Episkopi beach

Episkopi beach is a 3.5 km sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 14 km west of Rethymno and 45 km east of Chania. Episkopi beach sits in a fertile valley between the Mouselas river and the river that runs out of the Petres gorge. The water is shallow and usually a little wavy, like most beaches on Crete’s north coast, and it takes its name from the village of Episkopi, 2 km inland to the south.

At a glance:

• Length: about 3.5 km of sand
• Water: blue and clear, shallow, usually light waves
• Family friendly: soft sand and a gentle, shallow entry
• Organized western section: lifeguard, umbrellas and sunbeds, showers, snack bars, water sports
• Quiet zone: the eastern end near the Petres bridge
• Access: coastal road, KTEL bus, and parking at the beach

The beach and the water

The sand is soft, with a short pebbly strip at the waterline that turns sandy underfoot as you walk in. Mornings are usually calm and clear enough to see the bottom, while an afternoon breeze can raise small waves. The shallow, gently shelving water suits families with children and makes the beach a good spot for a slow swim or a snorkel.

Facilities and the organized section

The western part of the beach is well organized. There you find lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars, and water sports. Tavernas and bars line the shore, several renting sunbeds under thatched umbrellas. Because the beach runs for about 3.5 km, you can still find a quieter, less developed stretch toward the eastern end near the Petres bridge.

Getting there and parking

The main coastal road between Rethymno and Chania runs parallel to the beach, so access by car is easy. Frequent KTEL public buses connect Chania and Rethymno and stop on the highway beside the beach, and parking is available at the shore. The simplest way to reach Episkopi and explore the rest of the north coast is to rent a car.

Sea turtles

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest along this coast between May and September, and Episkopi is a recorded nesting point. If you visit in those months, keep clear of any marked nests and take your litter home with you.

What is nearby

Episkopi sits within a short drive of these stops:

• About 2 km east lie Petres beach and the Petres gorge, with a diving school and a rocky seabed that snorkelers and anglers favor.
• Argyroupolis, an inland village known for its springs and lush greenery.
• Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake on Crete, a short drive inland.
• Further west, the sandy resort beaches of Georgioupolis and Kavros.

The name Episkopi means “Diocese”: the village was the seat of the local diocese in the Byzantine period, and the old Episcopal church of St Nicholas nearby now stands in ruins. Almost unknown to travelers, the area is also the ancestral home of the Vardinoyannis family.

FAQ

Where is Episkopi beach?

Episkopi beach is on the north coast of Crete in the Rethymno area, 14 km west of Rethymno and 45 km east of Chania. It lies below the village of Episkopi, between the Mouselas and Petres rivers.

Is Episkopi beach good for families?

Yes. The water is shallow and the sand is soft, and the organized western section has a lifeguard, so it suits children and less confident swimmers.

Is Episkopi beach organized, with sunbeds and facilities?

The western part is organized, with lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars, and water sports. The eastern end near the Petres bridge is quieter and less developed.

Are there water sports at Episkopi beach?

Yes, water sports are offered in the organized western section, alongside the lifeguard, showers, umbrellas, and snack bars.

How do I get to Episkopi beach, and is there parking?

The coastal Rethymno to Chania road runs next to the beach, so you can drive or take a KTEL public bus that stops on the highway. Parking is available at the beach.

When is the best time to visit Episkopi beach?

The main season is June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. Late May, June, and September are usually quieter than midsummer.

Is Episkopi beach good for snorkeling?

Yes. The water is clear and shallow, and the rockier seabed near Petres beach to the east is a favorite for snorkeling and fishing.