartments open out to a private balcony or terrace. They are air conditioned and come with a kitchenette with microwave, electric kettle and mini fridge. All units also include a satellite TV, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
At 2 km you can reach a bus stop. The town of Rethymno is 30 km away, while Heraklion City is 40 km away. Free parking is available near the premises.
Find below list of beaches near Bali beaches:
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.
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.
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.
Kalo Horafi, situated about 37km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, is the former site of the 317 Agii Pateres Pelekida (317 Holy Fathers) monastery. While the original monastery cells no longer exist, a more recent chapel has been erected in their place. The area, known as Kalo Horafi, is marked by the rugged beauty of the Cretan landscape, complete with the towering Talean mountains and verdant ravines.
A brief unpaved path (200m), starting from the point on the main road where the Chnaris tavern stands, leads to a charming small beach facing the west. The beach, adorned with pebbles, is rarely crowded. Aside from the tavern and a few villas, the area is largely undeveloped. The beach is also recognized as Vossako, as it marks the beginning of the Vossako ravine, which leads to the Vosako monastery after a walk of approximately 1-1.5 hours. The monastery, which is dedicated to Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), was in ruins until recent restoration works unveiled a hidden treasure of the Cretan religious heritage that you should definitely visit (via Doxaro village).
Additionally, there is a second, smaller pebbly beach with a rocky seabed located just behind the northern end of the main beach, which is easily reachable on foot. This beach, named Vrahi beach, is perfect for snorkelling (but only on calm days).
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