Beaches

Pervolia, Misiria and Platanias (or Platanes) are three consecutive suburbs of Rethymnon, located 3-5km west of the city, respectively. They were separate settlements, which have been incorporated into the urban fabric of Rethymnon, due to the residential development.

Kalivaki is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, near the exit of Almyros river which has water all year round lies the nice beach of Kalivaki. It is a beautiful sandy beach and water, due to the rivers is very cold.

In the southeastern part of the magic island is formed Chiliaderfia Bay with 4 beaches and 2-3 islets colored by the characteristic white color of the rocks of the area, which in ancient times gave the island its name Lefki (i.e. white). All beaches have shallow water, as clear as anywhere in Crete, and fine golden sand.

Next to the port of Agios Nikolaos you’ll find the tiny pebble beach of Akti Themistokleous street, next to the sculpture of Nikos Koundouros named "The Rape of Europe".

The last beach north of Agios Nikolaos, on the way to Elounda, is the beach of Katsikia (i.e. goats). The area is named after the many goat pens in the past. Similarly, Agios Nikolaos town was called Mantraki that means goat pen. Katsikia host a nice sandy beach with stones in a places, well hidden in front of the hotel Candia Park. To get there you should walk either across the hotel or around it.

Here are some sandy bays away from prying eyes, while generally the rocky bottom is maybe the richest in the island, attracting many fishermen from all over Crete. It generally very windy and you will almost always see windsurfers. The west bay is called Tenda and is open to west winds and wavy, while the east is called Eligas and sea surface is usually flat.

The beach has sand and fine pebbles, while in several places there are rocks, making it perfect for fishing and snorkeling. It is completely unorganized, so make sure that you have anything you need with you. There is a small taverna located in the neighboring Peristeres beach (3-5' minutes walking distance).

Panagia Bay is the most protected of all bays of Dia island. It is located 2km east of the port of St. George and is surrounded by high rocky hills, full with oregano and herbs. If you are lucky you will see hares jumping from the bushes.