Skinaria beach
Beach description
Located 33km south of Rethymno and 3km south of the village of Lefkogia on Crete Island, you’ll find the small, serene beach of Skinaria (or Shinaria). The beach is situated in the eastern part of the broader Plakias area. Skinaria boasts soft, grey-beige sand and fine pebbles, complemented by the crystal blue depths of the sea. The sea bed is primarily rocky, though the northern part of the beach features sandy terrain.
The area is teeming with life, both terrestrial and marine. Freshwater ponds dot the beach, fed by springs from the Kouroupa mountain. These ponds have fostered lush vegetation around them, giving the area a tropical landscape feel. The local inhabitants claim that the marine life is as vibrant as the terrestrial, and indeed, Skinaria’s seabed is one of the richest on the island. It is home to an abundance of marine creatures, including huge morays, blackfish, and octopuses. Furthermore, the water’s clarity is remarkable, often exceeding 40m horizontally, making it a popular spot for scuba diving centres in Crete.
The beach offers minimal organization, with a local tavern providing a few umbrellas and refreshments. On our last visit, umbrellas and sunbeds were complimentary with a refreshment purchase. Access to the beach is via a narrow, 2km road that begins in Lefkogia. Along the way, an awe-inspiring cylindrical cave can be spotted within a rock on your left.
Beach details
Most frequent asked questions
What is the location of Skinaria beach?
Skinaria beach is located on the eastern coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos.
Is Skinaria beach suitable for swimming?
Yes, Skinaria beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Are there any water sports available at Skinaria beach?
No, there are no water sports available at Skinaria beach. However, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Is Skinaria beach family-friendly?
Yes, Skinaria beach is family-friendly. The water is shallow and calm, making it safe for children to swim. There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby.
Is there any accommodation available near Skinaria beach?
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments available near Skinaria beach. Visitors can choose from a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Is Skinaria beach accessible by public transport?
Yes, Skinaria beach is accessible by public transport. Visitors can take a bus from Zakynthos town to Skinaria beach.
Is there any parking available at Skinaria beach?
Yes, there is a small parking area available at Skinaria beach. However, it can get crowded during peak season, so visitors are advised to arrive early.
Are there any hiking trails near Skinaria beach?
Yes, there are several hiking trails near Skinaria beach. Visitors can explore the nearby hills and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.
What is the water colour of the Skinaria beach?
The water colour of the Skinaria beach is turquoise.
What type of sand can be found on the Skinaria beach?
The Skinaria beach has fine pebbles and rocks in some places.
What is the water depth like at the Skinaria beach?
The water depth at the Skinaria beach is normal.
What is the surface of the sea like at the Skinaria beach?
The sea surface at the Skinaria beach is usually calm.
Is the Skinaria beach usually crowded?
Yes, the Skinaria beach is a crowded place.
What facilities are available at the Skinaria beach?
The Skinaria beach has accommodation options, food and water nearby, umbrellas and beds, and sports facilities.
How can the Skinaria beach be accessed?
The Skinaria beach can be accessed via a paved road.
Is the Skinaria beach nudism friendly?
Yes, the Skinaria beach is nudism friendly.
What activities are ideal for the Skinaria beach?
The Skinaria beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Review stats
Skinaria beach has received 0 reviews with an average rating of out of 5
User reviews
Other beaches in the area
- 540 m
- White Sand
- Normal
- Turquoise
- 1.1 km
- 2.1 km
- Rocks in places
- Deep
- Deep blue
Things to do near Skinaria beach
- 11.9 km
Stays near Skinaria beach
- 7.7 / 10
- Lefkogia
Within 150 metres from Ammoudi Beach, surrounded by palm trees and overlooking the Libyan Sea, Ammoudi Hotel offers accommodation complimented with Wi-Fi in public areas. The picturesque village of Lefkogia is 1.5 km away.
It is located in an area that offers a wealth of culture and history, less than 5 km from the lively fishing village of Plakias and 27 km south of Rethymno.
Ammoudi Hotel units are air-conditioned and the apartments have fully equipped kitchenettes. Continental breakfast is served at the hotel’s restaurant with beautiful views of the sea and gardens.
Guests enjoy discounted rates at a nearby diving centre.
- 540 m
- 9.5 / 10
- Schinaria beach road
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa 7 Seas – With Amazing View is located in Lefkogeia. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The 4-bedroom villa comes with a living room with a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and 4 bathrooms with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Schinaria Beach is 1 km from the villa, while Ammoudi Beach is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 90 km from Villa 7 Seas – With Amazing View.
from
€646
/night
- 960 m
- 10 / 10
- Shinaria
Situated in Damnoni, within 1.1 km of Schinaria Beach and 1.8 km of Ammoudi Beach, Venus Hill Studio with private pool by the sea features accommodation with a terrace and free WiFithroughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is located 32 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, 50 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 32 km from Municipal Garden. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.1 km from Kleisidi Beach.
At the guest house, the rooms come with a balcony. All rooms have a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen.
Venetian Harbour is 32 km from Venus Hill Studio with private pool by the sea, while Centre of Byzantine Art is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 90 km from the accommodation.
- 1.1 km
- 7.1 / 10
- Damnoni
Mythos villas has pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Damnoni, 200 metres from Damnoni Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, go snorkelling or fishing or relax in the garden.
Ammoudaki Beach is 700 metres from Mythos villas, while Kleisidi Beach is less than 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 86 km from the accommodation.
from
€183
/night
- 1.3 km
- 8.3 / 10
- Damnoni beach, 740 60, Greece
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Isla Beach House, a Timeless Retreat, By ThinkVilla is situated in Damnoni. This beachfront property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The villa can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
At Isla Beach House, a Timeless Retreat, By ThinkVilla guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, cycling, fishing and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a car rental service.
Damnoni Beach is 600 metres from Isla Beach House, a Timeless Retreat, By ThinkVilla, while Kalypso Beach is less than 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 86 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€59
/night
- 1.3 km
- 8.9 / 10
- Damnoni
The family-run Mythos Apartments is 50 metres from the beach of Damnoni. It offers self-catering rooms with furnished balcony, and an all-day restaurant with sea views.
The air-conditioned units have a dining table and a sofa. Kitchenette equipment includes a fridge, sandwich maker, coffee maker and kettle. A hairdryer and a satellite TV are also provided.
The beaches of Plakias, Souda and Preveli are reached within a 5-minute drive. Mythos Apartments is 1 km from Plakias centre and 30 km from the port of Rethymnon.
Guests can prepare their own meals, or take their breakfast, lunch or dinner at the hotel’s seaside restaurant, while enjoying the view of the sea.
Wi-Fi is free in public areas. Mythos guests benefit from special rates on car rental service, and free parking is available on site.
- 1.3 km
