Is Atsipopoulo a good place for a beach holiday?
Atsipopoulo itself is a village located about 5 km inland from Rethymno town. While it offers a charming, traditional Cretan atmosphere, it's not directly on the beach. However, it's very close to the long sandy beach of Rethymno and other beaches in the area, making it a good base if you prefer a quieter village stay with easy access to coastal areas by a short drive.
How far is Atsipopoulo from the nearest beach?
The closest beaches to Atsipopoulo are Koumbes beach (about 2.5-2.6 km west of Rethymno) and Rethymnon beach (about 5 km east of Atsipopoulo, near Rethymno town). Other nearby beaches include Kamari (2.6 km) and Petres (6.5 km).
What are the beaches like near Atsipopoulo?
Beaches near Atsipopoulo, primarily along the Rethymno coast, are generally long and sandy, some with pebbles. Rethymnon beach is known for its golden sand and shallow, clear waters, and it's well-organized with many amenities. Koumbes beach is sandy with fine pebbles and offers views of the Fortezza. Kamari beach is smaller with pebbles and rocks, popular for snorkeling. Petres beach has sand and pebbles and is also good for snorkeling, though it can be wavy.
Can you swim at the beaches near Atsipopoulo?
Yes, you can swim at the beaches near Atsipopoulo. Rethymnon beach has shallow, clear waters, making it good for swimming. Koumbes beach also has shallow waters. Kamari and Petres beaches are suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, beaches on the north coast of Crete, including those near Rethymno, can experience northerly winds (meltemi) which can make the sea wavy at times. Some beaches like Missiria may have swimming restrictions due to strong currents on certain days.
Are there accommodations with direct beach access near Atsipopoulo?
While Atsipopoulo itself is inland, the nearby coastal strip of Rethymno, including areas like Perivolia, Missiria, Platanes, and Adelianos Kampos, has many hotels and resorts located directly on or very close to the beach. If direct beach access from your accommodation is a priority, you would look for options in these coastal suburbs of Rethymno rather than in Atsipopoulo village itself.
Are the beaches near Atsipopoulo family-friendly?
Many beaches near Atsipopoulo are family-friendly. Rethymnon beach, with its shallow waters and sandy shore, is a good option. Adelianos Kampos beach, a bit further east, also has shallow waters and is popular with families. Koumbes beach has an enclosed, sandy paddling area with warmer water suitable for small children. Missiria beach also has shallow waters, making it good for families.
What's the best time of year to visit Atsipopoulo for beaches?
The best time for a beach holiday near Atsipopoulo is typically from late May to early October. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperatures are pleasant for swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, though the sea might be cooler, especially in spring.
How do I get to the beaches from Atsipopoulo?
Since Atsipopoulo is inland, you will need transport to reach the beaches. Renting a car is a common and convenient option, offering flexibility to explore different beaches. Local buses also run from Rethymno town to nearby coastal areas and beaches like Adelianos Kampos. Some beaches, like Koumbes, are within a longer walking distance (around 20 minutes from Rethymno center, which is itself a short drive or bus ride from Atsipopoulo).
Are there quiet or less crowded beaches near Atsipopoulo?
While Rethymnon town beach can be bustling, you can find quieter spots. Petres beach is often described as quieter and less popular among tourists, offering a more serene experience. Koumbes beach, though close to Rethymno, is often frequented by locals and can be less crowded than the main city beach. Beaches on the southern coast of Rethymno prefecture (a longer drive) are generally more secluded.
Are there any beaches with pebbles instead of sand near Atsipopoulo?
Yes, some beaches near Atsipopoulo have pebbles or a mix of sand and pebbles. Kamari beach is characterized by pebbles and rocks in some areas. Koumbes beach has sand and fine pebbles. Petres beach also features a mix of sand and pebbles.
What facilities are available at the beaches near Atsipopoulo?
The main Rethymnon beach is well-organized with numerous facilities including umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, beach bars, and water sports. Koumbes beach also offers amenities like lifeguards, umbrellas, showers, and changing rooms. Adelianos Kampos is similarly well-equipped. Smaller or more secluded beaches like Kamari or parts of Petres may have fewer facilities, perhaps just a few umbrellas and a tavern.
Is it windy on the beaches near Atsipopoulo?
The north coast of Crete, where the beaches near Atsipopoulo are located, can be affected by northerly winds, known as 'meltemi,' especially during July and August. This can lead to wavy conditions on exposed beaches like Rethymnon beach, Petres beach, and Missiria beach. Some coves or more sheltered spots might be less affected.
Are there any unique beach features or local quirks near Atsipopoulo?
Yes, some beaches have unique aspects. The long beachfront of Rethymno Bay, including areas like Adelianos Kampos and Missiria, is a nesting site for Caretta-Caretta sea turtles; you might see protected nest sites marked on the sand. Koumbes beach offers views of the Fortezza fortress. Petres beach is named after the Petres Gorge that ends there, and a river flows into the sea on its east side, making the water cooler in that spot.
Which is better for beaches: Atsipopoulo area or somewhere like Plakias?
Atsipopoulo provides access to the long, organized, and often sandy beaches of Rethymno's north coast, which are generally shallower and can be wavier due to north winds. Plakias, on the south coast, offers a different experience with a large, scenic bay and several other beautiful beaches nearby like Souda, Damnoni, and Preveli. South coast beaches are often considered more dramatic and sometimes less windy, but the journey from Atsipopoulo to Plakias is significant. The choice depends on whether you prefer the amenities and accessibility of the north coast near a larger town or the wilder beauty and often calmer waters of the south coast.
What's the difference between Rethymnon town beach and Koumbes beach?
Rethymnon town beach is a very long, sandy, and well-organized beach stretching east from the Venetian port, bustling with activity and amenities. Koumbes beach is located west of Rethymno's center, is smaller, has sand and fine pebbles, and is generally less crowded, often frequented by locals. Koumbes also offers good snorkeling opportunities and views of the Fortezza, but some find its proximity to a busy road less appealing aesthetically compared to the main Rethymnon beach.
