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Rethymno beach is the organised town beach of Rethymno, a strip of golden sand and shallow, clear water on the city’s seafront. Rethymno beach sits about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port, so you can walk there from the centre in a few minutes without a car. It marks the westernmost end of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront, which runs east from the harbour toward Skaleta. Entry to the sand is free, and you pay only to rent a sunbed and umbrella. The beach stays busy through the day yet rarely feels packed, and the seafront promenade, Eleftheriou Venizelou, runs alongside it for an evening walk.
Rethymno beach lies 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. From there you can keep walking east past the town beach toward the suburbs of Perivolia and Platanes and on to Skaleta, because the town beach is the western end of the bay’s continuous sandy beachfront.
Rethymno beach is a well-organised beach, with amenities lined up along the sand and the promenade behind it. Entry to the beach is free, and you pay only for a sunbed and umbrella. The services along the shore include:
The beach is wheelchair accessible, sits on a paved road, and is served by local buses, so you can reach it without a car.
Rethymno beach is a safe choice for swimming, and its shallow, clear water suits families with young children. The sea faces open water, so the surface can turn choppy when the wind picks up, and calm mornings are the easiest time to swim. In peak season the sand fills quickly, and arriving early is the surest way to find shade and a quiet spot.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s 3 most important nesting areas for the species, with more than 400 nests recorded here each year. During nesting season, roped-off patches of sand mark protected nests where eggs have been found, so keep clear of the marked areas and leave them undisturbed.
Several more sandy beaches line the same bay on either side of Rethymno beach, listed below by distance.
Rethymno beach opens a single run of sand that continues about 13 kilometres east from the town harbour to Skaleta, and 7 more named beaches sit along it within 8 kilometres of the town. Loggerhead turtles nest on the whole of that shore rather than on the town beach alone. Only one of the group, Koumbes, lies on the western side of the city, so a walk or drive east keeps you on the same continuous beachfront.
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 seasonal lifeguard and the cafes and facilities along the promenade make it a practical choice for families with young children.
Yes. Entry to the beach is free, and you pay only to rent a sunbed and umbrella. Food, drinks and water sports along the seafront are charged separately.
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.
7 beaches lie within 8 kilometres of Rethymno beach. Pervolia sits 2.1 kilometres east, Koumbes 2.6 kilometres west, Misiria 2.7 kilometres east, Platanes 3.8 kilometres east, Adelianos Kambos 5.5 kilometres east, Pigianos Kambos 7.1 kilometres east and Kamari 7.3 kilometres east.
Koumbes is the one beach on the western side of Rethymno, 2.6 kilometres from the town beach. Its sand and fine pebbles face the Fortezza fortress, and it has a lifeguard service, tourist amenities and walkways along the coast.
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 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 quiet spot, and mornings also tend to have the calmest water.
Reaching Rethymno beach is simple, on foot from the old town and the Venetian port, by local bus, or by car on the paved road beside the sand. A car makes it easy to reach the quieter beaches further east along the bay and the villages inland on your own schedule. You can compare rates and pick up a vehicle for the trip through our car rental in Crete page.
Get directions to Rethymnon beach
Find below list of things to do near Rethymnon beach:
Discover the village of Loutro, named after the Greek word for “bath”, due to the many ancient baths in the area. Eat seafood and drink wine by the sea. Go for a swim in the warm blue sea. Marvel at the many famous white houses, and enjoy a relaxing sailing trip on a boat.
Begin the excursion and travel from Rethymno, known for its harbor with fishing boats, to Chora Sfakion. Then, sail for 20 minutes to the village of Loutro, on the south coast of Chania. After you arrive here, you can spend 5 hours exploring in your own free time to do whatever activities you want.
Go swimming in the clear blue waters of the sea. Eat some delicious local food such as fresh fish if you are hungry. Sip on wine by the sea. Also, admire the many white houses that make this place famous. Finally, board the boat and sail to Sfakia then return to Rethymno to finish your tour.
While in Rethymno don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sea, right at the main beach of the city. Book from a selection of watersports that are organized by experienced English-speaking crew and safe vessels.
You can choose between Slides, Banana, Crazy Sofa and Water-Ski. At the beginning, you will get safety measures training and the crew will be at all times attentive of your activity.
When booking please read through the options and the requirements if any. Please note that the starting time might vary by up to 30 minutes due to weather conditions or if it’s too crowded (for safety reasons).
Embark on a delightful 3-hour cruise along the tranquil east coast, where we’ll unveil the rugged pirate caves and the awe-inspiring “Camarola” arch, shaped by the relentless sea. Dive into the crystal-clear blue waters for a rejuvenating 30-minute swim directly from the boat. As we journey back to Rethymnon port, witness the grandeur of the Venetian fortress, “Fortezza,” and glide through the picturesque Venetian Port, adorned with timeless beauty. Experience nature’s wonders and historical charm on this unforgettable voyage.
Holidays on a yacht is a great opportunity to enjoy wonderful sea views, have a good time and take a bunch of pictures that will delight you for a long time. The boat trip starts in the morning from Rethymno Marina. Our premium class catamaran Lagoon 450F* can accommodate up to 20 passengers.
During the cruise, you can go snorkelling, swim on a sup board or just ride the waves on an inflatable flamingo. We provide guests with all the necessary equipment.
On board, we will treat you with Cretan white wine and Mediterranean cuisine with seafood**
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Embarking from Rethymno Marina, our voyage unfolds towards the west, offering a captivating panorama of the Fortezza, an emblem of the city’s rich history. Continuing our journey, we traverse the picturesque bay of Gerani before reaching the tranquil shores of Kefalas Bay, where an hour of leisure beckons. Here, indulge in the delights of swimming or snorkeling directly from the vessel, equipped with complimentary masks for your convenience. Upon our return, marvel at the enchanting caves of Kefalas and the venerable Venetian harbor, steeped in historical allure.
Discover a secluded culinary & wine tasting journey in a restaurant hanging from the side of a Cretan gorge. Indulge in the finest Greek wines, traditional Cretan dishes, and explore the history of this enchanting land. Reservations only.
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.
Platanes beach is a long, sandy, well-organised beach on Rethymno Bay, on the north coast of Crete, 3-5 km from the town of Rethymno. Platanes beach has shallow, light-blue water, sunbeds and lifeguards in season, and it is part of a protected nesting shore for loggerhead sea turtles. The sand runs in front of the Pervolia, Missiria and Platanias suburbs, which are also known together as Platanes, and joins the wider Rethymno Bay coastline that stretches about 13 km east from Rethymno harbour to Skaleta.
Platanes beach lies on Rethymno Bay, 3-5 km from the centre of Rethymno, where the suburbs of Pervolia, Missiria and Platanias meet the sea. Platanes beach sits near the start of a long sandy strip that runs about 13 km east along the bay to Skaleta. These three suburbs were once separate settlements that merged into the urban area of Rethymno over the last century. The nearest airport is Chania International, about 75 km to the west.
The sand at Platanes beach is soft and the water is shallow and light blue, so children can paddle safely close to the shore. The sea faces north and lies open to the wind, which keeps the water fresh but turns the calm morning surface wavy by the afternoon. Lifeguards watch the main organised stretch during the day in season, and a playground sits nearby for families. Mornings are usually the quietest and calmest time to swim.
Platanes beach is a well-organised beach with a full set of services along the sand. Platanes beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, and food and drink at the tavernas and cafes behind the shore. Water sports run from the beach in season, such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana-boat rides. The beach holds a Blue Flag, and you can reach it on foot, by bus from Rethymno, or along the paved coast road, with a handicap-friendly entrance and parking nearby for a fee.
Platanes beach is a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), a species protected by the Greek State. Rethymno Bay is one of the 3 most important nesting sites for the species in Greece, with more than 400 nests recorded each year. The turtles lay their eggs in the sand along the whole bay, so marked nests are sometimes roped off and visitors keep clear of them to protect the eggs.
The coast on either side of Platanes beach holds several more sandy beaches, listed below by distance.
Platanes beach sits just outside Rethymno, so buses from the town centre stop close to the sand and the paved coast road brings you to the door. A beach morning here fits easily with the old town of Rethymno, the turtle-nesting bays toward Skaleta, and the quieter coves further east. The simplest way to reach them all on your own schedule is by car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Platanes beach is on Rethymno Bay, 3-5 km from the centre of Rethymno, on the north coast of Crete.
Yes. The water is shallow and light blue, lifeguards watch the main stretch in season, and a playground sits nearby, so children can swim and play safely.
Platanes beach has sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, lifeguards in season, a Blue Flag, and food and drink at the tavernas and cafes behind the shore.
Yes. Water sports run from Platanes beach in season, such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana-boat rides.
Yes. Parking is available near Platanes beach for a fee, and town buses and the paved coast road also reach the sand.
Platanes beach lies on Rethymno Bay, one of Greece’s 3 most important nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtle, where more than 400 nests are recorded each year.
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