Crete, Greece

Petres Beach

Petres Beach is a picturesque and serene beach located 12 km west of Rethymno town on the island of Crete, Greece. It is divided into two main sections, each with its unique characteristics and amenities.

The western part of Petres Beach is sandy and well-organized, offering an array of amenities including umbrellas, chairs, loungers, changing rooms, showers, and a lifeguard. This part of the beach is known for its warm water, although visitors are advised to exercise caution due to the presence of big waves. The eastern part of the beach, on the other hand, comprises sand and rocks in coves, and is favored for its more relaxed atmosphere due to the presence of rocks which prevent overcrowding. Despite the rocky terrain, this part of the beach also provides sun loungers and chairs for relaxation.

One unique feature of Petres Beach is the river that flows into the sea at the east side, making the water colder in that area. The beach is also known for its breathtaking scenery, particularly during sunset.

In terms of amenities, Petres Beach offers a range of services to enhance the beach experience for its visitors. Sunbeds and beach palm parasols are available, and there are also bars and restaurants in the vicinity that offer a variety of services.

Petres Beach is easily accessible, with ample parking space available for visitors. Access to the beach is convenient and quick via the highway, making it a worthwhile visit even for those based in the city. Despite its distance from the city, the beach is visited mostly by locals and is often quiet, providing a peaceful beach experience. The beach is particularly beautiful during winter, when visitors can enjoy the view of the white mountains, although it is less busy during this season.

Discover places to stay near Petres Beach and enjoy its breathtaking sunsets and serene atmosphere.

In summary, Petres Beach, with its crystalline and clean waters, natural beauty, convenient amenities, and easy accessibility, offers a unique and enjoyable beach experience for both locals and visitors.

What to do at Petres Beach?

Amenities

Petres Beach amenities include parking, shower and loungers.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

You can enjoy one of the restaurants at the beach while soaking up the sun.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's natural beauty, with its rolling waves, sandy stretches, and breathtaking sunsets being particularly appreciated. The beach's spaciousness and lack of overcrowding are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects. However, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the rocky areas of the beach, which can make swimming difficult.

Where to Stay near Petres Beach?

If you're visiting Petres Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Rethymno, which is just 12 km away and offers a wide range of accommodation options. Most visitors enjoy the convenience of staying in Rethymno because it not only provides easy access to Petres Beach but also has a vibrant atmosphere with historical attractions and local dining experiences.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Petres Beach?

Latitude: 35.3514965 / Longitude: 24.3587415

Petres Beach is located in Crete. The following map of Petres Beach shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Petres Beach: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a relaxing beach visit at Petres Beach, so you might want to reconsider your plans. While the air temperature will reach 27 °C, the conditions are far from ideal due to strong, blustery winds that will make lounging on the sand quite uncomfortable. The sky remains mostly cloudy throughout the day, and with a high UV Index of 8, you must still be diligent about sun protection even without direct sunlight. The water is currently 19.6 °C, which is too cold for a comfortable swim. Given the significant wind activity, it is best to skip the beach today and enjoy the day elsewhere.
🌬️

Air

Low / High17.2°C/27°C
Feels Like (High)27.2°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature19.6 °C
Wave Height0.3 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance3%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:17/20:20
Sunshine Hours11.7 hrs
UV Index8
Cloud Cover79%
💨

Wind

Speed31.3 km/h
Gusts64.1 km/h
DirectionS

These beaches might also interest you

Beaches near Petres Beach

Recommended

Read More