Prinés Beaches

Overview

Prinés offers a unique Cretan experience, a charming inland village that serves as an excellent base for discovering the diverse coastline of the Rethymno region. While not directly on the shore, those with a car will find a variety of beaches within easy reach, from organized sandy stretches to more secluded pebbly coves. It's an ideal spot for travelers seeking authentic village life combined with the adventure of beach exploration, rather than a typical resort stay.

Among the must-visit shores, Rethymnon beach provides a lively, fully-serviced experience right in town. For truly iconic scenery, the palm-fringed river mouth of Preveli is unforgettable. Nature lovers will be captivated by the stunning sea caves at Spilies Beach, while the world-famous pink sands of Elafonissi make for a remarkable day trip. Many other beautiful spots, including popular south coast destinations like Plakias, are also accessible, with our full guide detailing numerous other options.

The beaches accessible from Prinés showcase Crete's varied coastal beauty. The north coast generally features more organized and bustling sandy beaches, while the south coast often reveals wilder, more secluded coves with dramatic landscapes and exceptionally clear waters. Exploring both will reward visitors with a rich tapestry of Cretan seascapes, each offering a different but equally enchanting experience.

Top Beaches

FAQ

How far is Prinés from the nearest beach and Rethymno town?

Prinés is a traditional village located inland. The closest beach, Kamari, is about 2.3 km away. Rethymno town, with its long sandy beach and Venetian harbor, is approximately 6 to 8 km away, depending on the specific destination within the town.

Kamari Beach

Is Prinés a good place for a beach holiday?

Prinés offers a charming, traditional village atmosphere away from the main tourist hotspots. While not directly on the coast, it serves as a good base for exploring nearby beaches if you have a car. It's ideal for those who want a mix of authentic Cretan village life and beach access, rather than a purely beach-centered resort experience.

What are the beaches near Prinés like? Are they sandy or pebbly?

The beaches closest to Prinés and around the Rethymno area vary. Kamari beach, the nearest, has pebbles and some rocky areas, making it good for snorkeling. Rethymno town beach is a long, sandy, and well-organized beach. Further afield, you'll find a mix: some beaches like Plakias on the south coast are largely sandy, while others might be pebbly or a mix. Many beaches on the north coast are sandy and organized, while the south coast often features more secluded, sometimes pebbly, coves.

Kamari Beach

Plakias

Do I need to rent a car if I stay in Prinés and want to visit beaches?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended if you're staying in Prinés and plan to explore various beaches. Prinés is an inland village, and while some beaches are relatively close, a car provides the flexibility to easily reach the diverse coastline of the Rethymno region, including both north and south coast beaches.

Are there accommodations in Prinés with easy access to beaches or sea views?

Prinés is an inland village, so direct beach access from accommodations within the village itself isn't typical. Some villas or holiday rentals in and around Prinés might offer distant sea views due to the village's elevated position. For accommodations with direct beach access, you would need to look at coastal towns and resorts near Rethymno or along the south coast.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are the beaches near Prinés suitable for families with children?

Yes, several beaches near Prinés are family-friendly. Rethymno town beach, for instance, has shallow waters and is well-organized with amenities. Panormos beach is also known for being family-friendly and sandy. On the south coast, Plakias beach offers sandy areas and some natural rock pools that can be fun for kids, though it's important to check wind conditions. Always supervise children near water.

Rethymnon

Plakias

What's the best time of year to visit Prinés for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in the Prinés area is from late spring (May) through early autumn (October). During these months, the weather is generally warm and sunny, and the sea temperatures are pleasant for swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Spring and early autumn offer warm weather with fewer crowds.

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches accessible from Prinés?

Yes, while the main Rethymno town beach can be busy, the Rethymno region offers many quieter options, especially if you have a car. The south coast beaches like Triopetra, Ligres, or Agios Pavlos tend to be more secluded and less crowded than those on the north coast. Even along the north coast, exploring smaller coves away from the main resorts can lead to quieter spots.

Triopetra Beach

Ligres Beach

Agios Pavlos Beach

People Also Ask

What are the swimming conditions like at the beaches near Rethymno? Is the water clear?

Generally, the water at beaches around Rethymno is clear and suitable for swimming, especially on calm days. The long sandy beach in Rethymno town has clear, shallow waters. Beaches on the south coast are also known for their clear waters. However, north-facing beaches can be affected by the 'Meltemi' winds, especially in July and August, which can create waves and make the sea choppier.

How does Rethymno's north coast beaches compare to its south coast beaches?

Rethymno's north coast beaches, like Rethymno town beach, Bali, and Panormos, are generally more organized, often sandy, and busier with more tourist facilities. The south coast beaches, such as Plakias, Preveli, Damnoni, and Triopetra, are often more secluded, sometimes wilder with dramatic landscapes, and can offer a mix of sand and pebbles. The south coast is also known for being less developed and ideal for those seeking privacy.

Are there any beaches near Prinés good for snorkeling?

Kamari beach, which is close to Prinés, has pebbles and rocks in some areas, making it a decent option for snorkeling. Generally, beaches with rocky areas or clear waters, often found in smaller coves or on the south coast (like Schinaria or parts of Plakias), offer good snorkeling opportunities. The clear waters of many Cretan beaches enhance the snorkeling experience.

Kamari Beach

Skinaria Beach

Plakias

What is the 'Meltemi' wind and how does it affect beaches in Crete?

The Meltemi is a strong, dry north wind that blows across the Aegean Sea, including Crete, primarily during the summer months (especially July and August). It can make north-facing beaches quite windy with choppy seas, which might be good for windsurfing but less ideal for calm swimming or sunbathing. South-facing beaches are generally more sheltered from the Meltemi.

Can you easily get to south coast beaches like Plakias or Preveli from Prinés?

Yes, with a rental car, you can reach south coast beaches like Plakias, Damnoni, Ammoudi, and Preveli from Prinés. The drive to Plakias is roughly 30-40 km and can take around 45 minutes to an hour, involving scenic drives through mountains and gorges. Preveli is a bit further. These beaches offer a different character to the north coast and are popular day trips.