On the northern coast of Crete, Rethymno boasts one of the island’s longest urban beaches, extending eastward through the neighborhoods of Pervolia, Missiria, and Platanes, and westward to Despotiko and Koumbes. Each section has its own atmosphere: some are equipped with lounge chairs and beach bars, while others remain more undeveloped and are frequented mainly by locals. We’ve explored the entire coastline to help you choose the beach that best suits your stay.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Rethymno and the surrounding area, along with our helpful tips illustrated with photos!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Rethymno – Map
In Rethymno, most of the beaches are sandy, shallow, and well-equipped: lounge chairs, showers, and beach bars are easy to find as soon as you venture a little way from the city center. But there’s much more to do in and around the city—see our guide.
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
1. Rethymno Beach
Why we love it
We’re starting this selection with the city’s most accessible beach: Rethymno Beach. It stretches from the modern part of the city—just a few minutes’ walk from the Venetian harbor—and continues eastward for several kilometers. We particularly enjoy the promenade that runs along it, lined with cafés and beach bars—perfect for a drink at the end of the day. The water remains shallow for quite a distance, making it ideal for children, although the north wind can cause some choppy conditions. Every summer, loggerhead sea turtles come to lay their eggs on this long beach, mainly between mid-May and mid-August. The hatchlings continue to emerge until the end of September.
Access
- The beach begins east of the Venetian Harbor, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town
- A few minutes’ walk from downtown, along Eleftheriou Venizelou Street
- There are a few parking spots along the waterfront, but it’s better to park downtown and walk
Practical information
- Fine golden sand
- Gentle slope into the freshwater, ideal for families
- Lifeguard on duty during peak season
- Showers, locker rooms, and public restrooms are available
- Good accessibility; a flat walk along the shore
- Many beach bars and restaurants along the boardwalk
- Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting site; areas marked in the summer
WHERE TO STAY IN Rethymnon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historic center
Hotel Palazzino Di Corina – Check photos and availability
Downtown
Boutique-Hotel Pepi – Check photos and availability
By the sea
Nautilux Hotel – Check photos and availability
2. Despotiko Pools
Why we love it
We’re changing things up with Despotiko, a more secluded cove west of downtown. Here, there’s no tourist infrastructure: the beach remains unspoiled, frequented mainly by locals who come to swim early in the morning. The sand, grayer than elsewhere, contrasts with the surprisingly clear water, and we were able to spot many fish while snorkeling along the breakwater. Be careful beyond the breakwater, though: the swell can be strong when the wind is coming from the north. We recommend this spot to anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, while still being within walking distance of the Venetian port.
Access
- A small cove west of downtown, not far from the harbor area
- Within walking distance of downtown; allow about 15 minutes
- Parking is available nearby, but there is no designated parking area
Practical information
- Gray sand, a rather wild beach
- A fairly direct entry into the water
- No monitoring
- No formal equipment—just a simple rinse shower
- Limited accessibility; uneven ground in some areas
- There are no dining options on site, but downtown is nearby
- A popular spot for snorkeling along the seawall
3. Pervolia Beach
Why we love it
We continue eastward to Pervolia, a neighborhood that was once independent but is now part of Rethymno. The beach there forms a natural extension of the bay and stretches for several hundred meters with fine sand. We find this spot ideal for those seeking a balance between amenities and tranquility: a little less crowded than the beach in the city center, but just as well-equipped with amenities. Several developed areas offer lounge chairs and showers, particularly in front of hotels and beach establishments. Here, too, loggerhead sea turtles come to lay their eggs in the summer, a reminder of the bay’s natural richness.
Access
- A neighborhood located about 2 km east of downtown
- Accessible by car or local bus; on foot, allow 30 to 40 minutes
- Parking spaces available along the coastal road
Practical information
- Fine golden sand
- Slope leading into freshwater
- High-Season Monitoring in Certain Areas
- Showers and changing rooms are available in certain designated areas
- Generally easy access; flat terrain
- Restaurants and taverns in the immediate vicinity
- Protected nesting area for the loggerhead sea turtle
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer international brands, compare prices on DiscoverCars
4. Platanes Beach
Why we love it
A little further on, Platanes extends this long beach along Rethymno Bay. We love it for its particularly soft sand and its gentle slope into the water, which is great for kids when the sea is calm. The neighborhood, bustling year-round, offers a wide variety of restaurants and beach bars. We tried stand-up paddleboarding there one afternoon when the wind was light—an activity we’d highly recommend to water sports enthusiasts. Despite its popularity with tourists, the beach still has quieter sections further east, away from the clusters of lounge chairs.
Access
- A neighborhood located east of Pervolia and Missiria
- Accessible by car from downtown in about 10 minutes, or by bus
- A few free parking spots near the stores
Practical information
- Golden sand, exceptionally fine and soft
- Gentle slope into the freshwater, ideal for families
- Lifeguard on duty during the season
- Showers, locker rooms, and restrooms are available depending on the area
- Fairly easy access, even for strollers
- Many restaurants, bars, and shops nearby
- Available water sports: jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding
5. Missiria Beach
Why we love it
Missiria owes its name to an Arabic word meaning “Cairo,” a reference to the fertility of its land, which is still used today to grow vegetables. We love this stretch of the bay because it’s less touristy than its neighbors, while still offering the same fine sand and calm waters. Behind the beach, a few vegetable plots serve as a reminder that the coastline wasn’t always devoted to tourism. We recommend stopping by at the end of the day, when the low-angled sunlight beautifully illuminates the bay.
Access
- A neighborhood located between Pervolia and Platanes
- Accessible by car, about 10 minutes from downtown
- Informal parking along the coastal road
Practical information
- Fine sand
- Slope leading into freshwater
- Occasional monitoring depending on the season
- Showers available near the hotel complexes
- Good accessibility
- Local taverns nearby
- Agricultural area behind the beach, vegetable crops
OUR GUIDE TO Crete
To plan your road trip:
- 5 Maps to Help You Find Your Way
- 76 selected locations
- 150 photos to help you decide
- Lots of practical tips
Read more >>>
6. Koumbes Beach
Why we love it
We’ll wrap up this selection with Koumbes, the main developed beach located west of downtown. Its name comes from the Turkish word “Kubbe,” meaning “dome,” in reference to the nearby Fortezza, whose silhouette dominates the horizon. A small, shallow area, partially protected by a low wall, can be pleasant for young children when sea conditions are favorable. Still, stay vigilant. We found the area less well-maintained than the beaches to the east, but it’s still a pleasant spot for a quick swim after visiting the historic center. Snorkeling is also possible beyond the breakwater, in deeper water.
Access
- The only beach west of downtown, not far from the harbor
- About a 20-minute walk from downtown, or by bike
- A few free parking spaces along the road
Practical information
- Sand and fine pebbles, darker in places
- Landscaped shallow pond
- Level access; accessible without significant difficulty
- Unobstructed view of the Fortezza fortress
- Surveillance may be conducted during the season in certain areas
- Showers and basic amenities, depending on the section of the beach
- Taverns, cafés, and lodging in the Koumbes neighborhood
DISCOVER Rethymnon
Other beaches around Rethymno
If you have a car, there are several other beaches around Rethymno that are worth a visit. To the west, Episkopi Beach offers a long stretch of sand and a few seaside restaurants. To the east, the villages of Skaleta and Adelianos Kampos extend the bay with slightly quieter coves. Further still, Panormos and Bali charm visitors with their small, sheltered bays, while Plakias and Preveli Beach, to the south, reveal a completely different side of Crete, nestled between cliffs and palm groves.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go swimming in Rethymno?
The swimming season generally runs from May to October. The water becomes comfortable starting in June, while July and August are the hottest months—and also the busiest on the beaches near downtown.
Are there any private beaches in Rethymno?
The shoreline remains open to the public. However, some hotels and beach establishments operate areas with lounge chairs—which are sometimes reserved for their guests or accessible for a fee—but they cannot prohibit people from passing through or accessing the sea.
How do you get around the beaches in Rethymno?
The local bus serves most of the beaches east of the city, such as Pervolia, Missiria, and Platanes. However, if you want to visit several beaches in a single day or reach more secluded coves, renting a car is still the most convenient option.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
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