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Triopetra beach, nestled at the base of Mount Siderotas and 52km south of Rethymno, can be reached via paved roads leading from either Akoumia or Sachtouria. Part of the extensive Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, Triopetra got its name as a historical winter refuge for the inhabitants of Akoumia, who built small huts near their olive groves. Presently, most land and hotels in the area are owned by descendants of these Akoumia residents.
Triopetra boasts two distinct beaches, separated by a petite peninsula. The peninsula’s defining feature is the three spectacular rocks jutting out from the sea, giving Triopetra its name, which translates to “Three Rocks”.
The first beach, Small Triopetra or Koumado, resides in an enclosed bay lined with sand and rock to the south of the three rocks. Here, the Akoumianos river meanders into the sea, forming a natural boundary between Triopetra and the enchanting Agios Pavlos Sandhills at Cape Melissa. Small Triopetra hosts a handful of taverns and rooms, with umbrellas available for sun-seekers. Additionally, the southeast edge of the beach is home to a small harbour, known as Stomio or “mouth”, named after the river’s mouth meeting the sea. Just 1km northeast of the beach, the awe-inspiring chapel of Prophet Elias stands on a high hill, commanding an impressive view over Akoumiani Gialia.
Triopetra beach is located on the south coast of Crete, Greece, 52km south of Rethymno.
Yes, Triopetra beach is suitable for swimming, but visitors should be aware of the strong currents and waves.
No, there are no water sports available at Triopetra beach.
There are some natural shade areas available at Triopetra beach, but visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or sunshades.
No, Triopetra beach is not accessible for people with disabilities due to the steep and rocky terrain.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Triopetra beach where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.
No, camping is not allowed at Triopetra beach.
Yes, there are several hotels and apartments available near Triopetra beach for visitors who want to stay overnight.
The water colour of the Triopetra beach is blue.
The Triopetra beach has sand, pebbles, and fine pebbles.
The water depth of the Triopetra beach is normal.
The surface of the sea is usually wavy at the Triopetra beach.
The Triopetra beach is usually quiet.
The Triopetra beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and showers.
The Triopetra beach can be accessed via a paved road.
Find below list of things to do near Triopetra beach:
This is the trip to the treasure of the South Coast. In the morning, our bus will pick you up and drive you to a small bay from where a boat will carry us to the beautiful beach of Preveli in the Libyan Sea. At the beach, you will see a natural palm forest,
falls and a riverside. Everything around you makes you feel that you are on a tropical island. on the way back, we will pass the Kourtaliotiko Gorge with the pretty little churches built into the cliff.
Discover Preveli on this Land Rover safari from Rethymno. Admire the beautiful scenery, taste locally-produced raki, take a swim, and explore the palm forest at Preveli before returning to Rethymno.
Benefit from pickup at your hotel. Start by taking in a breathtaking view of the Prasses Gorge. Look for resident wildlife, including the impressive vultures that live in the gorge. Continue to the Potamon Dam and admire the small church built by the lake as a reminder of the importance of religion on the island.
Pass through typical villages, such as Karines and Spili and learn about the local customs and habits. Savor an authentic raki produced in the village along with other specialties at a traditional tavern overlooking the Libyan Sea. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Preveli and explore the palm forest.
Feel the wind in your hair as you get back to nature in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. End with a panoramic view of Rethymno before drop off at your hotel.
On this unforgettable beach tour we visit the south of Crete and the beautiful beach Preveli . Our route starts around 08:00 in the morning from Heraklion areas, pick up service near the hotel.
Preveli is an idyllic and incredibly beautiful beach, where we have free time to enjoy a splendid swim in the crystal clear water of the Libyan Sea, to sunbathe and relax as well as to undertake an adventurous walk through the tropical palm tree forest or have a coffee.
Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows.
About 20:00 we will be back at Heraklion.
There are 3 options from which you can choose:
-Preveli Palm Beach
-Preveli Palm Beach & Rethymno City
-Preveli Palm Beach – Damnoni Beach & Rethymno City
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 beaches, 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 the sandy beaches.
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.
Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka. What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees. Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve.
Kourtaliotiko gorge is believed to have been used as a natural fortress by the ancient Minoans, who lived on the island of Crete more than 4,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the gorge was used as a route for transporting goods between the towns of Plakias and Koxare.In modern times, Kourtaliotiko gorge has become a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to explore its rugged landscape and take in the stunning views. The gorge is also a
popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Despite its popularity, the gorge remains an important part of the local culture and traditions, and efforts are being made to preserve its natural beauty and cultural significance for future generations.
Damnoni beach in an idyllic bay just a few kilometres from the more famous resort of Plakias. It is about 35 km south of the city of Rethymno, on the southern coast of the island, on the southern coast of the island. The beach of Damnoni is backed by mountains and closed in by splendid rock formations, with white sand and turquoise waters.Another advantage of visiting Damnoni is that it is relatively uncrowded for most of the year.
Get off the road and out into the wilderness of southwest Crete on this 8-hour Land Rover safari of stunning mountains and remote beaches. A professional driver will navigate the difficult terrain, taking you to places inaccessible to other vehicles, while teaching you about Cretan culture.
The day starts with a drive through the wilderness, up to high altitudes, where you will get aerial views of the magnificent gorges. Look out for vultures and eagles high above. Pass through small traditional villages full of character, and make a brief stop for coffee at one of the remote mountain villages.
Back in the vehicle, drive through the mountains to the village of Spili, famous for its spring water. Located under the shadow of Mount Vorizi, the village has a Venetian fountain with a row of more than 25 lion heads supplying cold mountain water all year round. Stroll around the small shops selling handmade souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.
Continue along dirt tracks and bumpy roads through more villages, where time has virtually stood still. Passing Kerame, guests will see panoramic views of the southern Cretan coast and the Libyan Sea.
Stop for a swim at Preveli Beach to wash off the dirt and dust. Fringed with tall palm trees and boasting crystal clear water, Preveli is one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, and was chosen by Bacardi as an ideal location for its TV adverts. It is also the only beach in Crete where you can swim in cold mountain water or ocean water in the same place!
Working up an appetite, walk back from the beach and stop for a traditional Cretan meal with unlimited wine. After lunch, drive back into the mountains for more dramatic scenery, and more photos as you climb through the stunning Gorge of Kroustaliotico.
As you head back towards the end of the tour, look at a magnificent panorama of the entire city of Rethymno from the top of a mountain that can only be reached by Land Rover.
Find below the list of hotels near Triopetra beach:
Boasting garden views, Emmanuela House with garden & sea view – Triopetra features accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 1.5 km from Mikri Triopetra Beach. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, diving, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings and Emmanuela House with garden & sea view – Triopetra can arrange a car rental service.
Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Triopetra Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 95 km from Emmanuela House with garden & sea view – Triopetra, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, sea view and a terrace, TRIOPETRA VIEW 3 is located in Triopetra. With free private parking, the property is 400 metres from Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach and less than 1 km from Mikri Triopetra Beach.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom holiday home provides a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and toaster. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Triopetra Beach is 1.4 km from the holiday home, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 95 km from TRIOPETRA VIEW 3.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, sea view and a terrace, Triopetra View 1 is set in Triopetra. With free private parking, the property is 400 metres from Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach and less than 1 km from Mikri Triopetra Beach.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom holiday home offers a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and toaster. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Triopetra Beach is 1.4 km from the holiday home, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 95 km from Triopetra View 1.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a patio, Blue Horizon Anatoli is situated in Triopetra. It features a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
Triopetra Beach is 2.9 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 41 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 99 km from Blue Horizon Anatoli.
Situated in Triopetra and only 2.4 km from Triopetra Beach, Villa Mariva, south Crete, Triopetra features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2021 and has air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home has 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.
The reception at the holiday home can provide tips on the area.
Villa Mariva, south Crete, Triopetra offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Mikri Triopetra Beach is 2.6 km from Villa Mariva, south Crete, Triopetra, while Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach is 2.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 98 km from the holiday home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€197
/night
Situated in Triopetra and only 2.3 km from Triopetra Beach, Villa Zoe, south Crete, Triopetra features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2021 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The holiday home can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Villa Zoe, south Crete, Triopetra offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while cycling and pub crawls can be enjoyed nearby.
Mikri Triopetra Beach is 2.6 km from Villa Zoe, south Crete, Triopetra, while Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach is 2.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 98 km from the holiday home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€182
/night
Find below list of beaches near Triopetra beach:
Among the premier beaches in central Crete, the Melissa Cape Sandhills shine bright. Situated near Agios Pavlos, at the southern tip of the expansive Akoumiani Gialia coastline, this stunning location is approximately 55km south of Rethymno city. It’s framed by the beautiful Cape Melissa to the south, the Akoumianos river, and the Triopetra beach to the north. The deep sea here beckons swimmers, and the area’s secluded nature often leads to a variety of beachwear or a lack thereof. Locally, the beach is also known as Alatsogremi or “salt cliffs”.
The Melissa Cape Sandhills, arguably the most scenic beach in the Rethymnon prefecture, boast massive sand dunes nestled amidst a majestic, untouched landscape. A few scattered umbrellas offer shade, although natural refuge can be found in the rocky caves mid-beach. Despite its generous expanse, the beach rarely feels crowded, even allowing for nude bathing during peak season. A rich seabed makes it a snorkelling hotspot, although visitors should be aware of the frequent large waves due to western winds. The water temperature remains warm year-round, hardly dropping below 15 degrees Celsius, perfect for winter swims.
The area is famed for its breathtaking sunsets, providing a serene backdrop for a thriving yoga and Tai Chi club that boasts world-class trainers. The best view of the sunset can be found atop Thronos peak, overlooking the beach from towering cliffs. To reach it, follow the dirt track next to the junction of Agios Pavlos – Sactouria and Triopetra-Agios Pavlos roads, then hike to the cliff edge. This vantage point offers sweeping views of Paximadia islets, Gavdos Island, and the White Mountains.
Access to the Sandhills is straightforward. Head west from Triopetra harbour (Stomio) for about 500m until you reach the beach on your right, with the Akoumianos river below. Park your vehicle here and make your way down to the beach through the valley near the river. Alternatively, you can park in Agios Pavlos and take the short 5 to 10-minute trail behind the western edge of the Agios Pavlos beach, which descends down a steep sandy slope.
Agios Pavlos, a quaint seaside village, lies 58km south of Rethymnon city and to the west of Agia Galini, situated conveniently close to the extremity of Cape Melissa. The village, mainly owned by locals from nearby Sachtouria, can be accessed via a scenic drive from there. This hidden gem nestled in a shielded bay is perfect for serene family getaways.
A breathtakingly beautiful beach with emerald deep waters and an impressive rocky seabed characterizes the bay. Several accommodations and taverns dot the area near the beach, offering various amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and pedal boats. An intriguing point of interest here is the quaint church of Saint Paul perched above the beach. Legend has it that Saint Paul resided here during his voyage to Rome – a folklore shared by other regions in Crete such as Kali Limenes and Selouda.
The village’s beach is certainly picturesque, yet some visitors choose to lodge and dine in Agios Pavlos, preferring to swim in the nearby stunning beach known for its enormous sandhills. This beach, referred to as Akoumiani Gialia or Melissa, lies beyond the western rim of the Agios Pavlos bay. Although it’s often wavy, it’s considered one of Rethymno prefecture’s finest beaches, accessible via a pathway originating from Agios Pavlos.
The vibrantly coloured geological rock folds at the Apoplystra location, situated between Agios Pavlos village and Melissa’s Sandhills, are incredibly striking and have been recommended for inclusion in Greece’s Natural Monuments list.
Situated 51km to the south of Rethymno and 7km below the village of Kerames, Ligres is nestled at the base of the grand Siderotas mountain. It forms the northern segment of the Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, which runs from the cape of Mellissa to the south.
Ligres is an expansive beach graced with rough sand and a spectacular deep sea. Its somewhat challenging access has thankfully deterred the encroachment of tourism, preserving it as one of the most serene, secluded and pristine beaches on the island. Although the beach is not developed, there are a few taverns and rooms available on its western side accessible via a poorly maintained asphalt road. At the beach’s western tip, there is a stunning waterfall that boasts a year-round water supply, cascading right next to the sea.
Beyond the northern end of the beach, also known as Katsouni, lies a secluded beach favored primarily by nudists. Despite its seclusion, there are numerous spots along this vast, uninhabited beach where nude swimming is possible. It’s worth venturing along the beachfront to Triopetra, up to the Xiromilia area, to marvel at the astonishing rock formations. In the heart of Ligres, a remarkable reddish boulder stands out near the sea.
Louros, nestled between the settlements of Agios Georgios and Agios Pavlos, is characterized by its rocky terrain and a collection of small, pebbly beaches. A scenic coastal road provides stunning views of the two Paximadia islets. Heading west from Agios Georgios, travelers will encounter the quaint beaches of Armenopetra, named after a solitary boulder found in the sea. These beaches offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Two kilometers before reaching Agios Pavlos, another beach, either known as Agios Markos or Ligiolakos, is found across from the rock known locally as Prasonisi. The waters here are typically tranquil, making it a favorite spot for local families from Melambes. The seabed is also a great place for snorkeling and spearfishing. Further east of Prasonisi, more similar beaches can be found, usually accessed on foot.
The next beach, Aniforas or Vigdolidi, is difficult to reach due to private property blocking the path. The beach is situated near a striking rocky cape, and while the beach itself is unremarkable, the towering rock formation provides excellent photo opportunities.
The final beach, located 500m east of Agios Pavlos, is positioned at the mouth of a stream. Ancient Cretan date palm trees, known as Theophrastus, line the banks of the stream, giving the pebbly beach its name – Finikidia.
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