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NL Ever wondered what it’s like to sunbathe at the foot of a gorge? Petres Beach in Rethymnon Crete is about to show you!
Petres Beach is a unique coastal spot that’s full of surprises.
It’s at the eastern end of Episkopi’s long stretch of beach, 46km east of Chania and 13km west of Rethymnon.
The name “Petres” means “Stones” in Greek, and it’s easy to see why when you get there.
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What makes this beach special is the Petres Gorge that ends right at the shore.
It’s like nature decided to create a dramatic backdrop for your beach day.
When I first saw it, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a movie scene!
The beach isn’t just one long stretch of sand. It’s got different parts, each with its own personality.
There’s the main area, and then there’s the Vythos cove to the north.
Vythos is a bit rockier and has umbrellas set up, perfect if you like a mix of sand and stone.
Petres Beach Key Information
| Location | Rethymnon Prefecture, West Crete |
| Beach Composition | Sand, rocks in places |
| Water | Blue, shallow, usually wavy |
| Beach Features | Gorge ending at beach, coves |
| Amenities | Umbrellas, sunbeds, diving school |
| Famous For | Petres Gorge, snorkeling, diving |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, diving |
| Historical Role | Ancient settlements nearby |
| Surrounding Region | Episkopi area, coastal landscape |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, natural beauty |
| Dining | Local restaurants nearby |
| Accessibility | Paved road, bus services |
| Period to Visit | Late spring to early fall |
| Demographics | Nature lovers, snorkeling enthusiasts |
Petres Beach Profile
Petres Beach is a mix of sandy areas and rocky spots.
The water is a beautiful blue, and it’s mostly shallow near the shore.
But here’s the thing – it can get wavy when the north winds blow.
It’s like the sea is putting on a show!
The seabed is rocky in many places, which might not be great for wading, but it’s perfect for snorkeling and fishing.
I spent hours exploring the underwater world here – it’s like a whole different universe down there!
Amenities
Petres Beach has got you covered with the basics.
There are umbrellas and sunbeds available, especially in the Vythos cove area.
You’ll find some restaurants and rooms nearby, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry or finding a place to stay.
One cool thing about Petres is that it has a diving school.
If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba diving, this could be your chance!
Accommodations
While Petres Beach isn’t surrounded by big resorts, there are some cozy rooms available nearby. These are perfect if you want to wake up to the sound of waves.
For more options, you can check out the Rethymnon Beaches area, which has a wider range of places to stay.
History and Significance
The area around Petres Beach has been inhabited for thousands of years.
The nearby town of Episkopi has roots that go back to ancient times.
While sunbathing, it’s cool to think about all the people who might have walked these shores throughout history!
Activities
Petres Beach is a playground for water lovers.
Swimming is great when the sea is calm.
Snorkeling and fishing are top-notch activities here, thanks to the rocky seabed.
And let’s not forget about the diving school – it’s a great place to learn or improve your scuba skills.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can explore the start of Petres Gorge.
Just remember to bring proper shoes!
Dining
There are a few restaurants near Petres Beach where you can grab a bite.
They serve up delicious local Cretan dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Try the fresh seafood – it doesn’t get any better than this!
Best For Travelers
Petres Beach is perfect for:
* Nature lovers who appreciate diverse landscapes
* Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts
* Those who enjoy a mix of sand and rock beaches
* Anyone looking for a quieter beach experience
* Photographers – the gorge makes for some amazing shots!
Petres Beach Map – Getting There
Getting to Petres Beach is pretty straightforward.
It’s right off the main road that connects Chania and Rethymnon.
You can drive there easily, or catch a bus from either city.
The road is well-paved, so you don’t need to worry about a bumpy ride.
Distances and Driving Times to Petres Beach:
- Chania: 46 km (29 miles), about 40 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: 13 km (8 miles), about 15 minutes drive
- Heraklion: 80 km (50 miles), about 1 hour 15 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: 95 km (59 miles), about 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Malia: 100 km (62 miles), about 1 hour 40 minutes drive
- Agios Nikolaos: 130 km (81 miles), about 2 hours drive
- Ierapetra: 170 km (106 miles), about 2 hours 30 minutes drive
Public buses run regularly between Chania and Rethymnon, stopping near Petres Beach.
Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips.
The road to Petres Beach is well-maintained, making it an easy drive.
If you’re coming from further east (Heraklion and beyond), consider breaking up the journey with stops at other attractions along the way.
Tips
1. Check the wind forecast – it can get pretty breezy here.
2. Bring water shoes if you plan to do a lot of walking on the rockier parts.
3. Don’t forget your snorkel gear – the underwater sights are amazing.
4. If you’re into photography, come early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
5. Respect the environment – take your trash with you when you leave.
6. If you’re planning to explore the gorge, let someone know where you’re going.
7. Sunscreen is a must – the Cretan sun can be intense!
For the latest travel requirements and tourist information, check out the Greek National Tourism Organization.
The Rethymnon Municipality website offers valuable local insights.
For a broader look at Crete, visit the Region of Crete official website.
For more amazing Cretan adventures, explore Cretorama.
And don’t forget to follow their Instagram for daily doses of Cretan beauty!
Petres Beach Weather
Discoveries Around Petres Beach
| Nearby Attraction | Description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Petres Gorge | Impressive canyon, hiking opportunities | 0.9 km (0.6 miles) |
| Episkopi beach | Long sandy beach, facilities | 2 km (1.2 miles) |
| Gerani Tower | Historic tower, panoramic views | 3.3 km (2.1 miles) |
| Gerani Cave | Interesting geological formation, exploration | 3.7 km (2.3 miles) |
| Kamari beach | Another beach option nearby | 4.1 km (2.5 miles) |
| River Mouselas | Local river, natural scenery | 4.1 km (2.5 miles) |
| Church of Agia Paraskevi | Historic church, local architecture | 4.4 km (2.7 miles) |
| Vederi Gorge | Another canyon, hiking trails | 4.4 km (2.7 miles) |
| Church of Saint George | Religious site, cultural interest | 5.1 km (3.2 miles) |
| Fylaki Domed Tomb | Ancient burial site, history | 5.7 km (3.5 miles) |
