Rethymno City Beach
Begins immediately east of the Venetian harbour and runs for kilometres. Sandy, shallow, and easily walkable from the Old Town. Near the harbour it has sunbeds and beach bars; further east it becomes free and less organized.
Crete
Best Beaches in Rethymno
Preveli Beach (Palm Beach)
The most photographed beach in the region — a lagoon with native Cretan date palms opening to a sandy bay. Accessible by steep path or by boat from Plakias. Exceptionally beautiful.
Plakias
A relaxed south-coast village with a wide sandy bay and laid-back atmosphere. Good tavernas at the water's edge. Strong base for hiking the coastal paths between Plakias and Preveli.
Georgioupoli
20 km west of Rethymno, a small town at the mouth of the Almiros river with a long sandy beach and eucalyptus grove. Family-friendly and photogenic.