Mixorrouma is a village in the south of the Rethymno region of Crete, 2.6 km from Spili and 7.4 km from the nearest beach on the Libyan Sea coast. The village stands in the belt of country between Rethymno city on the north coast and the southern shoreline, where the land is cut by short gorges running down to the sea. Four of those gorges begin within 6 km of Mixorrouma, and 5 beaches lie within 10 km. Spili, 2.6 km away, is the seat of the Agios Vasileios municipality and the nearest village with a square, shops and tavernas.
Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Mixorrouma. The draw here is the country around the village: gorge walks that start a few kilometres away, the palm lagoon at Preveli, and the pebble coves of the Kerames coast.
Five outings sit within 8 km of Mixorrouma, listed below from nearest to furthest. Two more gorges add to the walking: Kissos Gorge 5.3 km away and Kakoperatos Gorge at Agios Vasilios 5.6 km away.
Mixorrouma has no beach of its own, and the nearest shoreline lies 7.4 km away. Five stretches of coast fall inside 10 km, and they range from a signposted lagoon to coves reached on dirt track.
Eating out means driving a few kilometres, because the nearest places we list stand 2.8 km from the village. The cluster covers café-grills and tavernas rather than anything formal.
Mixorrouma sits on the crossing between the two coasts of the Rethymno region, and the road that carries it passes through Spili 2.6 km away. That position suits a drive between the north and south shores.
Heading south, the road drops through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge towards the sea, which is the same paved route that serves the gorge viewpoints. The beach resort of Plakias lies further along that coast, about 40 km south of Rethymno at the mouth of the Kotsifos valley, and Preveli sits roughly 10 km east of it. Chania is the nearest airport, so a hire car is the practical way in.
Mixorrouma lies in the south of the Rethymno region, 2.6 km from Spili. The village sits inland, with the Libyan Sea coast beginning 7.4 km away.
Mixorrouma has no beach of its own, but 5 lie within 10 km. Drymiskos is the closest at 7.4 km, and Preveli, 7.6 km away, is the one most visitors head for.
Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Mixorrouma. The approach runs across the island rather than along a coast, through the mountain country around Spili.
Four gorges start within 6 km of Mixorrouma. Kourtaliotiko and Agia Fotia both begin 4.2 km out, Kissos 5.3 km out and Kakoperatos 5.6 km out, so a walker can take a different ravine each morning without moving base.
Preveli beach lies 7.6 km from Mixorrouma. The beach forms where the Megalos Potamos meets the sea at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko gorge, and the freshwater lagoon behind it is fringed by Theophrastus date palms.
The nearest cafés, grills and tavernas stand 2.8 km from Mixorrouma. Three of them sit in that one cluster, and Taverna Pirgos adds a fourth option 5.7 km out.
Boasting garden views, Maison PORTOKALIA features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 23 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine, and 2 bathrooms with a hot tub and a hair dryer.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 37 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 91 km from Maison PORTOKALIA.
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€85
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Eolides Villas, Quite Idyll of Rural Bliss, By ThinkVilla has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Lambiní, 24 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
Each unit features a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. An oven, a microwave and toaster are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Eolides Villas, Quite Idyll of Rural Bliss, By ThinkVilla, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 37 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 38 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 91 km from Eolides Villas, Quite Idyll of Rural Bliss, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€177
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Boasting garden views, Το σπιτάκι στη Μουρνέ offers accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 25 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The air-conditioned accommodation is 37 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Psiloritis National Park is 37 km from the apartment, while Municipal Garden is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 93 km from Το σπιτάκι στη Μουρνέ.
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€51
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Set amidst lush greenery, the stone-built Villa Elia is located in Lambini Village of Rethymno, right next to a small lake. It offers self-catering accommodation with mountain views. A grove and a small children playground is available on site.
The house consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area. It also includes 2 bathrooms with bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. A flat-screen TV is available.
Traditional House Mandarina is 20 km from Rethymno Town, while Spili Village is 4 km away, Preveli Monastery and the seaside Plakias Village are 18 km away.
Situated in Lambiní, 24 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 38 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Sunset view house features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This holiday home is 24 km from Venetian Harbour and 24 km from Centre of Byzantine Art.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
Psiloritis National Park is 38 km from the holiday home, while Municipal Garden is 24 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 91 km from Sunset view house.
from
€81
/night
Surrounded by lemon groves, the family-run Anna Boutique Villas features elegant, self-catering accommodation with a private pool and furnished sun terrace. The fully equipped villas offer fireplace, free Wi-Fi and views to the countryside and Cretan mountains.
Featuring modern accommodation in earthy colours, all villas at the Anna Boutique have a fully equipped kitchen with stove, dining area and microwave oven. The living room offers views to the area, comfortable sofas and a flat-screen TV.
BBQ facilities are provided in the garden for al fresco meals. Sun loungers are available on the sun terrace.
Guests can find a mini market within 1 km of the property. Koutaliotiko Gorge is at a distance of 4 km. The famous Preveli Monastery is 10 km away. The nearest beach is at a 14-km distance. Staff can arrange car rental and free private parking is offered on site.
This river trek takes you into Kourtaliotiko gorge from Rethymno, wading and swimming down the riverbed to the waterfall that pours into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the biggest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and the route runs below the roadside viewpoint where most visitors stop. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles over 5 hours from €67.50, and this Rethymno departure carries the largest review base of the two, 4.89 across 324 reviews, with guiding at a perfect 5.0.
The van meets you at a parking area above the gorge, and the route follows the water down to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages fill the 5 hours.
First is the equipment and briefing, a neoprene short-sleeve suit, a helmet, walking poles and a safety talk covering the whole route. Second is the great waterfall, which never stops flowing and is reached by a swim into the cave beneath it. Third is about two hours descending the river, dropping through natural pools under plane trees on a path away from the marked trail. Fourth is the Banana Garden, a small farm near the exit where a light lunch is served.
The operator rates it as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs south from Rethymno into the mountains behind the coast.
The price covers the kit, the guiding, the internal transfers and lunch, and it excludes the gorge ticket.
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We recommend this departure specifically for people staying on the north coast, and the number that matters is 324. This Rethymno version has run three times as many bookings as the Plakias one, which means the pick-up logistics from the busier side of the island are well worn rather than improvised. If you are in Rethymno town or along that coast, this is the version built for you.
What the reviews describe is a well-drilled operation. One Swiss guest described the safety briefing explaining the entire river trekking process clearly before anyone got wet, and the guide flagging slippery and uneven ground throughout the walk. Another praised the pace: never rushed, time to look at things, time to ask questions. The guide, Yiannis, is named by German, Dutch, French and Irish reviewers alike.
Two details from the reviews worth repeating. One reviewer who had previously visited Kourtaliotiko with a large operator, a brief stop, a look at the waterfall, back on the coach, described this as a completely different experience. And several mention the Banana Garden by name, one noting it is still beautiful despite fire damage, with the plants explained in detail by the people who grow them.
Three things to weigh.
The water is genuinely cold. One reviewer described being up to the neck in it, another said the wetsuit made it manageable rather than warm. This is shaded mountain water, and the swim to the waterfall is not optional.
Pre-tour communication is the one recurring gap. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would like clearer information on the meeting point and start time beforehand. Confirm both directly with the operator rather than assuming.
Footwear is specified for a reason. Soft-soled water shoes are stated as unsuitable, and sure footing matters more here than fitness does.
Confirm the meeting point in writing, send your measurements, and bring cash for the ticket.
You meet the van at a parking area above the gorge, or take the optional pick-up from around Rethymno. Send your height and weight after booking for the wetsuit, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up.
Bring swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks, water and €5 cash. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable for this activity.
The trek runs 5 hours, including the waterfall section, roughly two hours down the riverbed and lunch afterwards.
The water is cold year-round. The gorge is shaded and fed from the mountains, which is why a neoprene wetsuit is provided rather than optional.
The price covers the guide, wetsuit, helmet, poles, waterproof bags, lunch and all internal transfers, plus skip-the-line entrance handling.
No experience is needed, the operator rates the route moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, though sure footing on wet rock matters.
Optional pick-up covers hotels around Rethymno, which is the main reason to choose this departure over the Plakias one.
The entrance fee is €5 per person, paid in cash and not included in the tour price.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Rethymno.
This river trek walks down the bed of Kourtaliotiko gorge from Plakias, wading and swimming through natural pools to the waterfall that falls into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the largest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and this route follows the water rather than the marked path, which keeps it away from the viewpoint crowds. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles, runs it over 5 hours from €63.75, and holds a 4.92 rating across 105 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The route drops into the gorge from above and follows the river downstream to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages make up the 5 hours.
First comes the kit-up above the gorge, a short-sleeved neoprene suit, a helmet, walking poles and a briefing on the route. Second is the great waterfall, viewed from the water and reached by a short swim into the cave it falls into; a small controlled jump is part of getting there. Third is roughly two hours down the riverbed, splashing through natural pools under plane trees on a path that does not appear on the standard trail. Fourth is the exit at an old olive grove and a light lunch at the Banana Garden, a small agricultural farm where the family grow what they serve.
The operator rates this as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs inland from the south coast into the Rethymno mountains.
The price covers every piece of equipment plus lunch, and it excludes the €5 gorge ticket.
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We recommend this trek for a reason that is easy to miss from the listing: it is the only way to be in Kourtaliotiko rather than looking at it. Almost everyone who visits this gorge stops at the road viewpoint, photographs the waterfall from above and drives on. One reviewer described exactly that, having visited before with a large operator, stopped briefly, looked, and left, and said this tour is a different thing entirely.
Starting from Plakias is the practical advantage of this particular version. The south-coast villages sit minutes from the gorge, so more of your five hours goes on the water and less on the road than it does from the north coast.
Guiding scores a flat 5.0 out of 5 and the reviews explain why. The guide, Yannis, is named by walkers from Lithuania, the UK, Germany and France, praised for pointing out the herbs, trees and creatures in the rocks, for explaining slippery ground before people reached it, and for setting a pace that let families keep up. One family with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their holiday.
The Banana Garden lunch comes up almost as often as the gorge. Reviewers describe it as rustic, plentiful and locally grown, with the family showing what they have planted.
Two honest warnings, both of which GetYourGuide’s own review summary flags.
The water is cold and you will swim in it. Several reviewers said they had not understood that swimming to the waterfall was part of the route, and one described cold water and wind funnelling through the cave making the swim hard work. The wetsuit helps, but this is mountain water in a shaded canyon.
Footwear catches people out. The operator states that soft-soled water shoes are unsuitable, and reviewers repeat that ordinary sports shoes you do not mind soaking are what you want. Sure footing matters more than fitness on this route.
Send your measurements ahead, wear shoes you can ruin, and take the first slot of the day.
Provide your height and weight after booking so the right wetsuit comes with the van, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up. Bring €5 in cash for the gorge entrance.
Pack swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks and water. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable. The trek is moderate rather than hard, but sure footing on wet rock is the skill it asks for.
The trek runs 5 hours in total, with roughly two hours of walking down the riverbed after the waterfall section.
Yes, reaching the waterfall cave requires a short swim. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would like this made clearer in advance, and the water is cold.
A short-sleeved neoprene wetsuit is included, along with a helmet, hiking poles and waterproof bags for your phone and belongings.
Wear sports shoes with a firm sole that you can get wet. Soft-soled water shoes are explicitly unsuitable for this route.
A light lunch at the Banana Garden farm is included, though drinks are charged separately.
Families rate it highly. One group with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their trip, and the operator describes the route as moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Plakias.
Preparation and gear briefing
Arriving in the entrance of Kourtaliotiko gorge, we are immediately amazed by the majestic walls that stand hundreds of meters high. We take the stone steps that lead us to the source of the river that formed this scenery through the ages. There, we can visit the little church of S. Nicolas Kourtaliotis, the local saint that lived here as a hermit, and learn about the old myths of the gorge. We take some time to put on our neoprene suits and our personal gear, distributed by the team leaders. Then, the instructors will give a safety briefing so that we can understand the use of our gear and learn to trust it. Now we are ready to get the fun started!
Canyoning games in the river
The source of Kourtaliotiko river becomes a natural playground for us! You are welcome to rappel down the steep canyon wall next to the waterfall and try adrenaline jumps in the water as many times as you wish. We swim around, we take pictures, and we play like kids. Our specialized instructors and guides will be next to you at all times to ensure your safety and guide you through the different activities.
Short river trek
Our adventure continues further down the river. Hiking towards the south, we soon discover a small cave called “the fairy cave” – if you are lucky enough, you may see one hiding behind the stalactites and stalagmites.
Visit Preveli beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania. Cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach.
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 forest, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge.
Discover three famous beaches along the southern coast of Crete. Traverse the wild beauty of Kourtaliotis Gorge, stopping to admire its stunning waterfalls and the springs of the Preveli River that flow into Preveli Beach.
Begin your journey at Damnoni beach, where a boat awaits to take you to Palm Beach Preveli. Enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and take a short walk through the forest.
Head to a scenic viewpoint for breathtaking views and then board a boat to Preveli. Experience the mix of sandy beaches and lush greenery surrounded by palm trees and rocky cliffs.
Return to Damnoni beach for more relaxation before heading to the small resort town of Plakias for lunch, swimming, or shopping. Finally, make your way back to Rethymno via the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.
This day trip reaches Preveli the good way, by boat. The coach runs from Chania across the island with a stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge, then you board at Damnoni for a short cruise along the Libyan Sea to Preveli, where the Megalos Potamos river meets the sea under a forest of palms. Allcretetours run it over 10 hours from €43, with a 4.38 rating across 16 reviews.
The route crosses to the south coast, sees the gorge, then takes to the water. Four stages fill the 10 hours.
First is the pick-up and the drive through the Cretan countryside towards the south coast. Second is the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where towering cliffs and the wind that funnels through them make the photo stop, about an hour is allowed. Third is Damnoni, where the boat waits for a short cruise across the Libyan Sea, and Preveli appears from the water as a river mouth wrapped in palms and mountains. Fourth is Preveli itself: swimming in the emerald water, walking the riverbank under the palms, or following the river inland to the springs and small waterfalls in the gorge.
Arriving by boat is the difference. The overland route ends in roughly 300 steps down a cliff and the same back up; the boat puts you on the sand.
The route runs from the north-west coast to the Libyan Sea.
The €43 covers the coach and the guide; the two site fees are paid on the day.
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Budget €18 per person in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this version of Preveli specifically because of the boat. Every other way in involves the cliff staircase, roughly 300 steps down and a 20 to 30 minute climb back in full sun, which is the single most common complaint about Preveli trips. Coming in from Damnoni across the Libyan Sea removes all of it and gives you the approach shot as the palm forest opens up ahead of the boat.
The reviews describe a well-run day. A Dutch guest noted the guide made clear at the start where food and toilets were and built in a bakery stop, small things that decide how a ten-hour day feels. A Swiss reviewer called it perfectly organised from start to finish, and a German guest rated it the highlight of their holiday, singling out the pick-up and the guide.
Preveli itself needs little argument: Theophrastus palms grow wild in only a handful of places in Europe, and here they line a freshwater river running into the sea.
Three things to weigh, since this scores 4.38 and the criticisms are consistent.
The gorge stop divides people. An Australian reviewer loved Preveli but not the gorge, where the wind was strong enough that they abandoned the walk to the water, and they objected to paying €5 per person to enter. A Polish reviewer rating it three stars said there was too little specific information about the gorge for the hour allowed.
The extra costs are not in the headline price. €13 for the boat and €5 for the gorge add 40% to a €43 ticket, and both are cash on the day.
The gorge is genuinely windy. Kourtaliotiko is named for the clattering sound the wind makes through it, so treat the walk down as optional rather than assumed.
Carry €18 in cash, read up on the gorge first, and follow the river inland at Preveli.
Your voucher with the pick-up time and point arrives by email one day before, and can also be viewed at 123voucher.eu/voucher with your booking reference.
Bring sunglasses, beachwear, comfortable shoes and cash. Pets, alcohol and large bags are not permitted on the coach.
The day runs 10 hours from pick-up to drop-off, including the drive, the gorge stop and the boat to Preveli.
Yes, a short cruise from Damnoni across the Libyan Sea, which avoids the roughly 300-step cliff path used by the overland route.
The €13 boat ticket and the €5 Kourtaliotiko gorge entry are both paid separately, in cash on the day.
Preveli has a wild palm forest lining the Megalos Potamos river where it meets the sea, one of very few such groves in Europe.
Opinions divide. Reviewers praise the cliffs but report strong wind and thin commentary, and the €5 entry is charged separately.
Pick-up covers the Chania area, making this the western departure point for Preveli.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach tour with Kourtaliotiko gorge.
Beyond the charming village of Drymiskos, a sequence of coves unfurls into a series of beaches spanning 3 km, collectively known as Drymiskiani Gialia (Drymiskos Beach). Rocks and reefs segment these beaches, providing an exciting snorkelling experience. The area remains largely undiscovered due to its more challenging accessibility compared to other locations in the South Rethymnon prefecture. The most well-known section of Drymiskian Beach is Amoudi, the westernmost beach where the paved road from Preveli beach ends. Ammoudi serves as the starting point for a brief trail to Preveli beach, where most visitors park their cars.
Venturing eastwards from Amoudi along the paved road, one can discover numerous serene sandy beaches, perfect for solitude and naturism. At the heart of Drymiskian Beach, Kefala’s beaches are marked by a distinctive black, tooth-like rock jutting from the sand. The best beaches in the area can be found on either side of this rock. Continuing further, one reaches the less crowded Anatolika beaches, also known as East, renowned for their deep, clear waters. From Anatolika, the journey can be extended to the Kerames beaches, the first of which is Gialopotama. While most beaches lack trees, large rocks provide ample shade throughout the day.
Preveli Beach is a palm-fringed beach and freshwater lagoon on the south coast of Crete, where the Megalos Potamos river meets the Libyan Sea at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko gorge. It sits about 35 km south of Rethymno and 10 km east of Plakias, and is also known as Lake Preveli, Phoenix, or Finikas. Recognised as the most celebrated beach in southern Crete, it drew hippie travellers in the 1960s and 1970s and remains one of the island’s signature summer spots.
A colony of Theophrastus date palms (Phoenix theophrasti) lines the banks of the Megalos Potamos, one of the few natural palm forests in Europe. The river carries water all year and widens into a long lagoon before it reaches the sea, so the water stays fresh and cool. At the river mouth a beach of pebbles and sand meets the Libyan Sea, and the seawater runs cooler than usual because of the incoming river. A heart-shaped rock, known to locals as the Stone of Lovers, marks the eastern side of the beach.
In August 2010 a major fire burned most of the palm grove, destroying close to 70% of the forest. The Theophrastus palm proved unusually fire-resistant, and the grove regenerated over the following seasons. The beach stays unspoiled, with no umbrellas or built-up shoreline, because it lies within a protected Natura 2000 reserve.
To reach Preveli Beach, choose one of 3 routes, because there is no road directly to the sand and every option ends with a walk:
The stepped path on the west side is in full sun with no shade, and the climb back up is strenuous. Bring water, sun protection, and proper shoes, and set off early in the day. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach this part of the south coast; see car rental in Crete.
The beach has no sunbeds or umbrellas because the area is protected, though a small seasonal taverna near the river mouth serves drinks and snacks. The sand gives way to slippery rocks and stronger currents once you are in the sea, so take care when swimming. The river side is calm and shallow, and it is good for snorkelling.
A footpath follows the river upstream from the beach, winding through the palm grove to shallow pools where you can cool off when the water level allows. The trail leads into the Kourtaliotiko gorge and stays easy enough for families.
The quieter months of May, June, September, and October are the best time to visit, with warm weather and thinner crowds. Preveli is popular through July and August, so arrive early to find a parking space and beat the heat on the steps.
The beach takes its name from the nearby Preveli Monastery, a men-only monastery founded in the 16th or 17th century and dedicated to St John the Theologian. There are 2 monasteries in the area, the older Piso Monastery and the newer Kato Monastery, near the old Preveli stone bridge. According to local legend, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, stopped in the wider Preveli area on his way home from the Trojan War.
Yes. Preveli pairs a rare natural palm forest and a freshwater lagoon with a south-coast beach on the Libyan Sea, a combination you will not find at most Cretan beaches. It takes effort to reach, but the scenery and the river walk reward the trip.
Drive from Plakias towards Preveli Monastery, park at the cliff-top car park, and walk down the steps to the beach. For an easier approach, drive to Drimiskiano Amoudi and take the short 5-minute path, or take a boat from Agia Galini, Plakias, or Damnoni.
From the west car park, a long flight of steps leads to the beach in roughly 15 to 40 minutes each way, depending on your pace. The path is in full sun with no shade, so carry water and wear proper shoes. The east route from Drimiskiano Amoudi is a flat 5-minute walk.
Yes. There is a guarded car park on the cliff-top above the west side of the beach, and a small daily fee applies. A second car park serves the easier eastern approach from Drimiskiano Amoudi.
No. Because the area is a protected reserve, there are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the sand. A small seasonal taverna near the river mouth serves drinks and snacks.
The sea is blue and usually calm, but currents and waves can pick up, and the sandy shore turns to rock underfoot in the water. The river side is cooler and fresher, calm, and good for snorkelling.
May, June, September, and October are the calmest, with warm weather and fewer visitors. In the peak of July and August, arrive early for parking and shade.
Yes. A footpath follows the river upstream from the beach into the palm forest and gorge, leading to shallow pools you can dip in when the water level allows. It is an easy walk suited to families.
The quaint village of Kerames is situated 49km to the south of Rethymno, in close proximity to the village Agalianos. South of Kerames, there are numerous stunning beaches, with Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos sandhills of Akoumiani Gialia being the most well-known. To the north of Akoumiani Gialia, there is Keramiani Gialia or Kerames Beach, named after the nearby village.
The narrow, poorly paved road leading to Keramiani Giulia ends near the local port of Agia Fotini, which is also known as Agia Fotia. This location is home to beautiful small pebble beaches, perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and is surrounded by large boulders. The traditional Stavros tavern is built on an old carob storehouse and serves fresh fish on the beach. It also offers accommodation, and has a reminiscent atmosphere of the Greek islands of the 1960s. The tavern provides free umbrellas and showers. Near Agia Fotia, there is a small river that forms a green forest. Following the path north along the river, you will encounter a tall palm tree and the old church of Agia Fotini, located near a small house with a lovely garden. A 5-minute walk west of the tavern along the rocky shore will lead you to another pebbly beach.
On the hill near Agia Fotini tavern, you can still see the remnants of the ancient town Kionia, which thrived in its heyday. Today, the ruins cover an area of over 150 meters east to west and 100 meters north to south, while the other half of the town is submerged underwater, in front of the tavern. Traces of buildings and terraces that suggest the existence of Kionia can be seen in the surrounding area. It is thought that the sinking of the town forced its inhabitants to leave and move to higher ground, where the villages Kerames and Agallianos now stand.
Kerames, a village situated 49km south of Rethymno, neighbors the village of Agalianos. It is surrounded by stunning beaches to its south, including the well-known beaches of Akoumiani Gialia, such as Ligres, Triopetra, and Agios Pavlos sandhills. Keramiani Giulia, or Keramean Beach, lies to the north of Akoumiani Gialia, its name derived from the nearby village.
A somewhat dilapidated asphalt road leads to Keramiani Gialia, ending near the local harbour of Agia Fotini, also referred to as Agia Fotia. To the southeast of Agia Fotini, the primary beaches of Keramiani Gialia are located. A well-maintained dirt track from Agia Fotini leads to these beaches, the first being Podare. With its coarse sand and rocky areas, Podare is perfect for activities like fishing and snorkelling. Despite being an unorganized beach, it offers rental rooms for visitors.
After leaving Podare, a simple dirt road heads eastward, taking you past a large hill to a parking area situated near more rental rooms. Here, the road ends, and the beach on your right, Glima, begins. This sandy, secluded, and unorganized beach offers total privacy.
Continuing eastward on foot for about 100m, a towering sandhill becomes visible to your left. Pahia Ammos, or Coarse Sand, lies in front of the sandhill and provides an ideal spot for those seeking complete seclusion.
Approximately 1 km to the east of Spili, in the Agios Vassilios province, you’ll find the church of Agia Fotini, also known as Saint Photini. Like many places in Crete, it’s often referred to as Agia Fotia. Situated on the main road leading to Agia Galini, the church is adjacent to a spring that flows with water throughout the year. Nearby, you’ll see a large, old watermill. This area marks the end of the picturesque Agia Fotia gorge, which is small but incredibly lush.
The gorge begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is 750m above sea level, and concludes at the spring, which sits at an altitude of 500m, after a 1.5km journey.
Close to the gorge’s starting point, you’ll discover waterfalls of unparalleled beauty. In the springtime, these falls are abundant with water, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape filled with plane trees. The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by walking from the spring along the gorge. Alternatively, you can access them from Gious Kambos, though this route is more challenging. It requires bypassing the waterfalls from the sides and descending the steep slope to the riverbed.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a hiking gorge 22km south of Rethymno, Crete, Greece, known for its waterfall, its year-round springs, and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos at the base of the cliffs. Kourtaliotiko Gorge runs for 3km between the Kouroupa and Koules mountains, and a paved road cuts through the canyon so you can reach the main viewpoints and the trailhead without a long approach. This guide covers what the gorge is, the waterfall and chapel, how to get there and park, the difficulty, what to see, and the tips worth knowing before you go.
Located just 1km north of Kissos village in Agios Vasilios province and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, Kissano Gorge serves as a link between Kambos Kissou settlement and the small Gious Kambos plateau. The gorge’s river is a primary tributary of the Gorge Frati. The canyon, though not lush with vegetation, boasts small waterfalls, the tallest of which measure between 5-7m. These waterfalls make it an ideal location for canyoning, but it’s also possible to bypass them carefully from the sides without any specialized equipment.
The journey begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, a small haven of diverse flora. A 0 to 30-minute walk along or beside the riverbed leads you to a point where the river intersects the road connecting Kissos with Gerakari. Here, you’ll find a striking reddish rock peppered with numerous caverns known as Kokkinos Detis, leading locals to also refer to this area as the Kokkinos Detis Gorge.
While this marks the end of the main part of the canyon, the river continues its descent, creating more small waterfalls. It then passes through the 60-hectare artificial pine forest of Vatolakki, before continuing towards Spili and eventually to Frati.
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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