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What are your favorite beaches in Rethymno, Crete?

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ssherie_

ssherie_

Active member
Hey everyone, i’m planning a trip to Rethymno after graduating from college this summer, what are the best beaches for me to visit?
 
Thanks for stopping by!

Here are some of the beaches in the Rethymno area (Crete) that are some of my favorite (in no particular order):
- Limani Beach
- Varkotopos Beach
- Preveli Beach
- Livadi Beach

Hope this helps & Have a great trip to Crete!

rethymno-crete-768x512.jpeg
 
This is a beautiful area of Crete, and there are plenty of nearby beaches. I like both Limani and Prevali beaches quite a bit. You also might want to check out Kalipso, which is a beachside resort that feels like it's been carved into the rocks. It's so cool! No matter which beach you go to, you might want to arrive early so that you can claim one of these chairs and umbrellas for yourself! They fill up fast.

rethymnon-beaches.jpg
 
Rethymno has some amazing beaches, whether you prefer organized shores or quieter spots away from the crowds. Having a rental car lets you discover hidden coastal gems at your own pace. Cretarent was a convenient option that helped me enjoy several beautiful beaches in one trip.
 
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Best beaches in Crete for families?

I’m starting to plan a possible family trip to Crete next summer, and I’d love some advice from people who know the island well. What are the best beaches in Crete for families? I’m looking for places with calm water, easy access, and not too much walking from the car, basically somewhere kid-friendly without sacrificing the beauty Crete is known for.

I’ve heard mixed things: some people say the north coast has gentler seas, while others insist the south coast is more peaceful and less crowded. Elafonissi looks stunning, but I’m not sure how practical it is with children. Same with Balos, gorgeous, but is the hike or boat ride too much for younger kids?

If anyone has specific beach recommendations, safe swimming spots, or even family-friendly towns to base ourselves in, I’d really appreciate it. Any firsthand experiences or tips are welcome!

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For those who’ve done Heraklion without Knossos, what did you enjoy most? Beach clubs, wandering the old town, museums, markets, or food-focused activities? I’d love suggestions that feel unhurried but still doable within a cruise schedule.

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Would you spend two or even three weeks just exploring Crete, or would that feel like too much time? I'm also considering dividing the trip between Crete, Athens, and perhaps another island.

Since it will be October, I'm wondering if staying longer in Crete might make sense rather than moving around too much, especially as the season winds down on some islands.

For those who know Crete well, how many days would you recommend to experience it without rushing? And if you had a few weeks in Greece in October, how would you divide your time?

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For those who have explored both parts of the island, what did you find were the biggest differences? Is one side better for traditional villages, local food, and authentic experiences? How do the beaches compare? I'm also curious about scenery, hiking opportunities, and whether one side is easier to use as a base for day trips.

If you only had about a week in Crete, would you choose the east or the west? I'd love to hear what influenced your decision and whether you'd make the same choice again.

How much can you realistically see in Heraklion during a six-hour cruise stop?

I'm looking at a cruise that I might take next year, and one of the stops is Heraklion, Crete. I've never been there before, so I'm starting to research what there is to see and do. It looks like there are quite a few interesting options, but I'm wondering how much is realistic with only about six hours in port.

I'd love to visit the Palace of Knossos, but I'm also interested in exploring Heraklion itself, especially the Venetian Harbor, local shops, and maybe stopping somewhere for a traditional Cretan meal.

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I'm also wondering how much time to allow for transportation and getting back to the ship. Any advice would be appreciated!
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