Picture Perfect Beaches in Rethymnon, Crete
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Greece is home to some of the most popular beaches in Europe, with many located on the island of Crete. For tourists visiting the city of Rethymnon, they’ll find that the city is pretty much one long beachfront settlement. However taking a short trip outside of the city, there are many other picture perfect beaches featuring pristine blue waters and sand by the mile.
Here are some beaches to check out during your travels to Rethymnon:
Rethymnon Beach
The most popular beach in Rethymnon, the Rethymnon beach stretches for 12 km (roughly 7.5 miles) from the city center extending eastwards to the village of Skaleta. Part of this beach’s charm is how is provides views of the sea on one side and a panoramic view of the city of Rethymnon on the other. Because this beach is the most popular in the area it is heavily crowded. You will find umbrellas and tables dotting the coastline as many hotels, restaurants, and resorts have their own “private” lots along the beach. If you’re only in town for a little while and want to soak up some sun without travelling too far, Rethymnon beach is a fantastic option.
Adele Beach
If you head east of Rethymnon about 10 km (6 miles), you’ll stumble upon the village of Adele. The small village offers a variety of Greek tavernas (restaurants) featuring fresh seafood dishes. There are some hotel resorts and many family-run hotels in the village if you are looking for a place to stay that is away from the heavily crowded Rethymnon beach scene. Adele is located off of the road to the Arkadi Monastery, an Eastern Orthodox monastery built in the 1500s. If you are headed in that direction, consider stopping by Adele for a day or two. You’ll be glad you did.
Geropotamos Beach
Geropotamos is a village located 20 km (12 miles) east of Rethymnon. Getting to the beach is very easy as it is located by the bridge of Geropotamos, on the main road connecting Rethymnon to Heraklion. Even with its ease of access, Geropotamos beach is fairly quiet as it normally doesn’t host large crowds of people. Unlike the other beaches near Rethymnon, Geropotamos beach isn’t organized meaning you won’t see rows and rows of lounges and umbrellas on the sand. Additionally, the water at Geropotamos is cool thanks to the Geropotamos River that empties into the ocean on the east side of the beach.
Bali or Marathi Beach
Heading east from Rethymnon you’ll find Bali beach. To the west of the city is Marathi beach. These beaches are easily accessed from Rethymnon as there are now daily boat tours that will take tourists on day trips to either beach from the city center. The cost of transportation on boat to the beaches includes lunch at one of the local tavernas, and wine as well. If you are limited in terms of transport, taking a boat to either Bali or Marathi is a great way to experience the beauty of the Cretan coast and enjoy some of Greece’s famous sun and sand.
Categorized in: About Crete Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
