Pera Galini beach
The secluded Pera Galini bay, positioned 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, is found near the village of Sisses. Most locals on Crete associate the name “Pera Galini” with the local garbage disposal facility that caters to the waste of Heraklion city. The presence of a nearby beach, although significantly degraded by the adjacent landfill, is known to only a handful of people.
Two nearby beaches can be accessed through a poorly maintained dirt road originating from the highway near Sisses. These beaches, while secluded and exposed to northern winds, occasionally host swimmers from the local area. Notwithstanding the rocky terrain, the beaches are sandy. The sea was heavily polluted years ago due to the nearby disposal centre, but recent improvements to the landfill have restored cleanliness and made the waters somewhat safe for swimming.
At the east end of the longest beach, the small cape of Kefali is found. There you will find the ruins of a Minoan settlement believed to have been a significant port in the area. Ongoing excavations, marked by plastic covers that resemble greenhouses, have unearthed a sanctuary. It is believed that an earthquake was the cause of the settlement’s ruin.
Near the beach, the remnants of an old monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony can also be found. Only the chapel of the once-thriving religious center remains. It’s speculated that the monastery was abandoned during the Venetian era due to relentless pirate attacks. The monastery is situated near a picturesque river lined with platan trees. However, the water is polluted due to its proximity to the landfill.
Beach details
- Sand
- Blue
- Normal
- Usually wavy
- Tranquil
- Dirt track
Location
Pera Galini beach is located at Pera Galini beach, in the Rethymno region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
