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Koumbes, situated 2km west of Rethymnon’s center, is the only beach on the city’s western side. The beach offers stunning vistas of the impressive Fortezza fortress, located several hundred meters to the east. Koumbes derives its name from the Turkish word ‘Kubbe,’ which translates to ‘dome.’ This expansive beach, adorned with sand and fine pebbles, has seen significant growth in recent years, and its development has become a top priority for the Rethymno Municipality. This growth has led to numerous improvements, including the addition of walkways and similar enhancements along the coast.
At Koumbes, visitors can avail themselves of all necessary tourist amenities, such as lifeguard services, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. The area also boasts numerous hotels, accommodations, restaurants, taverns, snack bars, and cafes. Access to Koumbes from the city center is convenient, either by bus or on foot. Walking takes no more than 20 minutes.
Get directions to Koumbes beach
Koumbes beach is located in the region of Chania, on the north coast of the island of Crete, Greece.
Yes, Koumbes beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Koumbes beach.
No, there is no natural shade available at Koumbes beach, so it is recommended to bring your own umbrella or sunshade.
Yes, there is a parking area near Koumbes beach, but it can get crowded during peak season.
No, there is no restaurant or cafe near Koumbes beach, so it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
No, Koumbes beach is not accessible for people with disabilities as there are stairs to access the Koumbes beach.
The water colour of the Koumbes beach is blue.
The Koumbes beach has sand as its sand type.
The water at the Koumbes beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Koumbes beach is usually wavy.
The Koumbes beach has normal crowds.
The Koumbes beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, and showers.
The Koumbes beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No other information is available about the Koumbes beach.
Find below list of things to do near Koumbes beach:
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on this day trip from Rethymno to Elafonissi. Experience a heaven on earth, with soft white and pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water, and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline. Visit traditional villages like Elos and Kaloudiana.
Get picked up from your hotel area in the morning, then stop for a short break in the traditional village of Elos. Time permitting, enjoy time to have breakfast or a coffee (cost not included). Afterward, depart for Elafonissi.
On the way, see small traditional villages combined with typical Mediterranean scenery. Admire the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge. At Elafonissi, get 4 hours of free time to soak in the sun and enjoy the spectrum of shades of blue that this beach has to offer.
At the end of your tour, stop at the village Kaloudiana, where you can explore the village and have refreshments or food (not included). Later, get driven back to your accommodation in Rethymno.
Discover the enchanting town of Rethymnon, hailed as one of Greece’s most beautiful destinations. Meander through the town’s winding alleys and colorful streets in the old town, where you can find an array of delicious restaurants and cafes. Take a walk through Rethymnon’s storied history by visiting its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman-era landmarks. You can’t miss the Venetian Fortezza, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend against the Turks. Check out the Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi to provide drinking water. Take your time exploring the city’s charms, and unwind with a refreshing swim at the beach. Rethymnon is a city that’s just waiting to be discovered!
You will enjoy postcards pictures while you are traveling with the bikes in the old town of Rethymno. Have fun while discovering majestic Venetian buildings and the imposing Fortezza castle in just 90 minutes!
Description
Starting from the square of the Unknown Soldier you cross the coastal road and meet in front of you the Venetian harbor with its magnificent Egyptian lighthouse.
You then drive through the historic city center where we see the Rimondi Fountain, the Neratze Mosque (today’s Conservatory), which is characterized by the city’s tallest minaret, the Catholic Church of St. Francis and the Guora Gate.
Then you climb into the Fortezza castle, which rises over the Cretan Sea and completes the unrivaled image of beauty and charm in the city of Rethymnon. You take the regional road alongside the sea and the beautiful taverns with seafood.
Then you find on our right the Loggia, a brilliant 16th-century building and you enter Arkadiou Street, where from the period of the Venetian occupation until today, one of the most commercial streets of the city. At the end of the road you find the mosque Kara Musa Pasha.
Visit the famous pottery village of Margarites in western Crete. This important center of regional pottery invites you to explore its narrow streets and hidden cafes. Enjoy the wonderful view and the harmonious coexistence of old and new.
Visit the fascinating city of Rethymnon, which has maintained its unique flair. The Venetian fortress is particularly impressive as well as the so-called “Fortezza” at the city harbor, and the minarets from the Turkish era. Stroll through the city center and soak up the special atmosphere.
Finally, visit Argyroupoli with its beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy a coffee in the shade of the imposing sycamore trees and learn more about the former ancient city of Lappa, which, according to myth, was created by Agamemnon. Admire a mosaic from the Roman period and see an existing Venetian portal with the inscription “All things of this world are smoke and shadows”.
Explore two of the most picture-perfect destinations on Crete during this half-day private tour that visits Rethymno and the Lake of Kournas. Take off directly from your accommodation in Chania via an air-conditioned vehicle fully equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports.
After pickup, start your journey in Rethymno, a romantic city with a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit.
Marvel at the large Venetian castle Fortezza, the old lighthouse, and countless churches, mosques, and arches. Walk along cobbled paths leading to other hidden spots of the old city.
The next stop is the famous Lake of Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. This place is ideal for relaxation and walking.
Take in the one-of-a-kind view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters while drinking a cup of traditional Greek coffee. Choose to rent a pedal boat to spend some time in the water looking for the turtles that live in the lake.
See the best of Rethynmo aboard a convenient state-of-the-art Segway. Starting from the seafront next to the marine port, you will meet your guide who will introduce you to your vehicle, after which the fun begins.
You will depart on your Segway, soon finding yourself in the heart of the Old Town next to some of the most famous sights such as Mitropolis and Nerazze-Mosqe. From there, your tour advances to the “secret” part of the Old Town. Following that, it will be time for the castle.
On the way up to the Fortezza Fortress you can admire the breathtaking views of the city as you feel the breeze of the sea from the other side. On the way down, you can glimpse at Venetian Harbour, as you learn about the myth that hides in the water of the Rimondi Fountain. You will eventually finish your tour finding yourself in the most famous square of Rethymno.
Find below the list of hotels near Koumbes beach:
Boasting a hot tub, Lost in the view, Luxury Apartment with Seaview is set in Rethymno Town. The air-conditioned accommodation is 400 metres from Koumbes Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The apartment has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The apartment offers a sun terrace. A car rental service is available at Lost in the view, Luxury Apartment with Seaview.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 2.6 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 67 km from Lost in the view, Luxury Apartment with Seaview.
Boasting a private pool and sea views, Casa Negro is located in Rethymno Town. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
Featuring a Blu-ray player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room, a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a sun terrace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Casa Negro, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Koumbes Beach, Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and Municipal Garden. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 67 km from Casa Negro.
from
€76
/night
Featuring garden views, THEA – Rooftop Seaview jacuzzi provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Koumbes Beach. It features a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a toaster and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment offers a hot tub.
Popular points of interest near THEA – Rooftop Seaview jacuzzi include Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Municipal Garden and Centre of Byzantine Art. The nearest airport is Chania International, 67 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Just 50 metres from the beach and 1 km from Rethymno Town, Archipelagos Hotel is set on a hillside with panoramic views over the Cretan Sea and the Venetian Castle. Facilities include an outdoor communal pool and private pools, a pool bar and free WiFi.
All spacious and air-conditioned studios and apartments at Archipelagos Hotel open to a furnished balcony. Most units offer direct views of the Cretan Sea and the town.
Guests will find a lot of restaurants at a distance of 500 metres and a mini market 200 metres away. The central bus station connecting to the rest of Crete is 500 metres away, while Chania International Airport is 70 km from the property. Free parking is available on site.
from
€81
/night
Situated in Rethymno Town, 600 metres from Koumbes Beach and 2.2 km from Rethymno Beach, Harmonia Home offers air conditioning. It features city views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near Harmonia Home include Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Municipal Garden and Centre of Byzantine Art. The nearest airport is Chania International, 68 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€81
/night
Situated in Rethymno Town and only 700 metres from Koumbes Beach, The Fairview House features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
This apartment features 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with a bath. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The apartment offers a hot tub.
Popular points of interest near The Fairview House include Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Municipal Garden and Centre of Byzantine Art. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 68 km from the accommodation.
Find below list of beaches near Koumbes beach:
Rethymno beach is the organised town beach of Rethymno, a strip of golden sand and shallow, clear water on the city’s seafront about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. Rethymno beach forms the westernmost edge of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront, which runs east from the harbour toward Skaleta. The beach stays busy through the day yet rarely feels packed, and the seafront road, Eleftheriou Venizelou, runs right alongside it for an evening walk.
Rethymno beach sits on the north coast of Crete, at the edge of Rethymno town. Rethymno beach is a short walk east along the seafront from the old town and the Venetian port. You can keep walking east past the town beach toward the suburbs of Perivolia and Platanes and on to Skaleta, since the town beach is the western end of the bay’s continuous sandy beachfront.
Rethymno beach is well organised, with amenities lined up along the sand and the promenade behind it:
The beach is wheelchair accessible, sits on a paved road, and is served by local buses, so you can reach it without a car.
The water is shallow and clear, which makes the beach suitable for swimming and a safe choice for families with children. The sea surface can turn choppy when the wind picks up, so calmer mornings are the easiest time to swim. In peak season the beach fills quickly, and arriving early is the surest way to get a spot with shade.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three most important nesting areas for the species, with more than 400 nests recorded here each year. During nesting season you may see roped-off patches of sand where eggs have been found and protected, so keep clear of the marked areas and leave them undisturbed.
Reaching Rethymno beach is simple. Walk east from the old town and the Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road that runs beside the sand. A car makes it easy to reach the quieter beaches further east along the bay and the villages inland; you can arrange one through car rental in Crete.
Rethymno beach is on the north-coast seafront of Rethymno town in Crete, about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. It is the westernmost part of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront.
Yes. The water is shallow and clear, which suits both swimmers and children. The surface can get choppy on windy days, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Yes. The shallow, clear water, the lifeguard service and the cafes and facilities along the promenade make it a practical choice for families with young children.
The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, a seasonal lifeguard, showers, changing rooms, water sports, and beach bars, cafes and restaurants along the seafront. It also holds Blue Flag status.
You can walk east from the old town and Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road beside the beach. The beach is also wheelchair accessible.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Roped-off patches of sand mark protected nests where eggs have been found, so swimmers are asked to keep clear of them.
The beach is busiest in peak summer, when it fills quickly during the day. Arriving early in the morning is the surest way to find shade and a quieter spot, and mornings also tend to have the calmest water.
Three neighbouring suburbs of Rethymnon, Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias (also known as Platanes) are situated 3-5km west of the city. Initially independent settlements, they have been subsumed into Rethymnon’s urban region due to expansion in residential development.
A lengthy sandy beach, part of Rethymnon bay’s expansive beachfront, extends in front of these suburbs. The beach begins near Rethymnon’s harbour and continues eastwards for 13km until reaching Skaleta. The beach is well-maintained and offers a wide selection of food, drink, and lodging options.
A notable feature of this beach, like the entirety of the vast beachfront, is the nesting activity of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. These turtles, protected by international law, lay their eggs in the sand. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three critical habitats for Caretta caretta, with over 400 nests documented annually.
Kamari Beach is situated roughly 7km west of Rethymnon, close to Gerani village, at the entrance of Vederi Gorge. The coastal highway linking Chania and Rethymnon runs adjacent to the beach and over the Gerani bridge.
The beach is relatively compact, featuring pebbles and rocks in certain areas, making it a favourite among snorkelers. Despite being exposed to frequent northerly winds, it offers some amenities such as a few umbrellas, taverns, and rooms. Additionally, a quaint harbour and the charming Panagia Kamariani church can be found nearby.
A short distance south of the beach, one can find the sealed entrance to the Gerani cave, a significant archaeological site in central Crete, discovered unexpectedly during the construction of the main road. Moreover, visitors can explore the scenic narrow streets of Gerani village and visit the St George church along with several smaller churches.
Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, form a trio of suburbs that adjoin the city of Rethymnon, and are situated 3-5km west of the city. Previously individual settlements, they have now merged into Rethymnon’s urban district due to the growth of residential areas.
A sprawling sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of a 13km long coastal strip that begins near Rethymno’s harbour and reaches as far as Skaleta beach. This well-maintained beach offers a wide variety of options for dining, drinking, and lodging. Along this extensive stretch of coastline, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) come to nest. These turtles are at risk of becoming extinct, but the Rethymno Gulf stands as one of the three most crucial habitats for the species in Greece, hosting an average of over 400 nests each year.
The name Misiria originates from the Arabic term ‘Misr’, referring to a suburb of Cairo known for its fertile soil. In a similar vein, Misiria is so named due to its productive land, which continues to yield a bounty of vegetables.
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