Best Rethymno Beaches

Rethymno hosts some of the most magnificent beaches in Crete. Beaches on the northern side are more organized and busy, while beaches on the southern side remain untouched by tourism and are ideal for total privacy.

In brief, the beaches that appeal to the most tourists are Bali and Panormos on the northern part of Rethymno and Agia Galini and Preveli on the southern part.

You will find below a list of the best beaches in Rethymno sorted by popularity.
After exploring them, don't skip checking out our list of all the best places to visit in Rethymno (the best sights, villages, restaurants, and more).

Location: 32 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: Bali is a series of sandy beaches that get quite popular in summer due to the sheer beauty of the surrounding natural landscape and their calm atmosphere. Most of them are well-organized, while visitors will find a scuba diving school too.

Location: 55 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: Surrounded by huge cliffs and spectacular water caves, Agia Galini is well-organized and provides all the necessary tourist facilities.

Location: 40 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Preveli is located at the exit of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, at the delta formed by a river as it opens into the sea. Surrounded by a palm tree forest and lush vegetation, it is the most idyllic destination in Rethymno.

Don't miss our recommendations of the best hotels in Rethymno sorted by category, location, facilities, prices, and more. Book online now!

Discover our selection

Location: 22 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: Fully organized and with crystal water, Panormos has plenty of taverns and accommodations with an amazing view over the sea.

Location: 40 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Some parts of Plakias are organized, while others are secluded. In any case, the atmosphere is relaxing and calm in both sections.

Location: 45 km south of Rethymno
Description: Rodakino is a lovely shore close to the beach resort of Plakias. Some parts of it are organized, while others are secluded.

Location: 55 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: Triopetra is a lovely secluded beach on the southern side of Rethymno. Due to its long distance from most tourist places, it doesn't get crowded.

Location: 42 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Souda is a small bay close to Plakias, a fishing village on the southern side of Rethymno. Usually, it is not crowded.

Location: 58 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: One of the most picturesque locations in southern Crete, Agios Pavlos is a small bay with a sandy coast. It is a great place to relax.

Location: 4 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: Organized and long, Platanes gets very popular due to its soft sand and close distance from Rethymno Town.

Location: 10 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: The beach of Adele hosts a variety of amenities, including sunbeds and beach bars, coupled with the crystal clear waters.

Location: 42 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Damnoni is a lovely, sandy bay close to the popular resort of Plakias. Organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, Damnoni is an ideal place to relax.

Location: 1 km from Rethymno Town
Description: This is a sandy beach within walking distance from the center of Rethymno Town.

Location: 18 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: Geropotamos is a cove found on the way to Heraklion. It is secluded and not organized, so it rarely gets crowded.

Location: 5 km east of Rethymnon Town
Description: Misiria is a long sandy shore. It gets a bit crowded in summer due to its closeness to the Town. Some tourist facilities are found around it.

Location: 12 km west of Rethymnon Town
Description: Petres is long and has sand and pebbles on its coast. The surrounding area is calm and ideal for guests to relax.

Location: 62 km southeast of Rethymnon Town
Description: Agios Georgios is a secluded beach close to Agia Galini. It has no tourist facilities, so this is a great spot to enjoy some privacy.

Location: 8 km east of Rethymnon Town
Description: Pigianos Kampos is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. It is located close to Rethymno Town and boasts a sandy shore, crystalline waters, and a series of quiet rocky coves which are ideal for snorkeling.

Location: 2 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: The long and sandy Perivolia is very close to Rethymno Town, therefore it receives numerous visitors in summer.

Location: 11 km east of Rethymnon Town
Description: Stavromenos is a lovely resort east of Rethymnon Town. It is a calm village and doesn't get crowded even during the high season.

Location: In a walking distance from the city centre of Rethymnon
Description: The beach of Rethymnon Town is long and sandy. It is located within a walking distance from the city centre and some parts of it are organized.