How far is Gallos from the nearest beach and Rethymno town?
Gállos is a village located a few kilometers from Rethymno town. The organized sandy beach of Rethymno is approximately 3 km away from Gállos. Rethymno town itself is also about 3 to 5 km away, depending on the specific destination within the town.
What are the beaches like near Gallos? Are they sandy or pebbly?
The most accessible beach from Gállos is Rethymno beach, which is a long, sandy beach. Other nearby beaches in the Rethymno area vary; for example, Kamari beach has pebbles and rocks in some areas, while Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias feature a lengthy sandy beachfront. Some beaches further out, like those on the south coast, can be a mix of sand and pebbles, or primarily pebbly.
Can you swim at the beaches near Gallos? What is the water like?
Yes, you can swim at the beaches near Gállos. Rethymno beach, the closest major beach, has crystal clear shallow waters, making it suitable for swimming. Other beaches in the region, such as those around Plakias or Skinaria, are also known for their clear waters, with some being particularly good for snorkeling. Water temperatures are warmest and most suitable for swimming from June to early September.
Is Gallos a good place for a family beach holiday?
Gállos can be a good base for a family beach holiday, offering a more peaceful, rural atmosphere while still being close to amenities and beaches. Rethymno beach, which is nearby, has shallow waters and is well-organized, making it family-friendly. Some accommodations in and around Gállos also cater to families with features like private pools and children's pools. The wider Rethymno area offers beaches like Livadi in Bali, which is ideal for families with shallow clear waters and lifeguards.
Are there accommodations in Gallos with private pools near the beach?
Yes, Gállos and its surrounding areas offer villa accommodations that often feature private pools. While Gállos itself is not directly on the beach (it's about 3 km away), many of these villas provide a private and relaxing base with easy car access to the nearby beaches of Rethymno. Some listings specifically mention villas in Gállos with private pools, ideal for families or groups.
What's the best way to get to the beaches from Gallos?
From Gállos, you can reach Rethymno town and its main beach by bus, taxi, or even on foot if you enjoy walking (around 5 km). A taxi is the fastest option, taking about 7 minutes. Buses connect Gállos (near the University) to Rethymno, though a transfer might be needed. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring various beaches in the wider Rethymno region, especially those further afield.
Are there quiet, less crowded beaches near Gallos or Rethymno?
While Rethymno town beach can be bustling, there are quieter options. Beaches further east along the 13km Rethymno Bay towards Skaleta can be less crowded. For truly quiet and secluded beaches, exploring the south coast of Rethymno is recommended, with options like Ligres, Triopetra, or Skinaria, though these require more travel. Even closer, Koumbes beach, west of Rethymno, is smaller. Kamari beach, west of Rethymnon, is also relatively compact.
What is the best time of year to visit Gallos for a beach holiday?
The best time for a beach holiday in the Gállos/Rethymno area is generally from late May to early October. June to August offer the warmest weather and sea temperatures, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, but this is also peak tourist season. For pleasant weather, warm seas, and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of May, September, and early October are excellent choices.
Are there any beaches near Gallos good for snorkeling?
Yes, some beaches near Gállos are good for snorkeling. Kamari beach, located about 7km west of Rethymno, has pebbles and rocks in areas, making it a favorite for snorkelers. Pigianos Kampos, also near Rethymno, has rocky coves ideal for snorkeling. Further afield, Skinaria beach on the south coast is renowned for its clear water and is an ideal spot for snorkeling. Kalypso beach, built on steep rocks, also offers turquoise waters perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Is it better to stay in Gallos or directly in Rethymno town for a beach holiday?
Choosing between Gállos and Rethymno town depends on your preferences. Rethymno town offers direct access to its long sandy beach, a vibrant atmosphere with many tavernas, shops, and historical sites like the Old Town and Venetian Harbor. Gállos provides a quieter, more rural setting, often with villa accommodations offering more space and privacy (some with private pools), while still being a short drive or bus ride from Rethymno's beaches and amenities. If easy, walkable access to a bustling beach and city life is a priority, Rethymno town might be better. If you prefer a peaceful retreat with easy access to the coast by car, Gállos is a good option.
What are the parking options like at Rethymno beach?
Rethymno beach offers some paid parking at the entrance, though spaces can be limited. Street parking is also available nearby. During peak season, it's advisable to arrive early to find a spot. Some sources mention finding free street parking along Rethymno Beach, especially during less crowded times. The marina parking lot near Rethymno's old town is another option, though it's a bit further from some parts of the main beach.
Are the beaches near Gallos (Rethymno area) suitable for people with mobility issues?
Rethymno Beach is mentioned as being handicap-friendly, featuring ramps and special facilities for visitors with disabilities. This makes it a more accessible option in the area. However, accessibility can vary significantly for other, smaller or more remote beaches, some of which may have difficult access paths or natural terrain.
Are there any local quirks or specific beach culture I should be aware of around Gallos/Rethymno?
A significant aspect of the beaches around Rethymno, particularly the long stretch of Rethymno Bay, is that they are important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). You might see protected nesting areas on the beach, and it's crucial to respect these. Otherwise, the beach culture is typical of popular Greek tourist destinations, with organized sections offering sunbeds and umbrellas (often for a fee or with a drink purchase from a taverna), and also free areas. Some more remote beaches, particularly on the south coast, might be frequented by nudists, such as Klisidi or parts of Agia Galini's beach.
How does Rethymno's main beach compare to beaches in Plakias on the south coast?
Rethymno's main beach is a very long (13km), sandy, and well-organized beach on the north coast, easily accessible and bustling with amenities, shops, and tavernas. It has generally shallow waters. Plakias, on the south coast (about 35km from Rethymno), offers a different experience. Plakias beach itself is a lovely shore with white sand and turquoise waters, also organized. The surrounding area on the south coast features numerous other coves and beaches, some sandy, some pebbly, often more secluded and set against dramatic cliffs, like Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi, or Skinaria. The south coast beaches can sometimes be windier but are often considered very beautiful and less developed than the main Rethymno strip.
Are there any beaches near Gallos that are particularly good for just relaxing and escaping crowds?
While the main Rethymno beach can be busy, for quieter relaxation near Gállos, you could try exploring the eastern stretches of Rethymno Bay towards Skaleta, as it tends to be less crowded further from the city center. Koumbes beach, west of Rethymno, is smaller and might offer a more tranquil experience. For truly escaping crowds, beaches on the south coast like Ligres, Triopetra, or Agios Pavlos are excellent choices, known for their peaceful atmosphere, though they require a drive from Gállos.
