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The golden sands and crystal clear shallow waters of Rethymno city’s beach, located a mere 500m east of the city’s core and adjacent to the Venetian port, are truly captivating. The well-organized beach is conveniently located near the city’s amenities and is the westernmost edge of Rethymno Bay’s 13km beachfront that extends eastwards to Skaleta. Despite being constantly bustling with activity, the expansive beach never feels excessively crowded. The city’s seafront road, Eleftheriou Venizelou Str., which runs parallel to the beach, provides an idyllic setting for evening strolls.
The beach offers numerous services including umbrellas, lifeguards, beach bars, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. A noteworthy fact about this beach is the presence of the loggerhead sea turtle (Carretta carretta) that nests here. Therefore, don’t be surprised to encounter roped-off areas; these are spots where eggs have been discovered and are safeguarded from swimmers. With over 400 nests annually, Rethymno Gulf ranks among Greece’s three most significant loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites.
Rethymnon beach is a popular beach located in the city of Rethymnon on the island of Crete, Greece.
The length of Rethymnon beach is approximately 12 kilometers.
Yes, Rethymnon beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and clean.
Yes, there are various water sports available at Rethymnon beach, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, Rethymnon beach is family-friendly. There are plenty of activities for children, such as playgrounds and water parks.
Yes, there is a promenade at Rethymnon beach. It is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Yes, Rethymnon beach is accessible for people with disabilities. There are ramps and special facilities available.
Yes, there is a nightlife scene at Rethymnon beach. There are many bars and clubs in the area.
Yes, Rethymnon beach can be crowded during peak season. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot on the Rethymnon beach.
The water colour of the Rethymnon beach is blue.
The Rethymnon beach has sand.
The water at the Rethymnon beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Rethymnon beach is usually wavy.
The Rethymnon beach usually has normal crowds.
The Rethymnon beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Rethymnon beach can be accessed by bus services, paved road, and is handicap friendly.
Yes, the Rethymnon beach is a seaturtle nesting point.
Find below list of things to do near Rethymnon beach:
The bus departs around 09:00 from Rethymno for the drive to Crete’s capital city of Chania, the most beautiful town on the island. Settled more than 4,000 years ago, Chania is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
On this full-day excursion you’ll have 5 hours to explore Chania, with plenty of free time for a romantic walk through the idyllic old town.
Visit historic neighborhoods, churches and museums and take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port for shopping, a cup Greek coffee and lunch (not included in the tour price).
At around 16:00 the bus will depart for the return trip to Rethymno.
In the morning, you’ll be picked-up at your hotel. Head out on an 8-hour safari, traveling both on and off-road, and take in the spectacular natural scenery of rural Crete. Visit remote villages and experience the traditional life of Crete.
Visit the famous Preveli Palm Beach and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional tavern. While you’re there you’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the Libyan Sea.
At the end of the safari, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Explore the island of Crete in a self-drive off-road vehicle. This Jeep Safari Tour is ideal for all age groups and it is a superb way of getting to know the magical island of Crete.
Spend the full day in an open-top jeep and take in unobstructed views of valleys, mountains and more. Experience the excitement of traveling off the beaten track and into the unique landscapes of Crete.
Your professional safari leader will guide you throughout the day, leading you to places that even local people haven’t seen. A stop for swimming is part of the program. You’ll also be served a typical Cretan lunch and enjoy sampling a selection of local specialties.
Hop in a Land Rover 4×4 vehicle for a full-day safari adventure and learn about Cretan traditions while indulging in delicious food. Tour the paradisical countryside and swim in the clear water of the South Cretan Sea.
Climb to an altitude of 1,100 meters and experience the quietness of the White Mountains and Cretan dances in a fascinating landscape. Keep an eye out for vultures that will take your breath away with their imposing appearance.
Visit an old village with a Byzantine Church and a café stocked with Cretan products, including herbs, raki, and honey. See a castle and swim in the pristine waters of the South Cretan Sea before heading to a tavern to try traditional dishes.
Discover the secrets of Creten olive oil at an old factory and learn how to identify various grades of olive oil.
Choose from a morning or afternoon Quad Bike safari, and benefit from a hotel pick-up from Rethymno, Bali, or Georgiopoulis. Journey to the base in Rethymno town and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment. Listen to a detailed briefing before you set off for some serious off-road fun.
Journey up into the mountains of Maroulas, and head for the summit for a 10-minute break to take in the panoramic views. Then, continue on your bike for another 20 minutes to reach a spot where you can relax over coffee at a traditional kafeneion (Greek coffee house).
Soak up the peace and quiet of Café Gidospito overlooking beautiful Lake Potami before making your way to the picturesque village of Prassies for a quick snack to refuel after your Quad Bike experience.
Return to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel to relax and freshen up after your dusty adventure.
Begin your adventure with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Rethymno.
Settle into our comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a scenic drive to Chania, guided by our knowledgeable expert who will share insights into Crete’s history and culture along the way.
Chania Exploration:
Arrive in Chania and start walking around the city’s most iconic sights, including the famous Venetian Harbor with its lighthouse, the bustling Agora (marketplace), and the maze of charming streets in the Old Town.
Discover the blend of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences that shape the city’s unique architectural tapestry.
Visit key historical sites and learn about Chania’s significance through various epochs, from ancient times to modern-day Crete.
Free Time in Chania:
Enjoy some leisure time to explore Chania at your own pace. Wander through the picturesque alleys, visit local shops for souvenirs, or relax in one of the waterfront cafes and taste traditional Cretan cuisine.
Take the opportunity to snap beautiful photos of the harbor, engage with friendly locals, or simply soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Return Journey:
Regroup in the late afternoon for the return trip to Rethymno.
Reflect on the day’s experiences as you enjoy a comfortable ride back to your accommodation, with the beauty of Crete’s landscape passing by your window.
This day tour from Rethymno to Chania not only unveils the historical and cultural riches of one of Crete’s most beloved cities but also offers a chance to experience the vibrant life and stunning scenery that make Chania a must-visit destination. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Chania’s captivating sights, guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories of Crete’s splendor.
Find below the list of hotels near Rethymnon beach:
Located 2.7 km from Koumbes Beach and 24 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Upper Samitos Rooms provides accommodation in Áyios Andónios. Free WiFi is providedthroughout the property.
All of the air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen and balcony.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Rethymno Beach, Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and Municipal Garden. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 70 km from Upper Samitos Rooms.
from
€71
/night
Hotel Leonidas is situated just 30 meters from the main beach, in the area of Kallithea, in Rethymnon. It offers a dining room and a bar.
The recently renovated hotel offers 25 air-conditioned studios and apartments with kitchenette facilities and Coco-Mat mattresses. Each has a satellite TV, free WiFi and private balcony, while most also feature a balcony. Some units include a seating area. A safe is provided upon an extra charge. A wired internet connection is also available upon surcharge.
Guests can take a refreshing swim in the outdoor swimming pool, which also features sun beds and umbrellas. A continental breakfast is served daily. A daily cleaning service is also offered, and a free ironing service is available upon request.
Leonidas Hotel provides guests with information on excursions, as well as a newspapers/books rack. Within proximity, guests will also find many restaurants, bars and mini markets.
from
€63
/night
Apartment on the Beach with View is a beachfront property set in Rethymno Town, a few steps from Rethymno Beach and 2.6 km from Koumbes Beach. It features city views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Municipal Garden and Venetian Harbour. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 70 km from Apartment on the Beach with View.
from
€95
/night
The eco-friendly Bio Suites Hotel stands in a quiet location, only 50 metres from the sandy beach in Rethymnon and a 10-minute walk from the Venetian harbour. It offers spa and fitness facilities, 2 swimming pools and a 24-hour front desk.
The 4-star hotel offers rooms and suites with double glazed windows. All units feature a microwave oven, satellite TV and wireless internet connection.
A Greek Breakfast including Cretan and Greek flavours is served at the main restaurant Ariadne, situated next to the swimming pool. The Greek Tavern serves a-la carte meals and snacks by the pool. A buffet-style dinner with Cretan, Greek and European dishes is prepared daily. The bar Nine Muses serves cocktails and drinks.
The spa area features a sauna, a hot tub, a fitness room and a steam room. Massages are also available. Children can play in the playground or swim safely in their own pool. A private space can be rented at the beach at extra charge.
from
€112
/night
Situated 1.2 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and a 14-minute walk from Venetian Harbour, MARDINIK HOTEL APARTMENTS features free WiFi and units fitted with a kitchen, balcony and seating area.
Every unit has a private bathroom with bath or shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a oven. There is also a fridge, stovetop and a coffee machine. Safety deposit boxes can be provided at an extra charge.
A car rental service is available at the aparthotel.
Popular points of interest near MARDINIK HOTEL APARTMENTS include Centre of Byzantine Art, Municipal Garden and Historical and Folklore Museum. Chania International Airport is 68 km away.
from
€75
/night
White swan offers accommodation in Kallithea of Rethymno. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The property offers bike hire and features a garden and outdoor pool.
At the hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at white swan.
Balíon is 32 km from the accommodation, while Rethymno Town is 1.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 69 km from white swan, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€125
/night
Find below list of beaches near Rethymnon beach:
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.
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.
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.
The suburbs of Pervolia, Missiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, are situated 3-5km to the west of Rethymnon city. Initially, these were independent settlements that have now merged into the urban region of Rethymnon, as a result of the residential growth over the previous century.
A vast sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of the extensive coastline of Rethymnon Bay. Originating near the Rethymno harbour, the beach stretches eastward for 13km until it reaches Skaleta. This well-maintained beach offers a wealth of options for food, drink, and accommodation.
Just like the rest of the lengthy coastline, this beach also serves as a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. These turtles are under the protection of the Greek State. Rethymno Bay is counted among the three most crucial nesting sites for this species in Greece, with more than 400 nests reported annually.
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