Is Rethymno a good choice if I want a holiday focused on beaches?
Yes, Rethymno is an excellent choice for a beach-focused holiday. It offers a very long, sandy beach directly accessible from the town, equipped with numerous facilities. Beyond the main town beach, the region boasts a diverse coastline with many other beaches, from organized and family-friendly spots on the north coast to more secluded and wild beaches on the south coast.
When is the best time to visit Rethymno for a beach holiday?
The best times for a beach holiday in Rethymno are typically late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and the beaches are less crowded than in the peak months of July and August. July and August offer the hottest weather and warmest sea temperatures but also see the most visitors.
Are Rethymno beaches suitable for families with young children?
Yes, many beaches in Rethymno are very family-friendly. The main Rethymno town beach offers a long stretch of sand with shallow waters that deepen gradually, making it ideal for children. Other family-friendly options include Bali, Panormos, and Episkopi on the north coast, and Plakias and Damnoni on the south coast, often featuring calm waters and amenities.
What are the swimming conditions like at Rethymno beaches? Is the water clear?
Generally, the water at Rethymno beaches is clear and very suitable for swimming, especially on calm days. The main town beach has clear waters, particularly when it's not windy. Beaches on the south coast are renowned for their crystal-clear waters. However, north coast beaches can sometimes be affected by summer winds (Meltemi), which can create waves.
Can I find hotels in Rethymno that are right on the beach or have their own beach section?
Yes, many hotels in Rethymno, particularly along the main Rethymno town beach that stretches east from the city, are located directly on or just across the road from the beach. Some of these hotels may manage sections of the beach, providing sunbeds and umbrellas for their guests, sometimes free of charge or at a discounted rate.
I've heard about winds in Crete. How windy do Rethymno beaches get, especially in summer?
Rethymno's north coast beaches, including the main town beach, can be affected by the 'Meltemi' winds, which are more common in July and August. These winds can make the sea choppy. South coast beaches can also experience winds, sometimes strong southerly ones at places like Plakias. However, there are also many sheltered coves, like those in Bali, that remain calm. It's always a good idea to check the local forecast.
Are the beaches in Rethymno mostly sandy or are there pebbly ones too?
Rethymno offers a mix. The main Rethymno town beach is predominantly sandy. Many popular north coast beaches like Bali and Panormos are also sandy. On the south coast, you'll find beautiful sandy beaches like Plakias and Preveli, but also some coves with pebbles or a mix. Some beaches like Episkopi have both sandy and pebbly sections.
How much does it typically cost to rent sunbeds and an umbrella on Rethymno beaches?
The cost for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella on Rethymno's organized beaches usually ranges from about €6 to €10 per day. Some beach bars may offer them for free if you purchase food or drinks, though this varies. Prices can differ slightly depending on the beach and the season.
Are there any official or known nudist-friendly beaches in the Rethymno area?
Yes, there are several beaches in the Rethymno region where nudism is common and tolerated, although not always officially designated. Ammoudaki (Mikro Ammoudi) near Plakias is well-known as a nudist beach. Parts of Ligres beach and the nearby Katsouni beach on the south coast are also nudist-friendly. The western end of Karavostasis beach in Bali has also been mentioned as nudist-friendly.
How easy is it to visit the famous south coast beaches (like Preveli or Plakias) if I'm staying in Rethymno town?
Visiting the south coast beaches from Rethymno town requires some travel, typically by car, as they are about 30-50 km away. The drive involves crossing the island's mountainous interior, offering scenic views. For Preveli beach, access also involves a walk down a steep path or a boat trip from nearby Plakias or Agia Galini. Public buses may serve some south coast villages, but a rental car offers more flexibility.
I've read about sea turtles in Crete. Are there any beaches in Rethymno where I might see turtle nests?
Yes, the long sandy beach of Rethymno town and nearby areas like Platanes are important nesting grounds for the Caretta Caretta (loggerhead) sea turtles. During the nesting and hatching season (roughly May to September), you may see marked and protected areas on the beach to safeguard the nests. It's crucial to respect these protections and not disturb the nests.
Which beaches in the Rethymno region are best for snorkeling?
Several beaches around Rethymno offer good snorkeling opportunities due to clear waters and interesting underwater rock formations. On the north coast, Kamari (near Gerani) and Petres beach are good choices. Spilies beach (Caves beach) and Geropotamos also offer interesting seabeds. On the south coast, Skinaria, Ammoudi, and the area around Plakias are often recommended for their rich marine life and clear visibility. Kalypso beach, with its deep waters and rocky fjord-like setting, is also excellent for snorkeling and diving.
If I want a beach right by my hotel, is Rethymno or Chania a better choice?
Rethymno has a distinct advantage here, as a very long, sandy beach stretches directly east from the Venetian harbor and Old Town, lined with numerous hotels and apartments. This makes beach access incredibly convenient if you're staying in or near Rethymno town. While Chania has beaches like Nea Chora within walking distance of its Old Town, it doesn't have the same extensive beachfront promenade with hotels directly on a large sandy beach in the immediate town area.
The main Rethymno beach sounds great but can get busy. Are there any quieter, more secluded beach spots not too far from Rethymno town?
Yes, if you're looking for quieter alternatives to the main town beach, you could explore beaches a bit further east or west along the north coast. For example, Episkopi beach (west) is very long and has unorganized sections. Smaller coves like Geropotamos or Spilies (east of Rethymno town) can be less crowded. For truly secluded spots, exploring the south coast is highly recommended, though it requires more travel time.
What's the general vibe of the beaches in Rethymno? Are they all super touristy or are there more local spots?
Rethymno offers a mix. The main town beach and popular resort areas like Platanes and Adelianos Kampos are well-organized and can be quite touristy, with lots of amenities, beach bars, and water sports. However, even along this stretch, you can find quieter sections. Beaches on the south coast, and smaller coves along the north coast away from the main resorts (like Skinaria or some parts of Bali), tend to have a more local, laid-back, and less commercial atmosphere.
