Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Get directions to Georgioupolis beaches
There are three main beaches in Georgioupolis: the main beach, the western beach, and the eastern beach.
Yes, the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis are suitable for swimming. However, it is important to check the water conditions before entering the water.
Yes, there are several water sports activities available at the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Yes, it is possible to rent beach chairs and umbrellas at the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis.
Yes, the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis are suitable for families with children, as they offer shallow waters and a variety of activities for kids.
Yes, there are several hiking trails near the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Yes, it is possible to go fishing at the Georgioupolis beacheses in Georgioupolis, but a fishing license is required.
The water colour of the Georgioupolis beaches is blue.
The Georgioupolis beaches has sand.
The water at the Georgioupolis beaches is shallow.
The sea surface at the Georgioupolis beaches is usually wavy.
The Georgioupolis beaches usually has normal crowds.
The Georgioupolis beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Georgioupolis beaches can be accessed by bus services, paved road, and is handicap friendly.
Yes, the Georgioupolis beaches is a seaturtle nesting point.
Find below list of things to do near Georgioupolis beaches:
Discover the Mountains of Crete and experience driving a 450cc ATV quad bike in the morning or the evening.
Feel the fresh air on your face as you cross shallow rivers and explore hidden hills and small gorges that are only known to the local shepherds. Feel enchanted by the changing landscape of Crete and have guaranteed fun driving on the dirt roads.
You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will introduce you to wonderful Cretan landscapes and will entertain you with fascinating local tales and Cretan culture.
This perfect holiday will give both you and your family a treasure chest of memories to share and look back on.
Enjoy an incredible catamaran day trip to Bali village from the port of Panormo, Rethymno. See the awe-inspiring beauty of the bay and take lots of photos, relax, snorkel or fish, and more, on this boat tour.
Start at Panormo village and board on a premium class catamaran Bali 4.1*. Meet the team, receive thorough safety instructions from the captain, then it’s time to depart for Bali village.
Enjoy the waters of Aegean sea to the full – the boat is equipped with full-face masks and fins for snorkelling, fishing gear, and tackle a stand-up paddleboard, and all the equipment you could need for a leisure-filled day at sea. Savor a Mediterranean lunch with seafood**, local drinks, and imported beverages.
Finally, head back to Panormo village revitalized from an unforgettable day.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Experience an evening of live entertainment, local food, and Cretan hospitality. Discover the unique sounds of traditional music and the beauty of Cretan dance as you learn the steps and immerse yourself in the culture of the island.
Cretan music is a living tradition in Greece. It continues to evolve by absorbing elements of contemporary music and also comments on the realities of contemporary life. The character of Crete is reflected in music and dance.
Cretan feasts and festivals (panigiria) are at the center of these ancient folkways and are a great way to have fun, the true Cretan way. Traditionally connected to a religious celebration, panigiria in Crete have a centuries-old history.
They also have an important social purpose, offering a chance for people to meet and socialize, to honor tradition, and take a break from everyday troubles and chores. These events include large amounts of food and drink, traditional live music, and dancing until the early hours of the morning.
Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views, and take a swim.
Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno, travel through the mountains, passing the plateau of Omalos.
Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Experience the magnificent landscapes on a 16-kilometer walk.
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains. Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a tavern in Agia Roumeli.
Explore the famous Samaria Gorge on a trip along the northern coastline of Crete and through the White Mountains up to the Omalos Plateau. Samaria Gorge became a National Park in 1962 and today, it is the last natural refuge for the Cretan goat species known as Kri-Kri.
Depart early in the morning and board a coach which will pick you up from your hotel. After a comfortable drive, arrive at the plateau of Omalos for a small break before heading to the entrance of the gorge. The start of the hiking trail through the gorge is at a height of 1200m. On the route, pass by rich vegetation and through the tall rock walls known as the “Iron Gates”. Fill up your water bottle at one of the springs in the gorge.
At the end of the 17km walk, reach the Libyan Sea. There, at the beach of Ayia Roumeli, enjoy a refreshing swim or sit at one of the taverns until a ferry takes the group to Chora Sfakion where the bus will be waiting for you to return you back to your hotel.
Embark on a guided hike through the Samaria Gorge from Chania or Rethymno and soak up the dramatic views across the canyon. Continue to a seaside village to explore and unwind in the sea, before being chauffeured back to your hotel.
After being picked up early in the morning from your hotel in Chania or Rethymno, meet your expert guide and journey to Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau. From there, together you will start the 18-kilometer hiking tour.
As you hike through the Samaria Gorge, admire the ever-changing, dramatic landscapes and scenery. Head downriver on the south side of the White Mountains for incredible photos.
At the end of the canyon, find yourself in the small village of Agia Roumeli, where the great canyon meets the Libyan Sea. Explore this seaside fishing village and enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. Get recommendations from your guide on where to have lunch.
Take the boat to the Hora Sfakion, where your private driver will meet you and take you back. Travel in comfort after your hike as you relax in a premium, chauffeured vehicle.
Find below the list of hotels near Georgioupolis beaches:
Situated in Georgioupolis, 200 metres from Georgioupolis Beach and 500 metres from Kalivaki Beach, Golden sea suites offers air conditioning. It has garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with sea views.
Peristeras Beach is 800 metres from the apartment, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 23 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 48 km from Golden sea suites.
from
€117
/night
Leonidas Studios & Apartments features an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace and apartments with a balcony overlooking the sea and garden. It is located in Georgioupolis in Crete, 100 metres from the nearest beach and 200 metres from bars and restaurants.
All soundproofed apartments include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a kitchenette with fridge. Each has a bathroom with bath. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout.
Leonidas Studios & Apartments is located 25 km from the lively city of Rethymno. Chania International Airport is 45 km away. The property offers free parking on site.
from
€55
/night
Egeon Rooms and Studios is located in Georgioupolis of Chania, just a few metres from the port and 1 km from the sandy beach. It offers free Wi-Fi in all areas and studios with partial views over the lagoon.
Opening to a balcony, all studios of Egeon have a kitchenette with fridge, electric kettle and cooking hobs. Each is equipped with air conditioning, a safe and a TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests will find restaurants and bars within a short walk from Egeon Rooms and Studios. Chania Town with its Venetian Harbour is 40 km away, while Chania International Airport is 52 km away. Free public parking is possible on site.
from
€54
/night
Located in Georgioupolis, near Georgioupolis Beach, Kalivaki Beach and Peristeras Beach, Teo Apartments features free WiFi.
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer.
A continental, Full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 23 km from the apartment, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 48 km from Teo Apartments.
from
€86
/night
Pilot Amphora Boutique Hotel “Adults Only” features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a garden and shared lounge in Georgioupolis. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a restaurant and to a bar. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. At Pilot Amphora Boutique Hotel “Adults Only” every room includes bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an American breakfast.
Pilot Amphora Boutique Hotel “Adults Only” offers a sun terrace. The area is popular for hiking and cycling, in addition, bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include Georgioupolis Beach, Kalivaki Beach and Peristeras Beach. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 48 km from Pilot Amphora Boutique Hotel “Adults Only”.
from
€168
/night
Located in the seaside village of Georgioupolis, Athena Hotel is 300 metres away from the sandy beach. It offers a swimming pool, a separate children’s pool and rooms with kitchenette facilities.
Athena studios and apartments are tastefully furnished and have a balcony with views of the pool or the hotel’s gardens. Each is fitted with air conditioning, a satellite TV and safety box. All units feature a living room and a dining area.
The bar serves refreshing drinks, coffees and snacks. Wi-Fi access is also provided free of charge in the hotel’s public areas.
In the village of Georgioupolis, guests can find many cafes, fish taverns and car rental services. The city of Rethymno is 22 km away, while the city and port of Chania is at 35 km. Free on-site parking is possible.
Find below list of beaches near Georgioupolis beaches:
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the mouth of the Almyros river, where the river meets the sea, so its sandy shore stays sheltered from the wind and its shallow water runs noticeably cool. This sheltered, family-friendly setting makes Kalivaki a good choice for children, especially on days when the wind stirs up the more open beaches nearby.
Kalivaki beach lies at the western edge of Georgioupolis bay, west of the Georgioupolis port and the church of Agios Nikolaos, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the exit of the Almyros river, joined by the smaller Boutakas stream, and both keep a steady flow of fresh water into the sea all year. The beach faces the open north coast, so its surface is calm in the sheltered corner near the river and turns wavy further out when the wind picks up. This position, tucked at the protected western end of the bay, is what sets Kalivaki apart from the longer, more exposed Georgioupolis beach to the east.
The water at Kalivaki is noticeably cooler than the open sea because the Almyros river and freshwater springs push cold water into the shallows. This cool current is strongest at the parts of the beach closest to the river mouth, where the cold river water meets the warmer sea. Many families come to Kalivaki for exactly this refreshing dip, which feels sharper and cooler than a swim on the neighbouring sandy beaches. Swim towards the eastern side of the beach, away from the river outflow, if you prefer warmer water.
Kalivaki is a sandy beach with soft sand and small dunes behind the shore, and its shallow, sheltered water suits families with young children. Kalivaki usually stays less crowded than the other Georgioupolis beaches, though visitor numbers rise on summer weekends. The sheltered cove keeps the water calm on windy days, when the longer beaches to the east grow choppy, so Kalivaki works well as a fallback when the wind is up. Where the Almyros river meets the sea the outflow can create a noticeable current and colder water, so keep children in the calmer, sheltered part of the cove and take extra care on windy days.
Kalivaki gives visitors umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water a few steps from the sand. Parking sits close to the shore and the beach is free to enter, so a family beach day here needs little planning. Services such as showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not a guaranteed feature at Kalivaki, so check what is open on arrival if you rely on them. Most of the beach services run mainly through the summer season, and they thin out in the quieter spring and autumn months.
Kalivaki beach is a recorded nesting point for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which lays its eggs in the sand in the warm months. Keep clear of the soft dry sand and any marked nests, and avoid digging or pushing umbrella poles deep into the sand near the back of the beach. Take your litter home with you, because a single nest can sit just below the surface. These small steps let the turtles and their eggs stay undisturbed while you enjoy the beach.
Reach Kalivaki beach in a few simple ways from Georgioupolis and the main coast road:
Kalivaki sits between Chania and Rethymno, so a beach morning here fits easily with Lake Kournas, the Georgioupolis waterfront, and the quieter coves along the Apokoronas coast. Reaching them all on your own schedule is simplest with your own vehicle, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno.
Yes, Kalivaki beach suits families, because the water is shallow, the cove is sheltered from the wind, and the beach stays calmer than the neighbouring Georgioupolis beaches. Keep children near the calmer part of the cove and away from the stronger current at the river mouth.
The water at Kalivaki is cold because the Almyros river and freshwater springs feed cool water into the shallows, and the effect is strongest close to the river mouth.
Kalivaki beach has umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water, and free parking close to the shore. Showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not guaranteed, so check what is open on arrival.
Drive or take a local bus to Georgioupolis, then follow the paved road or walk west from the port to the river mouth at the western end of the bay.
The main season runs from June to September, when the weather is warm and the beach services are open, while late spring and early autumn stay quieter for a calmer visit.
Located between Georgioupoli and Pyrgos, Kavros refers to the expansive beach situated just 4 km east of Georgioupoli, near the hotel bearing the same name. Though the area has experienced substantial tourist development, it’s somewhat less commercialized compared to the adjacent Georgioupolis. Kavros beach is a sandy stretch with transparent, shallow waters; however, its openness to the wind often results in notable wave activity. The beach provides several facilities for visitors, including an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a perfect spot for an all-day excursion. For those seeking tranquillity, parts of the beach remain unorganized, offering a more serene experience.
The place at its greatest part is developed and only a very small part of it has been left untouched. Between the remaining virgin parts of the beach, there is an extensive and very important ecosystem of dunes. The dunes of Kavros, like all dunes, host a significant and very fragile ecosystem that is home to its own plants. The most important role of the dunes in Crete is that they protect the inner lands from erosion. In the area, in winter we meet small ponds and the landscape is quite different from the summer.
Ombros Gialos (also spelled Omprosgialos or Ombrosgialos) is a small, rocky bay on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania. Ombros Gialos sits near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni, and it centers on a little harbour whose dock lets swimmers step straight into deep, clear water. This is an unorganized cove built for people who want blue-green sea, a single well-known fish tavern, and calm surroundings rather than sunbeds and busy beach bars.
Use this guide to decide if the bay fits your day, then plan how to reach it.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places rather than a wide sandy shore. The water runs deep blue and green right off the shore, and the small harbour includes a dock that swimmers use as a diving point into the crystal sea. The bay stays quiet and feels remote, because it lies well away from large resorts and organized beach services. You get scenery and swimming here, so treat it as a spot for a relaxed dip rather than a full day of loungers and amenities. The rocky character of the shoreline shapes everything about a visit, from where you enter the water to what shoes you pack, and the shore counts among the Crete beaches with rocks in places.
Ombros Gialos is reached by car on the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni. The paved route makes the drive straightforward once you are near the village, and the road leads down toward the harbour on the east coast of Drapanokefala. A boat trip is the other option, since you can arrive by private boat from a nearby port. Georgioupolis and Kalives both work as departure points for that short sea approach, and Georgioupolis in particular is an easy base if you are already exploring the wider stretch of coast covered in the guide to the Georgioupolis beaches.
Having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility for a remote cove like this one, so many visitors combine the trip with other stops in Apokoronas by renting a car in Crete.
Ombros Gialos is not well organized, and it sits quite far from well-organized accommodation choices. One tavern stands next to the harbour, and it is very famous for its fish dishes. The taverna keeps food and water available on site, which covers the essentials for a visit. Beyond the taverna, plan to bring what you need, because the bay is a natural, low-key spot rather than a serviced beach.
The sea around Ombros Gialos is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. Deep, clear water sits right at the harbour dock, and swimmers commonly dive in from that dock into the blue sea below. The rocky seabed and deep-blue water make the cove a strong choice for anyone who wants to explore underwater rather than lie on sand. Enter carefully over the rocks, since the shoreline is stony in places and the water gets deep quickly near the dock. Water shoes help you cross the rocks comfortably and protect your feet at the entry points.
Ombros Gialos suits swimmers, snorkelers, and divers who prefer a quiet, scenic cove over an organized resort beach. The bay rewards visitors who value deep clear water, a good fish taverna, and calm surroundings. It is a weaker match for families who need sunbeds, umbrellas, and shallow sandy shallows for young children, because the shore is rocky and the services are minimal. Choose this cove for a relaxed swim and a seafood lunch, and pick a sandier, organized beach elsewhere if you want full facilities. Travelers who enjoy dramatic, off-the-beaten-path Chania coves often pair a visit here with a stop at the striking cliffs of Seitan Limania beach.
Ombros Gialos is on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania, near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places, and the water turns deep blue and green close to shore.
The bay is unorganized and has one taverna next to the harbour that is famous for its fish dishes and provides food and water on site.
Drive the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni, or arrive by private boat from a nearby port such as Georgioupolis or Kalives.
The deep, clear sea around the harbour is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers, and swimmers dive straight in from the dock.
June to September is the best window for swimming and warm, settled conditions. For more coves along this coast, browse the wider collection of Crete beaches.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Episkopi sits within a short drive of these stops:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, water sports are offered in the organized western section, alongside the lifeguard, showers, umbrellas, and snack bars.
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.
The main season is June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. Late May, June, and September are usually quieter than midsummer.
Yes. The water is clear and shallow, and the rockier seabed near Petres beach to the east is a favorite for snorkeling and fishing.
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