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Peristeres, situated 47km southwest of the city of Rethymnon, is nestled between the villages of Fragokastelo and Rodakino. This beach is a well-known spot among Greeks due to its association with Alexis Tsipras, the former Prime Minister of Greece, who loved this beach. The beach extends from the western side of Kastelos hill all the way to Agia Marina. It comprises two separate coves and is typically tranquil, given its less accessible location compared to nearby Korakas and Polirizos beaches. There are no amenities on the beach, only a few small taverns. The beach is pebbly with some rocky patches, and is often frequented by nudists and campers who find respite under the large carob trees.
In Greek, Peristeres translates to ‘pigeons’, a name originating from the small sea caves at Kastelos cape where pigeons nest. These caves, located beyond the eastern end of the beach, are strikingly beautiful with arches, massive boulders, and tiny sandy beaches inside. The sea bed, reminiscent of an aquarium, is a perfect spot for snorkelling.
This beach also holds historical significance as it was from here that German General Heinrich Kreipe was transported to Egypt. Kreipe, the general commander of the land forces of “Fortress Crete” or Festung Kreta, was captured in Heraklion by two British officers and Cretan resistance fighters. After evading German patrols and traversing the mountains, they reached the southern side of the island where a British Motor Launch picked them up on May 14, 1944. This daring operation infuriated Hitler and is considered one of the most audacious of the Second World War. A resident of Rodakino village still possesses Kreipe’s handcuffs. The bay was also used by allied submarines and destroyers to bring in supplies for the battle against the Germans.
To reach Peristeres, one can either take the paved road from Polirizos heading west and then turn left onto the first dirt road, or use the 4km dirt road that connects Lakki, near Skaloti village, with Polirizos.
Get directions to Peristeres beach
Peristeres beach is located in Greece, on the island of Skopelos.
Yes, Peristeres beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm.
No, there are no water sports available at Peristeres beach.
No, there is no restaurant or cafe at Peristeres beach.
Yes, Peristeres beach is accessible by car. There is a parking area nearby.
No, there is no fee to enter Peristeres beach.
No, there is no lifeguard on duty at Peristeres beach. Swimmers should exercise caution.
Yes, Peristeres beach is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm.
Yes, there is a walking trail near Peristeres beach that offers scenic views of the coastline.
The water colour of the Peristeres beach is blue.
The Peristeres beach has sand, with rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Peristeres beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Peristeres beach is usually calm.
The Peristeres beach is usually quiet.
Food and water are available nearby.
The Peristeres beach is accessible via a paved road.
The Peristeres beach is nudism friendly and ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing. There is also tree shade available.
Find below list of things to do near Peristeres beach:
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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
Discover one of the most famous beaches on the south coast of Crete. Travel through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge where you will stop to see the magnificent landscapes and the springs of the river Preveli that flow inside the gorge and which result in the river at Preveli Beach.
Visit the south of Crete and stop at the viewpoint above where you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view and take some fantastic pictures.
Enjoy a full-day excursion from Heraklion to Preveli Beach on a bus trip with a local guide. Discover South Crete’s Grand River, Kourtaliotikos Gorge, and a colony of Theophrastus palm trees. Sunbathe on the sandy beach, swim in the turquoise waters, watch for wildlife, or hike regional trails.
Begin your tour with a bus ride from the north coast to Preveli Beach, where you can swim in the turquoise Mediterranean water or stroll along the beach. Look for a rock shaped like a heart, known as The Stone of Lovers, and marvel at the steep cliffs and misty hilltops of nearby Kourtaliotikos Gorge.
Continue your tour by hiking along the banks of the Grand River to discover the Forest full of Theophrastus palm trees. Hike further up the river trail to a canyon and beach where you can further swim, hike, or sunbathe, before heading back down the path to the bus and returning to Heraklion.
10:45 Arrival at Preveli – free time
15:00 Departure from Preveli
16:50 Arrival in Heraklion
Route: 210 km
Duration: app. 7hours
See traditional villages, churches, mountains, gorges and beaches on this full-day tour from Rethymno.
Stop at Kournas, Crete’s only fresh-water lake. Enjoy a short drive through the countryside to the traditional village of Argyroupoli, where you can enjoy a cup of Greek coffee.
As the drive continues toward the island’s southern coast, notice the changes in the landscape. Just before the first glimpse at the Libyan Sea, stop at the Kotsifou Gorge and visit a beautiful old stone church.
Take a break at the Bay of Plakias and enjoy some time relaxing on the beach or exploring the village. On the way back to Rethymno, drive through the Kourtaliotis Gorge and admire the natural wild landscape.
Find below the list of hotels near Peristeres beach:
Within 250 metres from Polyrizos Beach in Rodakino, the family-run Horizon Studios – Apartments features amazing views over the Libyan Sea. It offers self-catering units with a sea-view balcony. Free WiFi is available throughout.
The simply decorated studios and apartments of Horizon have a kitchenette with fridge, cooking hobs and electric kettle. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning and a TV. The private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer.
Horizon Studios – Apartments is situated 37 km from Rethymno Town and Port and 3 km from Kato Rodakino Village. The famous Frangokastello is at 15 km, while Sfakia Village is 21 km away. Plakias is at 15 km. Free private parking is possible on site.
Golden Sun Apartments features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Rodakino, 200 metres from Polyrizos Beach.
Each unit comes with a terrace offering sea views, a cable flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
If you would like to discover the area, walking tours is possible in the surroundings and the apartment can arrange a car rental service.
Korakas Beach is less than 1 km from Golden Sun Apartments, while Peristeres Beach is a 11-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 94 km from the accommodation.
Featuring garden views, Argoules House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 45 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests at the holiday home can enjoy hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Fortress of Frangokastello is 7.1 km from Argoules House, while Municipal Garden is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 98 km from the accommodation.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Capostango House Agapi – Stunning Views of Libyan Sea is set in Áno Rodhákinon. It has mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Klimata Beach is 2.9 km from the apartment, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 92 km from Capostango House Agapi – Stunning Views of Libyan Sea, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
from
€96
/night
Salvia Luxury Collection Suites features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Skalotí, 400 metres from Lakkoi Beach.
The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and slippers. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A private beach area is available on site.
Viglistiri Beach is 2.5 km from Salvia Luxury Collection Suites, while Fortress of Frangokastello is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 90 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€218
/night
Boasting pool views, Villa Cosmakis offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 1.8 km from Klimata Beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings.
Korakas Beach is 2.2 km from Villa Cosmakis, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 38 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 92 km from the accommodation.
from
€131
/night
Find below list of beaches near Peristeres beach:
Situated 47km southwest of Rethymno and 84km south of Chania, nestled between Fragokastelo and Rodakino village, is Agia Marina. It is also 2km south of Argoules village. The beach presents a mix of sand, fine pebbles, and occasional rocky areas, making it an ideal spot for spearfishing and snorkelling. The beach is not organized, so it’s essential to bring your own necessities. Small canteens can be found at Peristeres beach, a short 3-5 minute walk to the east. The towering carob trees provide ample shade, especially on windless days.
To reach Agia Marina, follow the dirt road that connects Skaloti village (or Lakki beach) with Polirizos beach. Just before reaching Polyrizos, take the route to Peristeres beach and continue along the seaside dirt track until you arrive at Agia Marina. This same dirt road extends to Lakki beach.
The beach is named after the chapel of Agia Marina located on its shores. A small river, which draws water from the White Mountains through the Argoule gorge, flows into the beach year-round.
Rodakino, a village situated 45km southeast of Rethymno city, can be found at the mouth of the steep Rodakino canyon that cuts through the Kryoneritis mountain. This village lies a few kilometres west of the Plakias resort and east of Fragokastelo. Half a kilometre west of Rodakino’s primary beach, Korakas, you’ll find Polirizos beach, encircled by lush olive groves. To reach Polirizos, you need to follow the paved road heading west from Korakas, which runs along the coastline. After crossing a small sandhill and a few minor coves, you’ll encounter the tiny Polirizos settlement, complete with accommodations and taverns. A charming small beach with fine sand and serene, shallow waters extends in front of Polirizos.
This beach, which is slightly organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, is a perfect spot for children. The coastal road ends here due to the rocky Kastelos hill that rises on the western part of the coast and extends inland. On the hill’s other side, you’ll find the awe-inspiring long bay of Peristeres, which can be accessed by turning left approximately 500m after Polirizos.
Situated 45km southeast of the city of Rethymno, right on the edge of the steep Rodakino canyon that cuts through the Kryoneritis mountain, is the village of Rodakino. The village is nestled between the resort of Plakias to the west and Fragokastelo to the east. Rodakino, a traditional Cretan village, spreads on both sides of the gorge, creating two distinct settlements known as Kato and Ano Rodakino. From the village, one can enjoy the stunning views of the azure South Cretan Sea. The village derives its name, which translates to ‘peach’ in Greek, from a peach tree that managed to grow in the region’s arid climate. Some locals, however, believe the gorge was originally named Rikinthos, which over time morphed into Rodakino.
A few kilometres south of the village, where the canyon’s torrent meets the sea, lie several serene beaches. To reach them, one must follow the road leading to Korakas beach. Despite being blessed with an extensive beachfront, Rodakino has managed to preserve its traditional charm and tranquillity. The first beach you encounter at the end of the dry river is the Korakas beach, named after the Greek word for ‘crow’. It boasts of a long coastline with fine greyish pebbles and crystal-clear waters. There are a few amenities like umbrellas, taverns and rooms for rent. On the eastern end of the beach, there are hollowed-out rocks that locals believe once resembled a crow’s beak before being eroded by the sea and salt.
In the vicinity of Ano Rodakino, you’ll find the age-old churches of the Assumption, Transfiguration and Saint Panteleimon. Kato Rodakino is home to the old churches of St. George, Prophet Elijah and St. Anthony. Adventure seekers can follow the E4 trail to the summit of Kryoneritis Mount and then descend to Alones. At the peak, you’ll find the Church of the Holy Spirit, where a grand festival is held annually. According to local folklore, a shepherd discovered an icon of the Holy Spirit in a hole near the chapel, guided by the light of the Holy Spirit. The icon would mysteriously disappear when taken home and reappear at the same spot. This story led to the construction of the church. Moreover, the first flag of the Revolution was unfurled at the Kourkoulos site on May 24, 1821, by Melchizedek Tsouderos, the abbot of the Preveli monastery.
During the Cretan revolution of 1866, Korakas bay played a significant role as a landing spot for Greek cruisers unloading munitions, which were stored in the nearby Skotini cave. It was also the site where the famed steamship “Arcadi” made one of its final voyages to deliver munitions but was forced to retreat by the Ottomans.
Klimata, known for its vines, is a 45km journey south from the city of Rethymno, situated next to the popular Korakas beach, close to Rodakino village. Korakas and Klimata are divided by a brief, rocky cape. Klimata is a petite bay consisting of three sequential beaches. Rodakino’s small harbour is found on the bay’s west side, reachable via a cement-paved path that starts from Korakas. From here, the first beach is easily accessible, positioned just beside the harbour. To get to the other two beaches, one can either walk through the first beach or take the dust road that links Korakas to Souda beach in Plakias.
Klimata is not organised in any way, with only Korakas beach being so. All three beaches are known for their fine pebbles and transparent waters. In certain areas, the rocky sea floor is ideal for snorkelling. It’s likely that these beaches will be deserted, except for a handful of privacy enthusiasts or naturists. Klimata, meaning vines, is named after the vineyards that were once grown on the nearby slopes.
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