Crete is full of dreamy beaches, almost equally spread along all its prefectures. However, the beaches of Rethymno, located both in the northern and southern parts, are exceptional. There is a long distance between them and if you wish to visit more than one, during the day, you should consider renting a car, if you do not have your own vehicle.
The North and South Cretan Seas have a big variation of beaches. On an island that has 3000 hours of sunshine per year, diving is a must! Make your experience a relaxing adventure and rent a car in Rethymno from Let's Drive.
Even if you don't want to move at all, the city's beach is 18 kilometers long and it features many different amenities, from a lifeguard and sunbeds to water sports and restaurants. There are also places where you can avoid crowds and enjoy the sun surrounded by peace and quiet.
Smaller but impressive, the touristic Bali, is located about 30 kilometers away from Rethymnon. It consists of numerous sandy coves with turquoise waters. These waters are shallow and usually with no wind, an ideal place for families with children. If you are starting from the port of Chania, you can choose one of the rental cars in Souda and reach the exotic beach in less than 1.5 hours!
At the North Cretan Sea and close to Chania, Episkopi is 3.5 kilometers long and has shallow waters. The settlement located nearby is traditional and unchanged by tourists.
On the south side of the island, the Palm Forest of Preveli combines one of the most significant attractions with an impressive beach. Access is not available using public transport, so most tourists who arrive on the island by plane, rent a car in advance.
Agios Pavlos is another popular beach in Rethymnon. In this area, south of the prefecture, you can discover the beach of Agios Pavlos, but also Ammolofoi (Dunes) beach, which locals call "Alatsogremni". Next to it, there is the beach of Apoplystra which is famous for its limestone rocks. On the beach of Agios Pavlos, you will find rooms to let and taverns, while yoga retreats and meditation seminars take place often.
If you are looking for a secluded beach, Peristeres will enchant you. It is located very close to Frangokastelo and Sfakia, in the municipality of Chania.
In Ammoudi, as its name suggests (sandy), you will find white sand and natural shade, offered by the tamarisk trees. It is not touristically developed, but you will find a few taverns, beach umbrellas and rooms to let. Very close is Kleisidi, an isolated beach, but also Ammoudaki, which is a nudist beach.
The Beach of Plakias is also very popular, with accommodations, restaurants and beach bars. Nearby is Paligremnos, with vertical cliffs near the beach, that attract many climbers to the area.
Rethymnon is an ideal destination for couples, families, groups, and even lonely travelers. It is a year-round destination and there are many of Crete's most famous attractions to see.
Start your tour from the Old Town, to admire the Venetian fortress of Fortezza. Guora gate is the central entrance of the Venetian wall, as well as the Venetian port. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, as well as the majestic Church of Saint Francis. Special attractions in Rethymno are the Ecclesiastical, Archaeological and Folklore Museums, as well as the Art Gallery of Rethymnon.
The city could be a perfect starting point for you, to explore many neighboring areas.
Don’t miss exploring the capital of Crete, Heraklion, through its sights and beauties. A walk on the pedestrian street of August 25th Street will give you a taste of the city's character. There are many neoclassical buildings, shops and cafes, that end where the sea begins. Among the most characteristic buildings, is the Venetian Loggia, one of the most important and well-preserved Venetian monuments in Crete. The list of important sites is long: The Medieval Fortress of Koule in the harbor, the Basilica of Saint Mark, the Morosini Fountain, the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology and the Historical Museum of Crete. However, you should not miss the opportunity to see the Archaeological Site of Knossos, one of the most visited spots on the island.
How will you visit all these? Easy, once you have booked your car rental in Heraklion!
If you want to visit one of the most beautiful villages of Chania, you should travel to Vamos. This is a traditional settlement, untouched by tourism, with cobbled streets, guesthouses that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and a gorgeous view of the White Mountains. "Old Neighbourhood" is the most famous street in the village and you will find it because everyone takes photos here. In Vamos, you will also come across the chapel of the Virgin Mary, a 13th-century monument. The port of Souda is 20 km away from the village and car rentals in Chania are safer for a flexible trip. Don't forget that if you visit Chania off-season, you can easily enjoy culinary experiences.
Find rental cars in Rethymnon easily and quickly through Let's Drive. Book a car and define the place to get it delivered to & collected.
