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Bali is a picturesque fishing village that boasts a fascinating history and a plethora of activities for tourists to indulge in. Bali stands halfway between Rethymnon town and Heraklion, for that reason, the village serves as a convenient base to explore several areas on the island, including the southern coast. In addition to exploring the nearby Atali Monastery and learning about the village’s past, visitors can also bask in the sun on the stunning beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Livadi Beach is the main beach in Bali, but you can also explore other nearby beaches like Varkotopos and Limani.
For those seeking adventure, Bali offers opportunities for snorkelling and other beach activities. Moreover, Bali serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of Crete, with numerous cultural and historical sites located along the coastline.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape or an action-packed holiday, Bali caters to all preferences.
Bali, a charming coastal village in Crete, offers a variety of accommodations catering to different preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from quaint guesthouses, luxurious resorts, and comfortable hotels, each providing a unique experience of Cretan hospitality. Many of these accommodations boast stunning views of the Cretan Sea, with some located right on the beachfront, offering easy access to Bali’s beautiful sandy beaches. The village’s accommodations are known for their warm, family-friendly atmosphere, making them ideal for both solo travellers and families. For those looking to explore the region, Bali serves as a convenient base, with its central location allowing easy trips to nearby attractions. In summary, Bali’s range of accommodations ensures a memorable stay for all who visit this picturesque village. See below for a list of accommodations in Bali village.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Sea-esta Beach House, By ThinkVilla is situated in Balíon. It has barbecue facilities, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Sea-esta Beach House, By ThinkVilla, while snorkelling and cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Bali Beach North, Caves Beach and Karavostasi Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Sea-esta Beach House, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Balíon, a few steps from Bali Beach North and 200 metres from Caves Beach, Ocean Dream Apartment! offers free bikes and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a children’s playground. If you would like to discover the area, cycling, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Ocean Dream Apartment! can arrange a car rental service.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Karavostasi Beach, Bali Beach and Livadi Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Ocean Dream Apartment!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€194
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a patio, Mayana Luxury Villa, an infinite blue experience, by ThinkVilla is set in Balíon. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Mayana Luxury Villa, an infinite blue experience, by ThinkVilla, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Bali Beach North, Caves Beach and Karavostasi Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Mayana Luxury Villa, an infinite blue experience, by ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€413
/night
Situated in Bali, 50 km from Heraklio Town, SunOrama Apts-Studios feature a sun terrace and views of the sea. Réthymno Town is 30 km from the property. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The pet-friendly accommodation is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units include a terrace and/or balcony with mountains views. All units have a kitchenette equipped with an oven and refrigerator. A stovetop is also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. There is a private bathroom with a hair dryer in each unit. Bed linen is featured.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 55 km from SunOrama Apts-Studios.
from
€55
/night
Just 30 metres from the beach of Bali, Ikonomakis Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with direct sea views and free Wi-Fi access. Within walking distance, you will find traditional Cretan taverns and seaside cafes.
Ikonomakis studios and apartments open out to a private balcony or terrace. They are air conditioned and come with a kitchenette with microwave, electric kettle and mini fridge. All units also include a satellite TV, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
At 2 km you can reach a bus stop. The town of Rethymno is 30 km away, while Heraklion City is 40 km away. Free parking is available near the premises.
Situated in Bali, just 50 metres from the beach, Villa Vasilis Hotel offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi and views over the Cretan Sea. It lies within a short walk from restaurants, bars and supermarkets.
Opening to a balcony, patio or terrace, the apartments of Vasilis have a separate bedroom and a well-equipped kitchenette with dining table and fridge. Each features a satellite TV, a safe and a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. An electric oven and microwave with cooking hobs is also included.
Rethymno Town and Port are located 35 km from the property, while Heraklion City is 50 km away. Atali Monastery is 1 km away and the famous Melidoni Cave is at a distance of 4 km. Free public parking can be found nearby.
from
€56
/night
Bali, a charming coastal village in Crete, offers a plethora of attractions for visitors. The village is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in various water sports. For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities for jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and banana boat rides. Another notable attraction near Bali is the Melidoni Cave, a site of historical and archaeological significance, known for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations and rich history. For a comprehensive experience, see below the list of things to do near Bali village.
Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the Rethymno area, and then explore the traditional lifestyle and historical legacy of Crete.
Learn the Neolithic history of the Melidoni Cave and discover the pottery traditions of the village of Margarites.
Discover the oldest monastery in Crete at the 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, and then go to the village of Apostoli to visit an old olive oil factory. Enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern and listen to the beautiful sound of live folk music before making your way to St. Antonios Gorge. Stop at the Fragma Potamon dam before making your way back to Rethymno.
Experience the ultimate cross-country adventure with Nostos Safari. This unique cross-country real-off-road experience takes you from the coast to the mountains. Drive through off-road routes and pass through breathtaking landscapes, from traditional village alleys to stunning mountain passes. With Nostos Safari, you’ll have the freedom and adventure of a quad bike to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Crete. Discover the unforgettable experience of cross-country living and book your quad safari today with Nostos Safari.
We have designed this unforgettable trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island’s most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle.
You will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where your expert guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention.
Then, from the history and cultural experience, you will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete.
Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP.
Get in touch with the history and the art of the Cretan pottery on this tour from Rethymno. Learn about local honey and bees at the Honey Museum. See natural stalactites at Melidoni cave. Explore the villages and feel the cretan hospitality.
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno. Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through the countryside. Arrive in Margarites and take a tour of a ceramic shop. Immerse yourself in local crafts during pottery.
Take a guided tour of the Honey Museum to discover the secrets of one of Crete’s most popular foods. Travel to Melidoni to visit the subterranean chambers and stalactites in Melidoni cave. Hear about the fascinating history of this cave.
Finally return to your accommodation in Rethymno at the end of your tour.
See Crete on a guided tour that combines history and craft for a hands-on experience. Visit the most historical spots on the island, learn their history, and enjoy a pottery lesson and olive oil tasting. Visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Melidoni Cave, and more.
Start by getting picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno, then arrive at the most important monastery of Crete: the Monastery of Arkadi. Explore the museum where many icons, monastic relics, and weapons reveal the monastery’s history. Enjoy an hour of free time.
Next, visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with its historical findings from Homer’s era. This is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. The museum hosts the whole history of Eleftherna from 3000 B.C. to 1300 A.D.
Afterward, enjoy a tour of the pottery workshop “TSIKALARIO” in the village of Margarites to learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this villa.
Later, visit Margarites village where you will have free time for lunch or a walk.
Next, head to an olive oil manufactory. Learn how Cretan people made olive oil in the past and see the evolution up to today. Take part in an olive oil tasting before heading to the next stop, Melidoni Cave.
Lastly, arrive at Melidoni, also called “Gerodospilios,” a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was used for religious ceremonies and as a place of worship. Learn the cave’s archaeological and historical significance before heading back to Rethymno.
Our adventure begins from our base in Bali, after a security update and a little practice. We drive away from the main traffic through provincial and country roads, which only locals know and we cross one of the biggest olive groves of the island.
We explore 10 small traditional villages with narrow streets, meet local people and admire Venetian and Ottoman stone buildings of the 17th and 18th century, which will take us back in time to another era.
In one of our stops we explore one of the most important caves of Crete, Melidoni cave, which is located on top of a mountain.
We enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the beautiful valley, with dozens of villages and the highest mountain of Crete called Psiloritis – Idi.
We have much fun on the dirt roads, passing through the fields as we discover unique picturesque landscapes of the beautiful wildlife of Crete.
We’ll make enough stops during our safari, offering excellent opportunities for amazing pictures and breathtaking landscapes.
The coastal resort of Bali is situated in a vast bay, 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion. The National Road that connects Heraklion and Rethymno passes alongside the village, making Bali easily reachable from all parts of the island. It’s a perfect spot for family getaways and romantic vacations. Bali boasts four beaches nestled in sandy coves with appealing greenish waters. The beaches, shielded by the bay facing west, are typically tranquil and suitable for children, with good organization. The coolness of the water is attributed to the numerous springs around that channel fresh water into the sea from the Psiloritis Range.
As you enter the village, the first beach you encounter is Livadi, the longest in the area. It’s located in an open bay, which is more exposed to winds than the other three. Despite being well-organized and frequently bustling, it’s less picturesque than the others. Its name, Livadi (meaning meadows), is due to the nearby valley. At the eastern end of Livadi, you’ll find two separate smaller beaches, Kouskouras.
Moving ahead, at the village center, you’ll find the secluded bay of Varkotopos featuring a beautiful beach with sand and gravel, which is well-organized and popular. It’s perfect for young children due to the shallow waters and proximity to all necessary amenities.
Further north, you’ll come across the scenic port of Bali, adjacent to a clean beach. Known as Limani in Greek, it’s well-organized and surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops.
Karavostasis, the last beach you’ll encounter, is the most beautiful in the area. It’s smaller than the other bays, which often makes it appear crowded. Although it’s well-organized, it’s less so than the others.
The beach of Agios Nikolaos, situated slightly west of Bali in the province of Mylopotamos, is nestled in a secluded area. The beach’s name is derived from the Byzantine two-nave church of Saint Nicholas, which is positioned within a lush green creek leading to a stunning cove. Despite the ravine drying out towards the end of spring, the presence of numerous plane trees indicates the existence of water.
The cove is encased by striking limestone rocks that create small caves, adding to the charm of Agios Nikolaos. The beach, however, has a rocky seabed and is almost semicircular in shape. Unfortunately, it is often littered with trash brought in by the north winds.
Access to Agios Nikolaos beach is via two poorly maintained dirt roads that start near the motorway, beyond Bali. One of these routes, which first ascends to the antennas at Bombadopirgos peak before descending to the beach, is closed off. The other route approaches the beach from the east, but due to its poor condition, a walk of roughly 10 minutes is required.
Charakas is a region situated approximately 36km to the east of Rethymno and 44km to the west of Heraklion, near Bali. Just half a kilometer east of the Panagia Charakiani Church, a small peninsula forms where the petite beaches of Glaros and Katevati can be found. The major highway that links Heraklion and Rethymno is conveniently close by.
Katevati Beach
Located on the western edge of this peninsula is the small but charming Katevati beach, known for its large pebbles. It boasts spectacular views of the rugged Talean Mountains to the south. Its rocky underbelly makes it an ideal spot for fishing and snorkeling. However, it is unregulated, so visitors are advised to come equipped with necessities such as an umbrella, food, and water. Furthermore, it is shielded from the prevalent northern winds due to its eastern positioning. To the north of the beach, on a hill, there are ruins from an ancient settlement.
Glaros Beach
A short distance to the north of the first beach, accessible via a trail starting north of the highway, are the three beautiful beaches of Glaros (also referred to as Glaria or Peristeri) which face west. The beach gets its name from the small, greenish islet of Glaros that’s separated from the shore by a very narrow canal (less than 2m in width). While the shore is sandy, the seabed is rocky, making it an ideal spot for solitude seekers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The northernmost beach, which can be reached by crossing a hill with a Minoan settlement, is considered the most beautiful.
Charakiani Beach
Situated below the Panagia Charakiani Church is a beach with large, round pebbles that attract snorkelers and spearfishermen. This beach can be easily accessed by following a trail that starts from the church. It is easily identifiable by a small islet located directly opposite the beach.
Between the coast of Panagia Charakiani and Kefali hill, where archaeological remnants have been found, lies the region of Propatoumenos, just a short distance west of Holy 317 Fathers Church. Propatoumenos translates to “the area that can be walked”. This is because there used to be a walking trail to the ancient town of Astali, near Bali. Given that the surrounding Talean mountains are incredibly steep and difficult to traverse, this area was perfect for walking. This broader area is rich in unexcavated Minoan settlements, most of which have been left to the mercy of roaming goats. Within this region, we encounter three remote pebbly beaches with pristine waters, situated just a stone’s throw away from the highway. The seabed, teeming with rocks, conglomerate formations and natural arches, is an ideal spot for snorkelling. Across the beaches, the small islet of Prassonissi, home to seagulls, can be accessed by swimming.
Kefala Beach
Tucked away to the east of Panagia Charakiani, near Bali, is Kefala Beach. This hidden gem, with its crystal clear waters all year round, remains fairly unknown. Although generally inaccessible, the beach unveils a stunning coastline adorned with vibrant hues of red soil and green vegetation from shrubs and wild carob trees during calm weather. Kefala has a charming pebble beach with a rich seabed. Further east, the beaches of Kalo Horafi and Vrahi can be found. Kefala gets its name from the low peak, about 40 meters high, situated just above the sea that once housed an unknown Minoan settlement. The entire area above the beach is scattered with remnants of ancient walls and structures.
Margarites is a renowned village in the Milopotamos province, celebrated for its stunning architecture and traditional pottery. The broader region, encompassing the villages of Margarites, Orthe and Eleftherna, is characterized by a sequence of small, parallel gorges. Tiny watercourses like Margaritianos meander northwards, contributing to the Geropotamos River. These gorges are carved into the white-yellow marly limestone from the Upper Miocene era (8-10 million years ago), a result of the area’s uplift and water erosion.
The gorges’ most striking features are their abundant flora and extraordinary environment. Small groups of horizontally branched cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens var horizontal) blend with low shrubs, wildflowers, and aromatic plants. The local authorities have fashioned small trails that reveal the area’s beauty to visitors.
The Zoniana canyon is situated to the south of Zoniana village within the Psiloritis Range. It begins at a height of 950m, gathering water from several streams that flow from the Zoniana mountains, and concludes at the village at a height of 650m. The “serpentine” river Oaxis, which carries water until spring and ultimately drains into the Geropotamos river, flows through this gorge.
This gorge is not only easily accessible but also safe for hiking due to its gentle slope. The rock formations in many areas are truly remarkable, made up of numerous layers, and there are stunning geological structures and trees clinging to the steep slopes and narrow points. As it nears the village, the canyon broadens and morphs into a slender valley.
Just a stone’s throw away from Heraklion city, near the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in Fodele, you’ll find the Santorinios canyon. This canyon carries water from the Marathos village and the western slopes of Platani to the Fodelianos river. Although the canyon is relatively short, it remains unexplored due to the challenging access caused by thick vegetation and numerous ponds. Trekking through the riverbed, despite getting wet, simplifies the journey but calls for a change of footwear. The canyon’s name originates from the soil’s resemblance to that of Santorini Island, which was previously used in Crete’s construction.
Upon entering the gorge, you’ll encounter the ruins of a two-room watermill, its walls still standing tall, supported by an ivy branch woven into them. After some time, you’ll reach the first pond, Azilakokolymbos, which appears to be the path’s endpoint. However, if you manage to bypass the lake by either swimming or rock climbing, there’s more to discover. After overcoming this hurdle, the journey continues smoothly until you reach a majestic waterfall that forms a stunning pond at its base.
The adventure intensifies from this point. To proceed, you’ll need to scale the right side of the waterfall, approximately 15 meters, to reach the hilltop. To access the waterfall’s edge from here, a rope is necessary due to the steep and slippery terrain. As you continue up the canyon, you’ll be greeted by two awe-inspiring twin waterfalls.
The Arkadi Gorge begins just north of the Arkadi Monastery and offers a picturesque journey of approximately two hours. Certain sections along the gorge’s bed are inaccessible due to waterfalls and dense vegetation, making it possible to walk only along the eastern banks. The hiking trail concludes near the Pikris village where it joins the Gypofarago gorge. Here, visitors can appreciate significant Venetian architectural landmarks. The gorge, with its extraordinary natural beauty, allows visitors to marvel at representative species of Cretan flora and fossils.
A slim area of the gorge can also be viewed by driving to the Arkadi Monastery, as the roadway runs through it. This means you can get a sense of its appearance just by visiting the monastery.
Bali is a small fishing village located 40 km west of Heraklion and 37 km east of Rethymno in Crete.
The Venetians called the place Atali, from its ancient name which was Astali, while its current name was given by the Ottomans. There is also the Atali Monastery nearby, which retains the medieval name of the place and is dedicated to Saint John.
Tourists can enjoy all that Crete has to offer in combination with the village’s relaxed atmosphere. Bali is a great place to take advantage of Crete’s natural beauty, experiencing everything from traditional pubs with live music late into the night to cultural and historical sightseeing.
Yes, Bali is suitable for all types of vacationers. Whether you are looking for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a cultural experience, you will be sure to find exactly what you need in this small, yet unique fishing village.
The average temperature in Bali village, Crete ranges from 15°C to 30°C depending on the season.
The nearest airport to Bali village is Heraklion International Airport (HER), which is approximately 50 km away. Chania International Airport (CHQ) is also an option, located approximately 100 km away.
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