Kalypso Beach is a small, steep-cliffed cove on the southern coast of Crete, 34 kilometres (21 miles) south of Rethymno, between Plakias and Preveli Beach. The beach sits at the foot of narrow rock passages that drop into deep, calm, deep-blue water, which makes it better suited to confident swimmers, snorkellers and divers than to paddling toddlers. Access is free on foot through the Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa, a paved road reaches the site, and the Kalypso Dive Center runs guided tours and equipment rentals on the shore. Locals also call it Pirates’ Fjord Beach, because the sheltered inlet worked as a pirate hideout during the Byzantine era.
If you want the short version: come for the scenery, the diving and the cliff jumping, rent a sunbed for the day, and drive rather than rely on buses.
Kalypso Beach is a narrow fjord-like cove framed by towering cliffs on Crete’s Libyan Sea coast. Kalypso Beach reads more as a rocky swimming spot than a wide sandy resort beach, with rocks in places along the shoreline and sudden drop-offs a step or two from the water’s edge. The sea here is deep blue, the surface is usually calm, and crowds stay at normal levels rather than the crush you find at Crete’s headline beaches.
The setting is the draw. Steep cliffs, narrow passages and deep water give the cove a dramatic, enclosed feel and a genuinely distinctive geological shape, which is why it also carries the “Pirates’ Fjord” name. The same cliffs that make it photogenic are the reason it demands a little care in the water.
Reach Kalypso Beach most easily by car or taxi, because the cove sits off the main tourist routes near Plakias with no direct public transport to the shore. Drivers reach Kalypso Beach from Rethymno in about 45 minutes. The beach lies 97 kilometres (60 miles) from Chania International Airport and 115 kilometres (71 miles) from Heraklion Airport, and a paved road runs to the site.
Access to the beach itself is free of charge and on foot through the neighbouring hotel. The Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa provides direct beach access, a pool and spa facilities, and hotel guests receive free use of the beach sunbeds.
You have three practical ways to arrive:
Yes, renting a car is the most practical way to visit Kalypso Beach, since the cove lies near Plakias with no direct public transport. Renting a car also removes the reliance on rigid bus timetables and lets you fold gorges, villages and other beaches into the same day trip. Narrow roads and limited signage lead to the site, so a compact model that handles tight bends on mountainous terrain suits the drive better than a large vehicle. Standard requirements across major and local agencies include a valid driver’s licence and a minimum age of 21. Travellers arriving through Heraklion or Chania airports often pick up a vehicle on arrival to keep their schedule flexible, and renting a car in Crete simplifies exactly this kind of multi-stop coastal trip.
Kalypso Beach offers a modest but useful set of facilities for a small cove. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, with a set of two beds plus an umbrella costing €10 ($11, £9), while hotel guests use the sunbeds for free. Food and water are available nearby, and the adjacent resort covers accommodation, an on-site restaurant, and spa and pool facilities.
The core facilities are:
Dogs are allowed at Kalypso Beach. Fishing is not, the beach falls within a natural park, so fishing is prohibited.
Snorkelling and scuba diving are the standout activities at Kalypso Beach, thanks to clear, deep water and a rich underwater world. The marine life here includes fish, sea turtles and other sea creatures, and there are underwater caves to explore along the rocky shore. The Kalypso Dive Center provides guided tours and equipment rentals for both snorkelling and diving.
The calm, clear water also makes plain swimming rewarding, provided you are comfortable out of your depth. The water is deep close in, so this is a swimmers’ beach rather than a toddler-friendly shallows.
Cliff jumping is the beach’s signature adventure, with jumps of up to 10 metres from the cliffs into the deep water below. Cliff jumping rewards confident, careful visitors, and it calls for the same caution near the rocks that the deep water demands. The surrounding cliffs and coastline also open up several hiking trails with views over the cove and the sea, and a 25-minute hike leads from Kalypso Beach to neighbouring Damnoni Beach. Biking is possible in the wider area too, which rounds out a spot that mixes adventure, relaxation and exploration.
Visit Kalypso Beach between June and September for the warmest, most reliable swimming conditions. During these months the sea temperature runs a pleasant 23°C (73.4°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F), ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. May and October stay comfortable for slightly cooler swims, with sea temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F). Across the wider May-to-October window the climate is warm with minimal rainfall.
Kalypso Beach suits confident swimmers, snorkellers, divers and adventure-minded travellers more than families with young children. The beach welcomes families, but it fits older children who swim strongly, because the shoreline is rocky and the drop-offs are sudden. Parents of younger children usually have an easier day at shallower beaches such as Damnoni and Plakias, which offer gentler, safer water. Anyone who supervises children closely and keeps clear of the cliffs can enjoy the cove safely.
Kalypso Beach sits within easy reach of several notable beaches, gorges and villages. Kalypso Beach works well as one stop on a longer south-coast day, and the following places are the closest highlights:
The nearest dining sits in Plakias village and near Damnoni Beach, a short drive from the cove. These tavernas lean on Greek and Cretan cooking and same-day seafood:
The closest places to stay cluster around Kalypso Beach, Damnoni and Plakias, from the beachfront resort next door to family hotels a few kilometres away. Rates below reflect the nightly ranges published by each property:
Plan Kalypso Beach around its deep water, rocky shore and off-route location. Keep these points in mind:
Yes, Kalypso Beach is worth visiting for its scenery and water activities. The narrow cove sits below towering cliffs above crystal-clear water, and it offers snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff jumping and sunbathing, along with rocky shores and underwater caves to explore.
Yes, Kalypso Beach is a safe, well-maintained beach. Lifeguards are present during peak season to watch swimmers, and visitors stay safe by taking care near the rocky cliffs and during cliff jumping.
Yes, both children and pets are allowed at Kalypso Beach. The beach has a rocky shoreline and sudden drop-offs, so parents supervise children closely, and the cove best fits families with older children who swim strongly. Families with younger children often prefer the shallower water at Plakias and Damnoni beaches.
Yes, Kalypso Beach is suitable for swimming in its calm, clear, deep water. Swimmers stay aware of the rocks and drop-offs and keep an eye on conditions before heading out.
No, fishing is prohibited at Kalypso Beach because the beach lies within a natural park.
The water at Kalypso Beach is deep blue, calm and deep close to shore. The seabed is rocky in places, and the clear conditions make the cove a strong choice for snorkelling and diving.
Access Kalypso Beach on foot via a paved road through the Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa, free of charge. Drivers and taxis reach the resort directly, while bus travellers connect through Rethymno and Plakias.
Get directions to Kalypso Beach, Crete: Access, Facilities and Diving Guide
Find below list of things to do near Kalypso Beach, Crete: Access, Facilities and Diving Guide:
Our day begins in the morning with your pick up from your hotel. After our coach ride we arrive at the beautiful Damnoni beach, where our boat is waiting for us to take us on a 30-minute boat ride to our first stop of the day, the magnificent beach of Preveli. As we approach our destination, you will be amazed by the unique landscape surrounding us that consists of vertical cliffs of the gorge, the beautiful palm-tree forest and the crystal clear water of the beach. The Grand River ( Megalos Potamos ) that runs through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and then empties into the sea, makes the water cool and refreshing, ideal for an amazing swim break. On the banks of the river there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. Walk along the sandy beach, under the shade of the palm trees and experience the exotic side of Crete.
We then head back to Damnoni beach, a long bay with beautiful turquoise waters where you can continue your swim and have a delicious meal in one of the traditional restaurants located there.
Our last stop of the day is the lovely city of Rethymno. Mostly known for its Venetian fortress, called Fortezza, Rethymno is considered to be a jewel of the island. Whether you choose to scroll around the narrow streets or have a coffee next to its beautiful Venetian port, you will have an unforgettable experience!
Discover the raw beauty of Crete on this guided day tour from Rethymno to Preveli. Take the opportunity to visit Preveli Beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan Sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach. Relax ─ your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania.
Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride. Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli Beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain.
Connected to Preveli Beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited. Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forests, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge
Embark on a horseback riding adventure along the stunning landscapes of Damnoni, Ammoudaki, Klissidi, and Ammoudi. Traverse the scenic path and encounter the picturesque rural roads that lead you eastward along the coastline.
Begin your journey at the Horse Riding Center, where you will embark on a memorable experience through olive groves towards Damnoni beach. As you traverse the scenic path, encounter the picturesque rural roads that lead you eastward along the coastline.
Ride through the charming small beaches of Ammoudaki and Klissidi, providing a unique perspective of the coastal beauty. The views of the coast and the Libyan Sea are truly awe-inspiring, creating a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Mediterranean environment. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, this trip offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation along the enchanting East Coastline.
A day that will leave the best and warmest memories of Crete will start early in the morning. A transfer from the hotel will pick you up and take you to the team meeting point. If you have a driver’s license, you will be able to drive a jeep by yourself and experience extreme driving on off roads. However, if you do not have a driver’s license or you just want to relax, we will provide you with a driver.
You will spend the full day in an open-top jeep and take in views of valleys, mountains and more. You will pass through small traditional villages full of character and make a few stop for coffee at one of the remote mountain villages.
Our professional guide will guide you throughout the day, leading you to the best cretean places, that you have never seen before.
We will make a big stop near Plakias Beach. So you will be able to enjoy swimming in the crystal water of South Cretan Sea. After free time on the beach you will taste delicious BBQ.
On the road back you will visit incrediable place – Argioloupolis village.
Starting from the Horse Riding Center, the riders will head west through the olive groves, towards the 1.4 klm long, sandy beach of Plakias. As soon as they reach the coast, they will canter along the shoreline and while the Libyan sea breeze will be caressing their face.
Important Information
All our horses are well trained & behaved.
Οur horses are equipped with all the necessary gear to ensure the safety of the horse and the rider.
Highly experienced Guides or Escorts (depending on the riding level) accompany all trips.
We provide all the mandatory safety equipment for the riders as well.
Riding pace depends on the riders skills or/and preference.
Τhis trip is only available in the early morning hours.
Mandatory Equipment:
Safety Helmet
Optional Equipment:
Chaps
Safety Vest (for children)
Suggested Clothing:
Long, comfortable trousers
Closed-toe shoes
Riding Level: All
The best way to learn diving is with a dive center you can trust completely!
Phoenix Dive Club was the first PADI dive center to be founded in Crete. For over 25 years we have been training divers to a high level and created enthusiasts in this sport. Our outstanding diver training follows PADI standards and we enjoy an excellent reputation all over the world. Our instructors love diving and each one of them started their career in our dive center.
Our dive courses are very personalized, easygoing, and professional. As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort (one of the highest ranking for PADI dive centers) we can offer all PADI courses that are available. No matter, if you wish to broaden your knowledge about underwater plants or animals, or if you want to acquire new skills. We have the appropriate course for you.
Find below the list of hotels near Kalypso Beach, Crete: Access, Facilities and Diving Guide:
Located in Plakias, 500 metres from Plakias and 1.7 km from Skinos Beach, Villa Marcella offers a terrace and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a patio and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a balcony and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
Damnoni Beach is 2.1 km from Villa Marcella, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 85 km from the accommodation.
Plakias Seaside Residences is set in Plakiás in the Crete Region. Réthymno Town is 34 km away. Free private parking is available on site.
All units are air conditioned and feature a seating area. Some units include a terrace and/or balcony with sea or mountains views. There is also a dining area and a kitchen fitted with a dishwasher, an oven, and a toaster. A refrigerator and coffee machine are also provided. Plakias Seaside Residences features free WiFi throughout the property. Bed linen is available.
Georgioupolis is 53 km from Plakias Seaside Residences, while Bali is 61 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 96 km from Plakias Seaside Residences.
from
€245
/night
Paligremnos Residences, a Beachside Retreat, By ThinkVilla has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Plakias, 700 metres from Plakias.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Paligremnos Residences, a Beachside Retreat, By ThinkVilla offers a seasonal outdoor pool.
A bicycle rental service is available at the accommodation, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Skinos Beach is 1.6 km from Paligremnos Residences, a Beachside Retreat, By ThinkVilla, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 85 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€236
/night
Located in Plakias, 700 metres from Plakias, NERĒA Boutique Hotel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has pool views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace. The accommodation features airport transfers, while a bicycle rental service is also available.
Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer, rooms at the hotel also offer free WiFi, while certain rooms include a sea view. At NERĒA Boutique Hotel each room is equipped with bed linen and towels.
Skinos Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Damnoni Beach is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 85 km from NERĒA Boutique Hotel.
This beachfront resort enjoys a spectacular location around a small and scenic port in Plakias. It offers self-catering accommodation with sea views, and features landscaped gardens and a pool with bar.
The Blue Flag Plakias Beach is ideal for windsurfing, diving and, of course, swimming. While the breathtaking mountain range surrounding Plakias is carved open by the Kourtaliotis and Kotsyfos Gorges.
Each air-conditioned unit has a fully equipped kitchen with kitchenware and a large dining room. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, safe, and TV. The bathroom includes a hairdryer.
Sun beds and umbrellas are available around the pool for all guests to use. Children can enjoy safe play on the playground. There is also a games room available.
Plakias Resort is located on the south coast of Crete, 35 km from Rethymnon. The centre of Plakias with shops, taverns and bars is less than 5 minutes’ walk. Free parking is provided.
from
€76
/night
Villa Evriali is a detached holiday home with a balcony, set in Plakiás. The property features views of the sea and is 67 km from Bali.
The kitchen is fitted with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. Towels and bed linen are provided in this holiday home. There is a private bathroom with a bath or shower.
Réthymno Town is 35 km from Villa Evriali, while Georgioupolis is 56 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 98 km from Villa Evriali.
from
€268
/night
Find below list of beaches near Kalypso Beach, Crete: Access, Facilities and Diving Guide:
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.
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.
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.
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