Rethymno Main Beach

The town of Rethymno is 58 km from Chania and 78 km from Heraklion. The main beach is located on the east side of the city, about a mile from the Old Town. It is a large sandy expanse and part of the extensive beachfront on offer for visitors. The area is fully developed and popular with locals and international visitors that are after a convenient swimming spot within the city limits. During the busy summer months, the area can get a bit crowded but it is long and wide enough to accommodate most visitors comfortably.

Here, you will find all the standard amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and a lifeguard station. There are also plenty of options for water sports and other activities.

Due to the proximity of the beach to the town, there are plenty of tavernas, restaurants, bars and cafeterias. They cater to all needs, from traditional Cretan lunch spots to vibrant bars for a cocktail next to the water. Even though the beach is next to the busy city centre, it is home to one of the most important nesting sites for the loggerhead turtle, Caretta Caretta. When you visit you may well come across fenced off areas within which the turtles find sanctuary when laying their eggs. It is crucial that the nesting sites stay protected and are not disturbed so turtles can return in the following years. As you carry on east, you will meet the beach of Adele. The long sandy coast is great for leisurely beach walks that will take you through various small villages.

Rethymno is one of the most romantic and charming cities on the island of Crete. There are numerous attractions in the Old Town of Rethymno that visitors can enjoy before or after their refreshing swim. Don’t miss Rimondi Fountain, a signature landmark of the city found on Petchaki Square and the Venetian Loggia, where noblemen once gathered to discuss civic and political matters. You may also choose to see Rethymno Bay from the water, with a sunset or daytime cruise that will take you to nearby beaches and show you a different angle of the area.