Rodakino Beaches

Overview

For travelers seeking a truly quiet and relaxing escape on Crete's southern coast, Rodakino offers an ideal setting. This traditional village is the antithesis of a bustling resort, providing a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to unwind. Visitors will discover a coastline of beautiful, uncrowded beaches, typically featuring a mix of fine pebbles and coarse sand lapped by famously clear, blue waters perfect for swimming.

The local shoreline has several distinct beaches to explore. The most convenient is Korakas Beach, the main beach with the most organization. Just a short distance away, Spiaggia di Polyrizos offers a sandier and shallower alternative, making it a favorite for families with children. For a more secluded experience, Peristeres Beach is known for its tranquility and the sea caves that give it its name, while the stunningly beautiful Agia Marina is perfect for enjoying natural scenery.

Rodakino's charm lies in its simplicity and serene environment, offering a different kind of holiday than larger tourist centers like nearby Plakias. It is a destination for slowing down and enjoying the natural beauty of the Libyan Sea. While our editor's picks highlight the main attractions, numerous other small coves await discovery, which you can find in our complete guide to the area's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

What are the beaches in Rodakino actually like, sand or pebbles?

The beaches in the Rodakino area are typically a mix of fine grayish pebbles and coarse sand. The main, most organized beach is Korakas, which has this pebble and sand mixture. Polirizos beach, just to the west, is known for having more fine sand and shallower water, making it popular with families. Further west, Peristeres beach is a longer stretch of sand and pebbles.

Korakas Beach

Spiaggia di Polyrizos

Is Rodakino a good destination for a quiet, relaxing beach holiday?

Yes, Rodakino is an excellent choice for a quiet and relaxing holiday. It is known for being a remote, tranquil village, far from the bustling tourist centers. The beaches are generally uncrowded, especially on weekdays, offering a peaceful atmosphere. It's ideal for travelers, couples, and families looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a serene natural environment.

Are there any nudist-friendly beaches in or around Rodakino?

Yes, the Rodakino area is known for being nudist-friendly, although it's not officially designated everywhere. Peristeres beach, to the west of the main beaches, is particularly well-known as a quiet spot where nudism is common. You may also find naturists on the more secluded coves and at the eastern end of Korakas beach.

Peristeres Beach

Korakas Beach

How does Rodakino compare to Plakias for a beach holiday?

Rodakino and Plakias offer very different experiences. Rodakino is a small, quiet, and traditional village with uncrowded pebble/sand beaches, ideal for ultimate relaxation. Plakias is a larger, more developed tourist resort with a long sandy beach, many more tavernas, shops, and tourist facilities. Choose Rodakino for tranquility and a traditional feel; choose Plakias for more amenities and a livelier atmosphere.

Paralia Rodakino

Plakias

Are there places to stay right on or very near the beach in Rodakino?

Yes, there are several accommodation options located very close to the beaches. You can find a number of apartments, studios, and small hotels right by Korakas and Polirizos beaches, offering sea views and easy walking access to the water and local tavernas. Options range from simple studios to small, family-run hotels, catering to the area's tranquil vibe.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Korakas Beach

Spiaggia di Polyrizos

Is it safe to swim at Rodakino's beaches, and what is the water like?

The water at Rodakino's beaches is famously clear, clean, and blue, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The sea is generally calm, especially at the more sheltered Polirizos beach. However, like all beaches on Crete's south coast, it can get wavy when it's windy. Parents should be aware that the water at Korakas beach can get deep fairly quickly in some parts.

Korakas Beach

Is Rodakino suitable for a family beach holiday with children?

Yes, Rodakino can be very suitable for families, particularly those looking for a quiet holiday. Polirizos beach is often recommended for children because it is sandier and has calm, shallow waters. The main beach, Korakas, is also family-friendly, though the water deepens more quickly. The overall atmosphere is safe and relaxed, but note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Spiaggia di Polyrizos

Korakas Beach

What's the best time of year to visit the beaches in Rodakino?

The best time to visit Rodakino for a beach holiday is from late spring to early autumn, specifically from May through October. The peak summer months of June to September offer the warmest weather and sea temperatures, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. For fewer crowds but still pleasant weather, consider visiting in May, early June, or September.

People Also Ask

Are there sunbeds, umbrellas, and tavernas at the beaches?

Yes, the main beaches have facilities, but they remain relatively undeveloped. Korakas beach is the most organized, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and a few seaside tavernas. Polirizos beach also has some umbrellas and tavernas nearby, like the popular Taverna Yiannis (The Peach Bar). More remote coves like Peristeres have very few or no facilities, so you should come prepared.

Korakas Beach

How do you get to the beaches from Rodakino village?

Rodakino village is split into an upper (Ano) and lower (Kato) part, situated on a slope above the sea. From Kato Rodakino, a winding asphalt road of about 2 kilometers leads down to the coast and the main beach, Korakas. From there, you can easily drive or walk a short distance west to Polirizos beach. Access is by car, as public transport to the beach itself is not available.

Korakas Beach

Spiaggia di Polyrizos

Can it get very windy at the beaches in Rodakino?

While generally known for its calm sea, Rodakino is on the south coast of Crete, which can be exposed to winds, particularly the summer 'Meltemi'. On windy days, the sea can become wavy. However, some sources note it is generally less windy than other south coast locations. If it is windy, the wind can cause sand to blow around, and you might prefer to retreat to a sheltered taverna.

What's the difference between Korakas, Polirizos, and Peristeres beaches?

These are the three main beaches in the Rodakino bay. Korakas is the first and most organized beach you reach, with fine pebbles, clear water, and several tavernas. Polirizos, just west of Korakas, is sandier and has shallower, calmer water, making it great for families. Peristeres is the longest and most secluded of the three, further west along a winding road, and is known for being very quiet and popular with nudists.

Korakas Beach

Spiaggia di Polyrizos