Prines:
Beaches, Stays, Things to do

Apartments and hotels in Prines from Crete Island

Prines Map

Our Selection of Best Accommodations in Prines

  • 9.7 / 10
  • Gefyra Zuridas

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a balcony, Delfini Villa is set in Prinés. This property offers access to a terrace, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.

Boasting a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 5 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. A flat-screen TV with streaming services and a DVD player are offered.

The villa offers a children’s playground. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Delfini Villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 6.9 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 66 km from Delfini Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

from

€461

/night

      • 9.8 / 10
      • Prines

      Featuring a private pool and a furnished sun terrace, Rithymna Mansion is located in Prines Village of Rethymno. The split-level villa is set amidst blossomed gardens and enjoys views over Psiloritis Mountain and the Cretan Sea.

      Fitted with tiled or marble floors and traditional furnishings, the spacious villa consists of 4 separate bedrooms, a living room with fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. A desk room with PC and library, and 2 bathrooms are also featured. Facilities include washing machine, dishwasher, flat-screen satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

      Guests will find taverns and mini markets within 300 metres from Rithymna. Chania Town is located 60 km away, while Chania International Airport is at a distance of 65 km. Rethymno Town is 10 km away and Episkopi Beach lies within 6 km away. Free on-site parking is possible.

      from

      €315

      /night

        • 20 m
        • 9 / 10
        • Χρήστου Τζιφάκη

        Set in Prinés, 7 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 31 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Achilleas cozy house offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This holiday home provides free bikes as well as a terrace.

        The 2-bedroom holiday home is fitted with a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and microwave, and 1 bathroom with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.

        Municipal Garden is 6.1 km from the holiday home, while Centre of Byzantine Art is 6.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from Achilleas cozy house.

          • 30 m
          • 9.5 / 10
          • Unnamed Street

          Located in Prinés, 6.9 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 32 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Amarildo Holiday Home, with private pool! provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This holiday home also has a private pool.

          The holiday home with a terrace and quiet street views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.

          Municipal Garden is 6.1 km from the holiday home, while Centre of Byzantine Art is 6.3 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from Amarildo Holiday Home, with private pool!.

            • 70 m
            • 9.9 / 10
            • Prines, Rethymno

            Located in Prines Village of Rethymno, Casa del Maestro is housed in a restored, traditional building and features a private pool and a stone-built sun terrace. It is set amidst a garden full of geranium and jasmine and offers views over the pool and the lush surroundings.

            Divided in 2 levels, the traditionally decorated Casa del Maestro has two living rooms, the one with fireplace and the other one with balcony, 3 separate bedrooms with ensuite 3 private bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area. There is a brand new pergola with brand new furniture, which is constructed in 2023, on the roof garden , with views to the green and to the pool. It comes equipped with air conditioning, a washing machine and an oven with cooking hobs.

            Guests can relax at the sun terrace by the pool or use the BBQ facilities and enjoy al fresco dining under the shaded dining area. A mini markets can be found within 100 metres, while tavernas and bars are located 150 metres away.

            Rethymno Town and Port lie within 9 km from the property, while the seaside Georgioupolis is 19 km away. Souda Port is 49 km away and Chania International Airport is at a distance of 65 km. Free parking can be found on site.

              • 200 m
              • 9.3 / 10
              • Prines

              Boasting garden views, Villa Caneva features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 7.3 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.

              The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

              The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, skiing and cycling are possible in the surroundings and Villa Caneva can arrange a bicycle rental service.

              Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 31 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 6.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from Villa Caneva.

              from

              €248

              /night

                • 560 m

                Things to do near Prines

                Listed below are the things to do near Prines:
                • 3rd Klm. National Road, Rethymno 741 50

                Discover a secluded culinary & wine tasting journey in a restaurant hanging from the side of a Cretan gorge. Indulge in the finest Greek wines, traditional Cretan dishes, and explore the history of this enchanting land. Reservations only.

                • Koumbes beach

                Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on this day trip from Rethymno to Elafonissi. Experience a heaven on earth, with soft white and pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water, and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline. Visit traditional villages like Elos and Kaloudiana.
                Get picked up from your hotel area in the morning, then stop for a short break in the traditional village of Elos. Time permitting, enjoy time to have breakfast or a coffee (cost not included). Afterward, depart for Elafonissi.
                On the way, see small traditional villages combined with typical Mediterranean scenery. Admire the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge. At Elafonissi, get 4 hours of free time to soak in the sun and enjoy the spectrum of shades of blue that this beach has to offer.
                At the end of your tour, stop at the village Kaloudiana, where you can explore the village and have refreshments or food (not included). Later, get driven back to your accommodation in Rethymno.

                • Fortezza of Rethymno

                Visit the famous pottery village of Margarites in western Crete. This important center of regional pottery invites you to explore its narrow streets and hidden cafes. Enjoy the wonderful view and the harmonious coexistence of old and new.

                Visit the fascinating city of Rethymnon, which has maintained its unique flair. The Venetian fortress is particularly impressive as well as the so-called “Fortezza” at the city harbor, and the minarets from the Turkish era. Stroll through the city center and soak up the special atmosphere.

                Finally, visit Argyroupoli with its beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy a coffee in the shade of the imposing sycamore trees and learn more about the former ancient city of Lappa, which, according to myth, was created by Agamemnon. Admire a mosaic from the Roman period and see an existing Venetian portal with the inscription “All things of this world are smoke and shadows”.

                • Fortezza of Rethymno

                Explore two of the most picture-perfect destinations on Crete during this half-day private tour that visits Rethymno and the Lake of Kournas. Take off directly from your accommodation in Chania via an air-conditioned vehicle fully equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports.
                After pickup, start your journey in Rethymno, a romantic city with a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit.
                Marvel at the large Venetian castle Fortezza, the old lighthouse, and countless churches, mosques, and arches. Walk along cobbled paths leading to other hidden spots of the old city.
                The next stop is the famous Lake of Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. This place is ideal for relaxation and walking.
                Take in the one-of-a-kind view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters while drinking a cup of traditional Greek coffee. Choose to rent a pedal boat to spend some time in the water looking for the turtles that live in the lake.

                • Fortezza of Rethymno

                Discover the enchanting town of Rethymnon, hailed as one of Greece’s most beautiful destinations. Meander through the town’s winding alleys and colorful streets in the old town, where you can find an array of delicious restaurants and cafes. Take a walk through Rethymnon’s storied history by visiting its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman-era landmarks. You can’t miss the Venetian Fortezza, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend against the Turks. Check out the Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi to provide drinking water. Take your time exploring the city’s charms, and unwind with a refreshing swim at the beach. Rethymnon is a city that’s just waiting to be discovered!

                • Fortezza of Rethymno

                You will enjoy postcards pictures while you are traveling with the bikes in the old town of Rethymno. Have fun while discovering majestic Venetian buildings and the imposing Fortezza castle in just 90 minutes!

                Description

                Starting from the square of the Unknown Soldier you cross the coastal road and meet in front of you the Venetian harbor with its magnificent Egyptian lighthouse.

                You then drive through the historic city center where we see the Rimondi Fountain, the Neratze Mosque (today’s Conservatory), which is characterized by the city’s tallest minaret, the Catholic Church of St. Francis and the Guora Gate.

                Then you climb into the Fortezza castle, which rises over the Cretan Sea and completes the unrivaled image of beauty and charm in the city of Rethymnon. You take the regional road alongside the sea and the beautiful taverns with seafood.

                Then you find on our right the Loggia, a brilliant 16th-century building and you enter Arkadiou Street, where from the period of the Venetian occupation until today, one of the most commercial streets of the city. At the end of the road you find the mosque Kara Musa Pasha.

                Beaches near Prines

                Listed below are the beaches near Prines:
                • 2.3 km
                Kamari beach is located 2.3 km away.

                Kamari Beach is situated roughly 7km west of Rethymnon, close to Gerani village, at the entrance of Vederi Gorge. The coastal highway linking Chania and Rethymnon runs adjacent to the beach and over the Gerani bridge.

                The beach is relatively compact, featuring pebbles and rocks in certain areas, making it a favourite among snorkelers. Despite being exposed to frequent northerly winds, it offers some amenities such as a few umbrellas, taverns, and rooms. Additionally, a quaint harbour and the charming Panagia Kamariani church can be found nearby.

                A short distance south of the beach, one can find the sealed entrance to the Gerani cave, a significant archaeological site in central Crete, discovered unexpectedly during the construction of the main road. Moreover, visitors can explore the scenic narrow streets of Gerani village and visit the St George church along with several smaller churches.

                • Kamari beach
                • Rocks in places, Sand
                • Normal
                • Blue
                • 3.6 km
                Koumbes beach is located 3.6 km away.

                Koumbes, situated 2km west of Rethymnon’s center, is the only beach on the city’s western side. The beach offers stunning vistas of the impressive Fortezza fortress, located several hundred meters to the east. Koumbes derives its name from the Turkish word ‘Kubbe,’ which translates to ‘dome.’ This expansive beach, adorned with sand and fine pebbles, has seen significant growth in recent years, and its development has become a top priority for the Rethymno Municipality. This growth has led to numerous improvements, including the addition of walkways and similar enhancements along the coast.

                At Koumbes, visitors can avail themselves of all necessary tourist amenities, such as lifeguard services, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. The area also boasts numerous hotels, accommodations, restaurants, taverns, snack bars, and cafes. Access to Koumbes from the city center is convenient, either by bus or on foot. Walking takes no more than 20 minutes.

                • Koumbes beach
                • Sand
                • Shallow
                • Blue
                • 5.7 km
                Petres beach is located 5.7 km away.

                Situated at the eastern edge of the expansive Episkopi beachfront, Petres beach, or Stones beach, is a 46km journey east from Chania and 13km west from Rethymnon. The beach owes its name to the majestic Petres Gorge that concludes at this point. The area is dotted with facilities such as accommodations, eateries, and even a diving school. The Vythos cove, positioned north of the other areas, offers umbrellas and a less sandy terrain. The rocky underwater landscape makes it a hotspot for fishing and snorkelling. However, the frequent northern winds can cause the sea to become wavy.

                • Petres beach
                • Rocks in places, Sand
                • Shallow
                • Blue
                • 6.1 km
                Rethymnon beach is located 6.1 km away.

                Rethymno beach is the organised town beach of Rethymno, a strip of golden sand and shallow, clear water on the city’s seafront about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. Rethymno beach forms the westernmost edge of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront, which runs east from the harbour toward Skaleta. The beach stays busy through the day yet rarely feels packed, and the seafront road, Eleftheriou Venizelou, runs right alongside it for an evening walk.

                Where Rethymno beach is

                Rethymno beach sits on the north coast of Crete, at the edge of Rethymno town. Rethymno beach is a short walk east along the seafront from the old town and the Venetian port. You can keep walking east past the town beach toward the suburbs of Perivolia and Platanes and on to Skaleta, since the town beach is the western end of the bay’s continuous sandy beachfront.

                Facilities and services

                Rethymno beach is well organised, with amenities lined up along the sand and the promenade behind it:

                • Sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
                • Lifeguard service in season
                • Beach bars, cafes and restaurants on the seafront
                • Showers and changing rooms
                • Water sports
                • Blue Flag status

                The beach is wheelchair accessible, sits on a paved road, and is served by local buses, so you can reach it without a car.

                Swimming and conditions

                The water is shallow and clear, which makes the beach suitable for swimming and a safe choice for families with children. The sea surface can turn choppy when the wind picks up, so calmer mornings are the easiest time to swim. In peak season the beach fills quickly, and arriving early is the surest way to get a spot with shade.

                Loggerhead turtles at Rethymno beach

                Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three most important nesting areas for the species, with more than 400 nests recorded here each year. During nesting season you may see roped-off patches of sand where eggs have been found and protected, so keep clear of the marked areas and leave them undisturbed.

                Getting there and getting around

                Reaching Rethymno beach is simple. Walk east from the old town and the Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road that runs beside the sand. A car makes it easy to reach the quieter beaches further east along the bay and the villages inland; you can arrange one through car rental in Crete.

                FAQ

                Where is Rethymno beach?

                Rethymno beach is on the north-coast seafront of Rethymno town in Crete, about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. It is the westernmost part of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront.

                Is Rethymno beach good for swimming?

                Yes. The water is shallow and clear, which suits both swimmers and children. The surface can get choppy on windy days, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.

                Is Rethymno beach family friendly?

                Yes. The shallow, clear water, the lifeguard service and the cafes and facilities along the promenade make it a practical choice for families with young children.

                What facilities does Rethymno beach have?

                The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, a seasonal lifeguard, showers, changing rooms, water sports, and beach bars, cafes and restaurants along the seafront. It also holds Blue Flag status.

                How do you get to Rethymno beach?

                You can walk east from the old town and Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road beside the beach. The beach is also wheelchair accessible.

                Why are parts of Rethymno beach roped off?

                Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Roped-off patches of sand mark protected nests where eggs have been found, so swimmers are asked to keep clear of them.

                When is the best time to visit Rethymno beach?

                The beach is busiest in peak summer, when it fills quickly during the day. Arriving early in the morning is the surest way to find shade and a quieter spot, and mornings also tend to have the calmest water.

                • Rethymnon beach
                • Sand
                • Shallow
                • Blue

                Gorge to hike near Prines

                Listed below are the gorges to hike near Prines:
                • 3.1 km

                The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town, channeling water from the Armeni region to the Koumbes beach. It stretches over a distance of 5.5km, with the journey taking you through a lush ravine. Regrettably, there are multiple spots where shepherds have put up wires to confine their herds, making the trek along the stream challenging.

                Close to the entrance, you’ll encounter the ancient Saounatsides watermill, which was operational until the 20th century. You can also see remnants of an old chapel nearby. A few meters south of the mill, another path leads to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony.

                • Gallos Gorge
                • 5.8 km

                Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the longest river in Rethymnon province, which is replenished by multiple tributaries that gather the waters of Kollita Gorges from the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, spanning almost half of Rethymnon Prefecture. The river flows throughout the year and forms a significant wetland of Crete, particularly near its mouth at Episkopi.

                The gorge narrows down to a small section about 1km long, beginning near the village of Karoti. Despite its short length, it is definitely worth exploring. It is easily accessible and perfect for swimming in the ponds that form along its course. However, fences are installed to confine goats, so carrying a cutter might be useful in case the fences are locked. Certain areas with large rocks may require a bit of climbing and extra caution.

                • Petres Gorge
                • 7.3 km

                Located near the town of Rethymno, Mili Gorge is an enchanting green oasis. It’s essentially a ravine that houses a vast array of plants and trees, forming a genuine botanical garden. The gorge gathers water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas, beginning north of the Chromonastiri village and south of the Xero Chorio settlement. In recent times, it has become a popular spot for hikers who enjoy the pleasant trail that spans the entire valley.

                Within the heart of the canyon lies the abandoned village of Mili, named after the water mills that were once situated in the gorge. The village is split into two areas, Ano Mili (Upper mills) and Kato Mili (Lower mills). The majority of villagers were millers, with nearly all the cereals from the region and surrounding villages being milled at Mili.

                Nowadays, only one renovated watermill remains in good condition for visitors to understand its operation. Besides the numerous mills, the area is home to gardens filled with fruit trees and vegetables. Water continuously flows from the springs scattered throughout the canyon, with the largest springs being Saint Anthony and Five Virgins. The water along its course forms small waterfalls and lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip under the shade of towering plane trees.

                The village of Mili was deserted in 1972 due to fear of landslides, with some mills being renovated into residences and a cafe-restaurant for guests. The villagers moved and built the village Nei Mili (new mills) high above the gorge on the west. The gorge also boasts a significant number of striking churches, including the cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis), as well as the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes).

                Further along Kato Mili, you’ll encounter the cavernous chapels of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).

                • Myli Gorge
                • 10.1 km

                The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.

                The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.

                The Prasses Village
                Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.

                • Prasses Gorge

                FAQ

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