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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.
Get directions to Polirizos beach
Polirizos beach is located in the southern part of the island of Karpathos, Greece.
Yes, Polirizos beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it safe for swimmers of all levels.
No, there are no water sports available at Polirizos beach. However, visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the clear waters.
Yes, Polirizos beach is family-friendly. The shallow waters and soft sand make it a great spot for families with children.
The best time to visit Polirizos beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments near Polirizos beach, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Polirizos beach, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
The water colour of the Polirizos beach is blue.
The Polirizos beach has sand.
The water depth of the Polirizos beach is normal.
The sea surface at the Polirizos beach is usually calm.
The Polirizos beach usually has normal crowds.
The Polirizos beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and showers.
The Polirizos beach can be accessed via a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Polirizos beach.
Find below list of things to do near Polirizos beach:
Phoenix Dive Club was the first PADI dive centre founded in Crete and has been training divers on the south coast at Plakias for more than 25 years. It holds PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort status, one of the highest rankings PADI awards a dive centre, and runs the full range of PADI courses from a first breath underwater through to professional qualifications.
The centre is built around teaching rather than day trips. Four things define it.
First is the course range. As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort, Phoenix can offer every PADI course available, from first-time discovery dives through open water certification to specialities and professional levels. Second is the teaching style, which the centre describes as personalised, easygoing and professional rather than processed in batches. Third are the instructors, every one of whom began their diving career at this centre, which is unusual and says something about how it is run. Fourth is the specialisation: whether you want to learn about underwater plants and animals or to add technical skills, there is a course rather than a generic dive.
Twenty-five years of continuous operation on the same coast is the relevant number here, this is the established dive school of south Crete, not a seasonal operation.
The centre works the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit.
PADI courses available at a 5 Star Gold Palm resort include:
Course content follows PADI standards, taught by instructors who trained at the centre themselves.
We recommend Phoenix for the thing that matters most when you are learning to dive: the track record of whoever is teaching you. This was the first PADI centre established in Crete, it has run for over 25 years, and it holds 5 Star Gold Palm status. When you are about to breathe underwater for the first time, that history is worth more than a discount.
The south coast location is a genuine advantage. Plakias faces the Libyan Sea with sheltered bays and clear water, and it is far quieter than the diving on the north coast, which means smaller groups in the water and better visibility on most days.
The instructor detail is the one we would point at specifically. Every instructor at the centre started their diving career there, which means they were trained to the same standard they now teach. In an industry where seasonal instructors move between centres each summer, that continuity is rare.
Two things to note.
The centre’s strength is courses rather than one-off boat trips. If you want a single fun dive between beach days, ask what is running; if you want to come away certified, this is the kind of place built for it.
Contact the centre directly for current course dates, prices and availability, schedules on the south coast are seasonal and worth confirming before you travel.
Contact them before you travel, plan the days you need, and pick the season carefully.
Phoenix Dive Club is based at Plakias on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit and operates as a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort.
Contact the centre directly for course schedules, prices and availability: isabellapapadaki@yahoo.gr, +30 693 233 6525.
Phoenix was the first PADI dive centre founded in Crete and has been training divers for over 25 years.
It is one of the highest rankings PADI awards a dive centre, and it allows the centre to offer every PADI course available.
Yes. The centre runs discovery dives for people with no experience, alongside full certification courses.
Phoenix Dive Club is based at Plakias, on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit facing the Libyan Sea.
Every instructor began their diving career at this centre, and all teaching follows PADI standards.
Contact the centre directly by email or phone for current course dates, prices and availability.
Discover Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to the more famous Samaria Gorge. Although the Imbros Gorge is smaller, many people prefer to cross here because it offers a very different hiking experience than the Samaria Gorge. After your tour, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and lunch at a village taverna.
Enjoy hotel pickup and arrive at Imbros around 10 AM. Have breakfast and then hike about 2.5 hours to discover the beauty of this narrow natural passage. Learn about the rock formations and the legend of the 2 brothers that Imbros is named after.
For many years, the Imbros Gorge served as part of the trail that connected Chania to Hora Sfakion. Stroll through a piece of World War II history, as you walk where thousands of British soldiers passed through after the Battle of Crete to get to Egypt.
End your hike in Komitades Village and then depart for Sfakia. Take a swim in the refreshing Libyan Sea and eat lunch with the locals in the taverns before returning to your hotel.
This day trip walks the 7 kilometres of Imbros Gorge from the mountain village of Imbros down to Komitades, then spends two hours at Frangokastello on the Libyan Sea. Imbros Gorge forms part of the E4 European long-distance trail, its vertical walls rise to 300 metres, and the route follows sections of the old cobbled road that once linked Sfakia with northern Crete. Io Tours runs it over 9 to 10 hours from €28.80, with a 4.48 rating across 56 reviews.
The day splits cleanly in two: a downhill walk in the morning, a beach in the afternoon. Three stages fill it.
First comes the drive, roughly 90 minutes from the Chania coast up to Imbros at 800 metres in the White Mountains. Second is the gorge itself, 7 kilometres of descent on a well-maintained and relatively easy trail, past rare plants, unusual rock formations and the narrowest sections where the walls close to a few metres. A licensed trekking guide walks with the group. Third, the coach meets you at Komitades and continues to Frangokastello, where you get about 2 hours to swim below the Venetian fortress.
The walk is downhill throughout, which is why it suits most fitness levels despite the distance.
The route crosses the White Mountains from the north coast to the south, and four of its points have their own page here.
The fare covers the coach and the guide, and it leaves out the gorge ticket and all food.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend Imbros as the gorge to walk if you only walk one. Samaria takes 16 kilometres and a full day of concentration; Imbros gives you the same sensation, the cliffs narrowing overhead, the old mule road underfoot, the Libyan Sea at the bottom, in 7 downhill kilometres. Pairing it with Frangokastello is the right call too, because ending a mountain walk in warm shallow water is a better afternoon than a coach ride home.
The reviews point at the operator’s care rather than the scenery. One German guest described being given a detailed briefing on the route and having their footwear inspected and assessed before setting off, that is not standard practice, and it tells you how the guides approach the day. Guides are named repeatedly across nationalities: Dafni, Cristina, Irini all appear by name, praised for knowledge and for looking after everyone. Another reviewer called the guide a gorge specialist.
Reviewers also mention the pick-up running precisely to time, with 32 pick-up points along the north coast, and several describe the lunch at the taverna at the gorge exit, local beer, and a pancake with cheese and thyme honey, as a highlight in its own right.
Three things to know before booking.
The rock is slippery. Two separate reviewers flag it, and the operator’s own notes say the path can be slippery in sections. Hiking shoes are not optional here, and the footwear check exists for a reason.
The day is long for the walking in it. At 9 to 10 hours door to door with a 90-minute drive each way, the 7-kilometre hike and 2 hours of beach sit inside a lot of coach time. One reviewer wanted more time hiking and more at the beach.
Guiding style varies. One reviewer wanted more history about the village and the gorge’s function; another, on a different day, felt the guide talked a bit too much. Both rated the trip four stars.
Wear proper hiking shoes, carry the €5 in cash, and pack swimwear in the same bag.
You are contacted by email with your pick-up location and time. Pick-up covers 17 named areas along the north coast west and east of Chania; ask the operator if you are staying elsewhere.
Bring swimwear, snacks, sunscreen, water and hiking shoes. Smoking, littering and intoxication are not permitted on the tour. Some sections of the path are slippery.
The hike covers 7 kilometres, walked downhill from Imbros at 800 metres to Komitades near the south coast.
The trail is relatively easy and well maintained, descending throughout, though the operator warns some sections are slippery and reviewers recommend firm-soled hiking shoes.
The €5 entrance fee is not included and is paid in cash at the gorge.
You get about 2 hours at Frangokastello, enough to swim and see the Venetian fortress before the return drive.
The walls of Imbros Gorge reach up to 300 metres, narrowing to a few metres across at the tightest points.
No food or drink is included. A taverna at the gorge exit serves lunch at your own expense, and reviewers rate it highly.
Check dates and prices for the Imbros Gorge hike from Chania.
Our driver will lead you south through the Askifou Mountains to the village of Imbros. But first there will be a short stop for refreshment in a charming tavern. The walk will last about two hours since the gorge is 8 km long. The end of the gorge is close to Komitades Village. The bus will be waiting for you there and will take you to a beautiful beach. There will be time to swim and have lunch prior to returning.
This gentle hike is suitable for all those who are steady on their feet. It is also appropriate for families with children as well as fit elderly people.
Find below the list of hotels near Polirizos beach:
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.
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.
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
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
Villa Braou is quietly located amidst a well-tended garden with beautiful flowers in Rodakino village. It offers traditionally decorated accommodation opening out to a patio with Libyan Sea and garden views. Free WiFi access is available throughout.
Fitted with beamed ceiling, Villa Braou features handmade furniture. The living room comes with a fireplace and a flat-screen, satellite TV. There is a full kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. Featuring a bath, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
The scenic town of Rethymno is 47 km away and Chora Sfakia lies within 25 km. Chania Airport is at a distance of 90 km. Free public parking is provided nearby.
Featuring a private pool, Maistrali is a villa set in Rodakino village, in the Crete Region. Guests benefit from terrace and a seasonal outdoor pool. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
The two-bedroom, air-conditioned villa features a fully-equipped kitchen, two-bathrooms, a dining area and a living room. Flat-screen TVs is provided.
Other facilities include large gardens with flowers and trees, a veranda , BBQ and a patio.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 100 km from the property.
Find below list of beaches near Polirizos beach:
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.
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.
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.
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