The southern coast of Rethymnon hosts some of the most beautiful, untouched exotic beaches of Crete. At Agios Pavlos, huge sand-hills descend steeply and vanish into the sea, forming a beach, where one may sense the most positive vibrations of the island. On the adjacent beaches of Ligres and Pahia Ammos by Kerames the scenery remains mysterious. However, the most brilliant turquoise waters in Rethymnon are found on the beaches of Skinaria, Ammoudi and Damnoni, all located near Plakias.
-
#BeachAttributesOur rating
-
#BeachAttributesOur rating
-
#BeachAttributesOur rating

Kalo Horafi is located approximately 37km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, at the former position of 318 Agii Pateres (318 Holy Fathers) monastery. The monastery does not survive today, but there is a newer chapel commemorating that. “Kalo Horafi” is the name of the wider area, characterized by the wild Cretan landscape with high mountains and green gorges.

South of the picturesque hamlet of Drymiskos lies a series of consecutive coves forming several beaches along 3 km. The entire region bears the name Drymiskian Beach. The successive beaches separated by rocks and reefs which make snorkeling a real experience. The site remains virtually unknown to most people mainly because the access is difficult.

The beach of Kamari is located about 7km west of Rethymnon, near the village Gerani, at the exit of Vederi Gorge. The highway connecting Chania and Rethymnon runs along the shore and above the bridge of Gerani, next to the beach.

Koumbes is located 2km west of the center of Rethymnon and is actually the only beach in the west part of the city. It has wonderful views to the imposing fortress of Fortezza, which is located a few hundred meters on the east. It is named after the Turkish word Kubbe that means “dome”.

Between Gialopotama and the harbor of Agia Fotini, there are two adjacent beaches with fine pebbles and sand, surrounded by huge rocks. These beaches, called Pirgos, are ideal for snorkeling and nudism. There is a bad dirt track heading to Pirgos, starting 500m north of Gialopotama

Pighianos Kampos (or Kambos) is located 8km east of Rethymno, in the middle of the vast beach of Rethymno Gulf. The name means “Plain of Pigi” in Greek, taken after the fields of the residents of Pigi village, which is located in close proximity.

The secluded bay of Pera Galini is located 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, near the village Sises. The name “Pera Galini” is known to all Cretans because of the local disposal center, which accepts the garbage of the city of Heraklion. Almost nobody knows that there is a beach nearby, however severely degraded by pollution.

Klimata is a big bay in which there are three adjacent beaches. On the west side of the bay, there is the small harbor of Rodakino, accessed through a cement-paved road from Korakas. From there you can easily reach the first beach, situated next to the harbor.