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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.
Glaros beaches are located in Crete, Greece.
Yes, there are several nearby attractions such as the Venetian Fortress, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Old Venetian Harbor.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim at Glaros beaches. However, it is always important to be aware of any potential hazards such as strong currents or jellyfish.
Yes, there are several water sports available at Glaros beaches such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
No, there is no fee to access Glaros beaches.
The best time to visit Glaros beaches is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Glaros beaches where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the sea.
Yes, there is parking available near Glaros beaches. However, it can get crowded during peak season so it is recommended to arrive early.
The water colour of the Glaros beaches is green.
The Glaros beaches has a mix of sand and pebbles.
The water depth at the Glaros beaches is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Glaros beaches is usually calm.
The Glaros beaches is usually quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Glaros beaches.
The Glaros beaches can be accessed by walking.
Yes, the Glaros beaches is nudism friendly.
Yes, there are rock shades available at the Glaros beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Glaros beaches:
Immerse yourself in the traditional customs of Crete on a private tour from Rethimno. Meet the only living nun at Vossakos monastery and be introduced to Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni at a local pasture. Learn about goat-herding and beekeeping from the experts and indulge in delicious Cretan cuisine.
Get picked up from your accommodations in Crete and leave the city center behind for the picturesque countryside. Arrive at the historical Vossakos monastery, settled in a landscape of beautiful flowers, lush trees, and aromatic herbs.
Walk towards the monastery and be welcomed within by the one remaining nun who lives here. Be treated to her smile and a taste of the sweet loukoumi, learning about the stories surrounding these holy walls.
Depart from the monastery to visit a local pasture. Pass through the entrance of three huge trees and meet Mr. Andreas, the resident shepherd. Listen to him detail his daily routine, including taking care of the goats and the process of producing milk.
Indulge in the delicious flavors of traditional Cretan appetizers, such as cheese, olives, and a glass of raki. With a happy stomach, follow the shepherd out to his flock and watch as 100 goats rush out of their pen into the high hills.
Say goodbye to Mr. Andreas and be introduced to his wife, Mrs. Eleni. Slide into your beekeeping uniform as she leads you to the hives, demonstrating her mastery over the honey-loving insects.
Observe the procedure for honey extraction that Mrs. Eleni undertakes with her bare hands! Learn the family secrets behind why she has no need for her own beekeeper’s uniform.
Bee welcomed into the home of Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni, situated high up in the mountains with breathtaking views over the village. Take a walk through the peaceful environment, relaxing into this fairytale-like world.
Open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while a traditional lunch is prepared for you. Tuck into a range of local organic products and finish off your meal with a delicious dessert, such as pitakia with honey on top.
After lunch, be guided to the heart of Apladiana, one of the most ancient villages on the island which still adheres to Cretan customs. Cross through a field full of orange trees, reveling in the citrusy breeze, and finish your tour in the village square.
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.
Find below the list of hotels near Glaros beaches:
Located in Vlikhádha and only 1.5 km from Livadi Beach, Promitheas Villa, Sea Side Resort, By ThinkVilla provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a terrace and a swimming pool.
Featuring a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub and a shower. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is provided.
The villa offers a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Promitheas Villa, Sea Side Resort, By ThinkVilla can arrange a car rental service.
Bali Beach is 1.9 km from the accommodation, while Bali Beach North is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 51 km from Promitheas Villa, Sea Side Resort, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€413
/night
Boasting garden views, MariMar offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Livadi Beach. It has a garden, barbecue facilities, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home is fitted with 1 bedroom, 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 holiday home offers a picnic area.
Bali Beach is 700 metres from MariMar, while Bali Beach North is 1.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 51 km from the accommodation.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Villa Gala is located in Balíon. Offering a private hot tub, this villa has a shared, 55-m2 pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen free of charge.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. A shared, outdoor swimming pool is available on site and both hiking and diving can be enjoyed within close proximity of Villa Gala.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Baboo Beach, Livadi Beach and Bali Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 52 km from Villa Gala, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Boasting mountain views, Oraia Eleni Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Livadi Beach. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower.
Staff at the villa are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Oraia Eleni Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla, while snorkelling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Bali Beach is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Bali Beach North is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 50 km from Oraia Eleni Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€354
/night
Situated in Balíon and only 1.2 km from Livadi Beach, Paris Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
Boasting a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
Paris Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while snorkelling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Bali Beach is 1.7 km from Paris Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla, while Bali Beach North is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 50 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€354
/night
Situated in Bali, just 50 metres from the beach, Villa Vasilis Hotel offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi and views over the Cretan Sea. It lies within a short walk from restaurants, bars and supermarkets.
Opening to a balcony, patio or terrace, the apartments of Vasilis have a separate bedroom and a well-equipped kitchenette with dining table and fridge. Each features a satellite TV, a safe and a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. An electric oven and microwave with cooking hobs is also included.
Rethymno Town and Port are located 35 km from the property, while Heraklion City is 50 km away. Atali Monastery is 1 km away and the famous Melidoni Cave is at a distance of 4 km. Free public parking can be found nearby.
from
€56
/night
Find below list of beaches near Glaros beaches:
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).
Almirida is a small seaside settlement located 38km east of Rethymnon, near the village of Sisses. The village is not touristically developed and is actually the favourite beach of the residents of Sisses. On the west, there is a small cement pier, which protects the small harbour of Almirida. Next to the harbour, there is a small sandy beach with rocky seabed and surrounded by tamarisk trees, where one can find shade. Do not expect very special services, since there are a few rooms and some cafes-taverns.
Alyki beach
A few meters east of the village, near the shore, there are the ruins of the old tax office for carob, which once operated in the area, when no roads approached the area and products were exported with cargo ships. Here is the main beach of Almirida, named Alyki (i.e. salt pan), which is mainly sandy and usually wavy. There is a small stream with water all year round where you could see crabs and tortoises; some meters to the south there is the scenic chapel of Saint Nicholas.
On top of the nearby Pirgos peak, the Germans had built an outpost. You can still see the engraved name of the German soldier on the rock, dating back to 1943.
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.
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