Klimata Beach

I’m going to be straight with you — most people drive right past the turnoff for Klimata without even knowing it exists. That is exactly why you need to go.

Klimata sits 45 kilometers south of Rethymnon city, tucked right next to the better-known Korakas beach near the village of Rodakino. The two spots are split by a short rocky headland, and while Korakas gets most of the visitors, Klimata stays almost completely empty.

The name itself tells you something about the land — Klimata means “vines” in Greek, named after the grapevines that once covered the hillsides all around this bay. Stand on the shore and look up, and you can still picture it.

Presenting Location

This is not a beach for everyone — and that is the whole point. Klimata is made for travelers who are done with sun beds, beach bars, and crowds. If you want raw, untouched coastline on the southern edge of Crete, this is one of the best places to find it.

It works perfectly for snorkelers, free divers, naturists, hikers, and anyone who wants a full day of complete quiet. The rocky seabed in several spots makes underwater visibility exceptional — I put my mask on and spent over an hour just drifting along the rocks.

Backpackers and wild campers also find their way here. There are no facilities, no vendors, no noise — just three consecutive pebble beaches, clear blue water, and the sound of the Libyan Sea. It is also one of the most naturism-friendly stretches of coastline in southern Crete.

Beach Profile

Klimata is a small bay with three consecutive beaches lined up one after another. All three have fine pebbles and crystal clear blue water. The sea is usually calm here — the bay gets some natural shelter from the surrounding rocky slopes, and the Libyan Sea on a good day looks almost unreal.

In places, the seabed shifts to rocky shelves just below the surface — exactly the kind of terrain that snorkelers love. The depth is described as normal, meaning it drops off gradually and comfortably. There is no sharp shelf, no sudden deep section — just a clean, readable underwater landscape.

The westernmost beach sits right next to the small harbor of Rodakino, reached by a cement-paved road coming from Korakas. The other two beaches are reached either by walking along the shoreline from the first, or by taking the dirt track that connects Korakas to Souda beach at Plakias.

History and Significance

The village of Rodakino nearby gets its name from the Greek word for “peach” — supposedly from a single peach tree that somehow survived in the dry landscape here. Some older locals believe the area was originally called Rikinthos, which eventually shifted into the word Rodakino over the centuries.

The broader Rodakino area sits at the mouth of a steep gorge that cuts through the Kryoneritis mountain. This was never easy terrain — the village is split into two parts, Kato and Ano Rodakino, straddling both sides of the canyon. Reaching the coast here historically meant coming by sea, not by road.

The hillsides above Klimata once supported vineyards — the very origin of the beach’s name. That agricultural past gives this coastline a layer of identity that most beach guides never mention.

Activities

Snorkeling and spearfishing are the main draws. The rocky seabed sections are particularly good — clear water, good fish life, and almost no other swimmers to contend with. I found a stretch near the second beach where the rocks drop into a shallow ledge covered in sea urchins and small fish. Bring your own gear because there is nothing to rent here.

The E4 European hiking trail passes through the Rodakino area just 1.4 kilometers away. This long-distance trail connects Rodakino to Kryoneritis and Alones, cutting through some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery in southern Crete. If you want to combine a beach day with a proper hike, this is the place to do it.

The nearby Sykia Gorge (1.6 km) and Rodakino Gorge (2.5 km) are also worth exploring for anyone who enjoys walking through narrow canyon passages. Both are accessible on foot from the beach area.

Amenities

There are no amenities at Klimata. No sun beds, no umbrellas, no showers, no food stalls. This is a completely raw beach — you bring everything you need and take everything back with you. That is not a complaint; it is the whole appeal.

The nearest organized beach is Korakas, just 0.5 kilometers away, which has umbrellas, tavernas, and rooms for rent. If you want a comfortable base with easy access to Klimata’s wilderness, staying near Korakas is the smart move.

Accommodations

There is no accommodation directly at Klimata. The closest options are in Rodakino village and near Korakas beach, where a handful of small hotels and rooms-to-let operations serve visitors. The Saint George Hotel in Rodakino is about a 19-minute walk from Klimata beach.

The resort town of Plakias, about 4 kilometers to the east along the coast, has a much wider range of places to stay — from budget studios to mid-range hotels — and makes an excellent base for exploring the entire Rodakino coastline.

Dining

There is nothing to eat or drink at Klimata itself. Pack your own food, water, and whatever else you need for the day. I made that mistake on my first visit — arrived with half a bottle of water for a full afternoon. Learn from that.

Korakas beach nearby has a couple of small tavernas serving Cretan basics — grilled fish, salads, cold drinks. The village of Rodakino also has a few local places to eat if you are willing to drive back up the hill. Simple food, honest prices.

Best For Travelers

Klimata is best for independent travelers, naturists, snorkelers, free divers, hikers, and wild campers who want a beach with zero infrastructure and maximum natural beauty. It is not suitable for families with small children who need facilities, or anyone who expects organized services.

If your idea of a perfect beach day involves having a completely empty cove to yourself, water clear enough to see the bottom at five meters depth, and total silence apart from the sea — this beach will exceed your expectations.

Getting There

From Rethymnon city, drive south toward Agia Galini and follow the signs for Selia and Rodakino — the journey is about 45 kilometers and takes roughly one hour on rural mountain roads. At the bottom, follow the signs for Korakas beach.

From Korakas, a cement-paved road leads to the small harbor of Rodakino on the west side of Klimata bay — the first beach is right there. To reach the second and third beaches, either walk along the shore or take the dirt track toward Souda beach at Plakias. A 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt track section. There is no bus service to Klimata.

Weather

Tips

Bring everything you need for the full day — water, food, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and a towel. There is no rescue if you forget something. The sun on the pebbles here gets very hot by midday; bring water shoes.

The dirt track between Korakas and Souda beach is rough in places. If you are driving a standard rental car with low clearance, park at Korakas and walk. The walk along the shoreline between beaches is easy and worth it.

Visit in June or September for the best combination of warm water, calm sea, and minimal human presence. July and August bring a handful more visitors but it still stays far quieter than almost any other beach in Crete.

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