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Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Luz Villa next to the beach is set in Plakias. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Popular points of interest near the villa include Skinos Beach, Plakias and Foteinari Beach. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from Luz Villa next to the beach.
Find below list of things to do near Luz Villa next to the beach:
The best way to learn diving is with a dive center you can trust completely!
Phoenix Dive Club was the first PADI dive center to be founded in Crete. For over 25 years we have been training divers to a high level and created enthusiasts in this sport. Our outstanding diver training follows PADI standards and we enjoy an excellent reputation all over the world. Our instructors love diving and each one of them started their career in our dive center.
Our dive courses are very personalized, easygoing, and professional. As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort (one of the highest ranking for PADI dive centers) we can offer all PADI courses that are available. No matter, if you wish to broaden your knowledge about underwater plants or animals, or if you want to acquire new skills. We have the appropriate course for you.
Embark on a horseback riding adventure along the stunning landscapes of Damnoni, Ammoudaki, Klissidi, and Ammoudi. Traverse the scenic path and encounter the picturesque rural roads that lead you eastward along the coastline.
Begin your journey at the Horse Riding Center, where you will embark on a memorable experience through olive groves towards Damnoni beach. As you traverse the scenic path, encounter the picturesque rural roads that lead you eastward along the coastline.
Ride through the charming small beaches of Ammoudaki and Klissidi, providing a unique perspective of the coastal beauty. The views of the coast and the Libyan Sea are truly awe-inspiring, creating a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Mediterranean environment. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, this trip offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation along the enchanting East Coastline.
A day that will leave the best and warmest memories of Crete will start early in the morning. A transfer from the hotel will pick you up and take you to the team meeting point. If you have a driver’s license, you will be able to drive a jeep by yourself and experience extreme driving on off roads. However, if you do not have a driver’s license or you just want to relax, we will provide you with a driver.
You will spend the full day in an open-top jeep and take in views of valleys, mountains and more. You will pass through small traditional villages full of character and make a few stop for coffee at one of the remote mountain villages.
Our professional guide will guide you throughout the day, leading you to the best cretean places, that you have never seen before.
We will make a big stop near Plakias Beach. So you will be able to enjoy swimming in the crystal water of South Cretan Sea. After free time on the beach you will taste delicious BBQ.
On the road back you will visit incrediable place – Argioloupolis village.
Starting from the Horse Riding Center, the riders will head west through the olive groves, towards the 1.4 klm long, sandy beach of Plakias. As soon as they reach the coast, they will canter along the shoreline and while the Libyan sea breeze will be caressing their face.
Important Information
All our horses are well trained & behaved.
Οur horses are equipped with all the necessary gear to ensure the safety of the horse and the rider.
Highly experienced Guides or Escorts (depending on the riding level) accompany all trips.
We provide all the mandatory safety equipment for the riders as well.
Riding pace depends on the riders skills or/and preference.
Τhis trip is only available in the early morning hours.
Mandatory Equipment:
Safety Helmet
Optional Equipment:
Chaps
Safety Vest (for children)
Suggested Clothing:
Long, comfortable trousers
Closed-toe shoes
Riding Level: All
Our day begins in the morning with your pick up from your hotel. After our coach ride we arrive at the beautiful Damnoni beach, where our boat is waiting for us to take us on a 30-minute boat ride to our first stop of the day, the magnificent beach of Preveli. As we approach our destination, you will be amazed by the unique landscape surrounding us that consists of vertical cliffs of the gorge, the beautiful palm-tree forest and the crystal clear water of the beach. The Grand River ( Megalos Potamos ) that runs through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and then empties into the sea, makes the water cool and refreshing, ideal for an amazing swim break. On the banks of the river there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. Walk along the sandy beach, under the shade of the palm trees and experience the exotic side of Crete.
We then head back to Damnoni beach, a long bay with beautiful turquoise waters where you can continue your swim and have a delicious meal in one of the traditional restaurants located there.
Our last stop of the day is the lovely city of Rethymno. Mostly known for its Venetian fortress, called Fortezza, Rethymno is considered to be a jewel of the island. Whether you choose to scroll around the narrow streets or have a coffee next to its beautiful Venetian port, you will have an unforgettable experience!
Discover the raw beauty of Crete on this guided day tour from Rethymno to Preveli. Take the opportunity to visit Preveli Beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan Sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach. Relax ─ your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania.
Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride. Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli Beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain.
Connected to Preveli Beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited. Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forests, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge
Find below list of beaches near Luz Villa next to the beach:
Situated 36km to the south of Rethymno city, Plakias is a charming tourist haven nestled at the mouth of a fertile valley just beyond the Kouroupa range, where the Kotsifos river meets the sea. It owes much of its popularity to the impressive Gialia beach, stretching for 1.3km from the edge of the town to the east, ending at Cape Mouri. This fully-equipped beach, characterized by its crystal-clear, cool waters, is an ideal location for leisurely walks or cycling along the adjacent road. It features numerous hotels and restaurants, as well as beach essentials such as umbrellas, water sports facilities, beach volley courts, snack bars, changing rooms, and showers.
Paligremnos, the eastern portion of the beach, boasts fine sandy shores and is well-appointed with various amenities close to local accommodation and eateries. Noteworthy are the tall, vertical cliffs nearby that prove to be a magnet for climbing enthusiasts. This spot, also known as “Gonates” (knees), is steeped in local lore; it’s said that the epic hero Digenis knelt here to drink from a local spring. An intriguing phenomenon takes place here every full moon from September to January, as the moon’s reflection on the sheer cliffs draws large squids to the beach, which locals catch with long sticks. A few meters south of Paligremnos, you can also discover tunnels once used for transporting coal to waiting cargo ships.
Situated 37km south of Rethymno, nestled between Plakias and Souda’s beach, Fotinari (also known as Foteinari) offers two serene beaches resting in a compact bay rich with vegetation. The rocky seabed provides a perfect spot for fishing and snorkelling activities.
These adjoining pebbly beaches lack organisation, however, you can easily find accommodation and dining options nearby. As you approach from Plakias, heading towards Souda beach, the first beach you’ll encounter is the Small Fotinari, also referred to as Fotinaraki, due to its smaller size compared to the following beach, the Big Fotinari.
Both beaches are conveniently located near the main road, which runs directly over them. Two brief stone paths cut through a pair of small woods, leading straight to the beach. Additionally, Big Fotinari offers shade beneath the towering rocks that surround it.
Kalypso Beach sits on the southern coast of Crete, 34 kilometres (21 miles) from Rethymno. Kalypso beach has steep cliffs, narrow passages, and deep water. Kalypso Beach provides scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, hiking, cliff-jumping from 10-meter heights, and biking. Kalypso Dive Center provides tours and diving equipment. Access to Kalypso Beach is free via Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa. Hotel guests receive complimentary sunbeds. The area functioned as a pirate hideout during the Byzantine era.
Kalypso Beach is suitable for families with kids, but it best fits older children who swim confidently. Younger children benefit more from shallow beaches like Damnoni and Plakias. Dogs are allowed at Kalypso Beach. The best time to visit Kalypso beach is from June to September, this time offers ideal conditions, with sea temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). May and October remain suitable for swimming at Kalypso Beach, with temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F).
Car rentals and taxis provide the fastest access to Kalypso Beach from all major Crete towns like Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Bus and taxi transfers operate from Rethymno and Plakias. A taxi ride from Rethymno costs 128 € ($138, £110). A bus from Plakias costs 5 € ($5.39, £4.17). Dining options near Kalypso Beach include Plakias Bay Restaurant, Medousa Restaurant, and Mesogeios Restaurant.
Accommodations near Kalypso beach include Kalypso Cretan Village Resort, Hapimag Resort Damnoni, and Alianthos Garden Hotel. Preveli Beach lies 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) away from Kalypso Beach and features a palm grove. Damnoni Beach sits 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) away and offers watersports. Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located 11 kilometres (6.9 miles) away and with a 40-meter waterfall. Spili Village stands 23 kilometres (14.3 miles) away and features a Venetian lion-head fountain.
Kalypso Beach lies on the southern coast of Crete, Greece. Kalypso Beach is located 34 kilometres (21.13 miles) south of Rethymno, between Plakias and Preveli Beach. Kalypso Beach is also called Pirates’ Fjord Beach. It served as a pirate refuge during the Byzantine era. Kalypso Beach features a unique geological formation. Kalypso Beach offers activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, hiking and biking.
Kalypso Beach lies 97 kilometres (60.27 miles) from Chania International Airport and 115 kilometres (71.47 miles) from Heraklion Airport. The best way to get to Kalypso Beach from any airport and all major cities is by car rental or taxi. Access to Kalypso Beach is free of charge and is available on foot through the nearby hotel. The Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa provides direct beach access, a pool, and spa facilities. Hotel guests receive free use of beach sunbeds. The best time to visit Kalypso Beach spans from May to October, when the climate includes warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
At Kalypso Beach, the most popular beach activities are snorkelling and scuba diving. The underwater world is rich in marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures. The Kalypso Dive Center provides guided tours and equipment rentals for both snorkelling and diving. Cliff jumping is another popular beach activity at Kalypso Beach. Visitors can jump from the 10-meter-high cliffs into the deep waters below, providing an exhilarating experience.
The calm and clear waters of Kalypso Beach make it a perfect spot for swimming. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent; two beds and an umbrella set cost €10 ($11, £9). The surrounding area offers several hiking trails with stunning views of the cliffs and the sea. A 25-minute hike leads to Damnoni Beach. Kalypso Beach offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration, making it a unique and memorable destination for visitors to Crete.
The best time to visit Kalypso Beach is from June to September. During this period, the sea temperatures at Kalypso beach are pleasantly warm, ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 25.5°C(77.9°F). These warm water temperatures make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying various water activities. For those who prefer slightly cooler waters but are still comfortable for swimming, the months of May and October are good options. During these months, sea temperatures range between 19°C (66.2°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F).
Kalypso Beach offers several nearby attractions:
You can get to Kalypso beach from any major cities and airports in Crete by taxi, car rental or public transport. Buses connect Heraklion or Chania to Rethymno. Rethymno–Plakias bus rides last 1 hour and 20 minutes and cost €5 ($5.39, £4.17). Taxis cover the final 10-minute stretch from Plakias to Kalypso Beach for €8 ($8.63, £6.67).
Taxi rides offer direct access. Rethymno to Kalypso Beach costs €128 ($138, £110) by taxi or €145 ($156, £125) by minivan. Heraklion and Chania Airports offer similar pricing for the 1.5 to 2-hour trip. Taxis from Plakias to Kalypso Beach cost €8 ($8.63, £6.67). Many services allow pre-booking.
Car rental offers more flexibility. Drivers reach Kalypso beach from Rethymno in 45 minutes.
Yes, renting a car in Crete to visit Kalypso Beach is possible and highly practical. Kalypso Beach, positioned near Plakias on the southern coast, lacks direct access via public transportation, making private transport necessary for efficient travel. Travellers arriving through Heraklion or Chania airports often secure vehicles immediately upon arrival to maintain schedule flexibility. Car rental in Crete supports access to remote coastal locations like Kalypso Beach, where narrow roads and limited signage require reliable navigation. Major and local car rental agencies operate throughout Crete, offering compact models suitable for tight bends on mountainous terrain. A valid driver’s license and a minimum age of 21 are standard requirements. Kalypso Beach remains a favoured stop due to its distinctive inlet and diving facilities, and renting a car simplifies multi-stop day trips, allowing visitors to explore gorges, ruins, and coastal villages en route without dependence on rigid bus timetables.
Listed below are the best hotels to stay near Kalypso Beach:
Below are the best places to eat near Kalypso Beach:
Souda is nestled 41km to the southwest of Rethymno city, and a mere 3km east from the bustling resort of Plakias. Don’t mistake it for Souda Bay, the natural harbour of Chania city. It is, in fact, the final beach along the Plakias seafront, known as Yialia, commencing at Shinaria many kilometers away. Situated at the mouth of a verdant valley, Souda is crisscrossed by the Finikas river, which flows all year round. Cretan palm trees of Theophrastus, native to the area, flourish along the river and numerous other locations, establishing Souda as a significant refuge for the species.
In the midst of this stunning landscape, a sandy beach stretches out, adored by all who visit. However, this affection can quickly turn to annoyance when the northern winds whip up the sand, blasting unsuspecting swimmers. The landscape today bears no resemblance to the secluded paradise of the 90s, where a narrow dirt path led to a rocky shoreline and a sparsely populated nudist beach. While nudists still frequent the area, they no longer enjoy the same level of comfort. The beach is now more accessible with paved roads, organized facilities, umbrellas, and showers. There are several taverns and accommodations nearby. The rocky beach edges offer ideal conditions for fishing and snorkeling. A few benches can be found above the eastern rocks on the main road, offering panoramic views of the South Cretan Sea.
Find below list of gorges near Luz Villa next to the beach:
The gorge of Kotsifos starts at Kannevos village and ends at Plakias. The starting point is very narrow with a width of about 10m, which gradually increases and reaches 600m. The total length is 1800m, and the almost vertical sides that reach a height of 600m. Inside the gorge, there is a small temple built inside a rocky cavity dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
Hiking in the upper part of the gorge (Kanevos – Bridge of Sellia).
Starting from the village Kanevos you can start hiking on the riverbed and reach the bridge that connects villages Selia and Myrthios (after about one hour of course). Along the way, there are large boulders that block the passage, but with a little attention, you can overcome them. At one point the side-gorge of Boutsinas meets Kotsyfos with an impressive waterfall of 20 meters. In summer the riverbed is dry.
Course in the upper part of the gorge (Bridge of Sellia – Plakias)
At the location of the bridge that heads to Selia, the canyon gradually turns into a wide valley. You can continue our course at the bottom of the gorge, along the riverbed. After meeting a modern temple, after 3-4 minutes you meet a dirt road that heads backwards (opposite the flow of the river). If you follow this road in a few minutes you will meet the springs of Kotsifos where a pond is formed (surrounding villages get water from here). From here onwards, the river has a water flow throughout the year emptying on the beach of Plakias.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge, with its stunning 3km length, stands as one of Rethymno’s most breathtaking natural wonders and is situated 22km south of Rethymno, The gorge originates from the village of Koxare, weaving its way between the towering Kouroupa and Koules mountains of the Xiro Oros range. The dramatic cliffs of the gorge, reaching heights of up to 600 meters, house numerous caves and openings, offering a home to a variety of unique fauna.
This majestic landscape is adorned by the Kourtaliotiko River, which continues its course until it merges with the Frati Gorge and ultimately leads to Lake Preveli, taking on the name Megalos River in its final stages.
The beauty of this gorge can be experienced by following a paved road that cuts through the canyon. Steps from the Koxare-Asomatos street will guide you to the gorge’s base, where you’ll find the chapel of the local Saint Nicholas Kourtaliotis. One of the standout attractions here are the springs of Kourtaliotiko, nestled near the chapel. Further exploration reveals Kourtaliotiko’ stunning waterfall, accessible by swimming from a lower river level, leading to a darker, narrower part of the gorge.
A trek along the river takes you to the Megalos River bridge and onwards to Preveli’s palm beach. Kourtaliotiko gorge is a treasure trove of aesthetics, biodiversity, and ecological significance. Beyond its dense Cretan Date Palm trees, the second-largest palm forest on Crete, the gorge’s slopes are home to lush vegetation. The river’s estuary features sand dunes and formations of protected marine plants like Posidonia. It also provides a habitat for local species like the tortoise and freshwater snake.
The stunning Sykia gorge, which is actually the easternmost gorge in the province of Sfakia, is located north of Rodakino village. It’s a technical canyon, meaning that traversing it requires specialized equipment due to its over 10 steep descents or waterfalls, which are safeguarded by the speleological groups of Crete. The tallest rappel stands at around 12 meters high.
The Sykia stream combines with the untamed canyons of Rodakino (also known as Maglinara) and the longest gorge in the area, Karavos. The stream then flows under both the new and old bridges of Rodakino, finally reaching the picturesque Korakas beach. Canyon explorers typically leave the gorge just after the old bridge, while those up for a full-length trek will encounter another rappel. The narrowest part of Sykia, after it merges with the Rodakino Gorge, is truly breathtaking.
Speleological clubs have named the gorge Sykia, meaning sycamore-fig tree, due to the abundance of fig trees found along the route. However, its official name is Xepitira. Except for times following heavy rainfall, the gorge is typically dry.
Kakoperatos Canyon, situated near the village of Agios Vasilios in the province of the same name, is a tributary of the Megalos River (Kourtaliotis). Its name, which translates to “bad passage” in Greek, indicates the necessity of technical equipment for human access. This stunningly scenic and rugged canyon is perfect for canyoning. It is endowed with water for most of the year and features 7-8 remarkable waterfalls. These create deep ponds filled with clear turquoise waters, making them ideal for jumping.
It’s likely that no other canyon in Crete boasts such vibrant turquoise waters. The canyon’s exit is located adjacent to the last residences of Agios Vasilios, with its stream flowing through the village courtyards!
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