Varkotopos Beach At Bali Rethymnon

Think you’ve seen all Greece has to offer? Think again! Varkotopos Beach in Crete is about to challenge everything you thought you knew about Greek beaches.

Varkotopos Beach isn’t just a beach – it’s a coastal wonderland. Located in a big, beautiful gulf, it’s 30km east of the Rethymnon Beaches and 43km west of Heraklion. The National Road runs right by, making it super easy to get to from anywhere on the island.

During my visit, I was blown away by how perfect this place is for all kinds of beach lovers. Families, couples, solo travelers – Bali Beach welcomes everyone with open arms. The coolest part? It’s not just one beach, but four amazing coves, each with its own special vibe. The water? A stunning shade of green that’ll make you want to jump right in.

What really caught my eye was how calm the water is. The bay faces west, which means it’s protected from strong winds. It’s like nature’s own swimming pool, perfect for kids and anyone who’s not a strong swimmer.

wAnd let me tell you, that water is refreshingly cool, thanks to springs from the nearby Psiloritis mountains.

Walking into the village center, I discovered the enclosed bay of Varkotopos. It’s got a beautiful beach with sand and pebbles, and it’s super well-organized. This spot is perfect for families with young kids – the water is shallow, and everything you need is right there. There’s even an old dock where boats used to shelter.

Let’s break down these four fantastic coves that make up Varkotopos Beach. Each one has its own personality, but they all share those gorgeous green waters and golden sands. I spent a whole day beach-hopping, and honestly, it was hard to pick a favorite!

The water here is usually super calm, making it great for swimm

ing and water activities. I noticed how the beach changes throughout the day – mornings are peaceful and perfect for a quiet swim, while afternoons can get a bit more lively.

Varkotopos Beach Key Information

Location	Rethymnon Prefecture, Central Crete
Beach Composition	Sand, some pebbles
Water	Green, calm, cool
Beach Features	Four coves, shallow waters
Amenities	Umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, lifeguards
Famous For	Family-friendly, romantic setting
Activities	Swimming, snorkeling, water sports
Historical Role	Venetian settlement, fishing village
Surrounding Region	Near Psiloritis mountains
Atmosphere	Relaxed, family-oriented
Dining	Traditional tavernas, seafood restaurants
Accessibility	Easy access via National Road
Period to Visit	May to October
Demographics	Families, couples, mixed-age groups

Amenities

Varkotopos Beach has got all the basics covered and then some. You’ll find umbrellas and sunbeds for rent – I grabbed one early in the day and it was the perfect home base for my beach adventures.

There are showers to rinse off after a swim, and lifeguards on duty during the busy season.

For the active types, there are water sports facilities where you can rent equipment or book lessons. I tried paddleboarding for the first time and had a blast!

When hunger strikes, you’re in luck. There are tons of cafes and restaurants just steps from the sand. I grabbed a quick gyros for lunch and it hit the spot perfectly.

Accommodations

Varkotopos got a great range of places to stay, from cozy family-run guesthouses to fancier hotels. I stayed at a small apartment with a sea view, and waking up to that vista every morning was incredible. If you’re watching your budget, there are cheaper options a bit further from the beach.

History and Significance

While Varkotopos Beach looks like a modern beach town now, it’s got some cool history. The Venetians set up shop here in the 1500s and built a small fort to keep pirates away. You can still spot hints of this past in some of the old buildings around town.

It’s pretty cool to think about how this quiet fishing village turned into the awesome beach spot it is today.

Activities

There’s way more to do at Varkotopos Beach than just lounging on the sand (although that’s pretty great too). I spent a morning snorkeling and was amazed by the clear water and cool rock formations. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the coastline.

For a change of scenery, I hiked one of the trails in the nearby hills. The views of the bay were absolutely stunning – don’t forget your camera!

Dining

Food lovers, get ready! Varkotopos got some seriously good eats. I recommend trying one of the traditional tavernas for real Cretan dishes.

The dakos and fresh seafood I had were out of this world. And don’t leave without trying the local raki – it’s strong, but it’s all part of the Cretan experience!

Best For Travelers

Varkotopos Beach is a hit with families, thanks to its calm waters and well-equipped beaches. Couples will love the romantic vibes, especially in the quieter coves. Solo travelers like me appreciated the mix of relaxation and fun activities.

And if you’re into photography, the sunsets here are absolutely incredible.

Varkotopos Beach Map – Getting There

Getting to Varkotopos Beach is pretty easy. I flew into Heraklion airport and rented a car for the hour-long drive. You can also take a bus – there’s regular service from both Heraklion and Rethymnon. If you’re driving, just follow the signs along the National Road – it’s well-marked and easy to find.

Distances and Driving Times to Varkotopos Beach:

• Chania: 120 km (75 miles), about 1 hour 45 minutes drive
• Rethymnon: 30 km (19 miles), about 30 minutes drive
• Heraklion: 43 km (27 miles), about 40 minutes drive
• Hersonissos: 60 km (37 miles), about 50 minutes drive
• Malia: 70 km (43 miles), about 1 hour drive
• Agios Nikolaos: 100 km (62 miles), about 1 hour 20 minutes drive
• Ierapetra: 140 km (87 miles), about 2 hours drive

You can catch buses to Varkotopos Beach from big cities – it’s cheaper than driving.

Taxis are around too, but they cost more for long trips. The roads are mostly good, so driving is smooth.

Tips

Here are some insider tips I picked up during my stay:

1. The beaches can get busy in peak season (July-August), so arrive early to grab a good spot.

2. Bring water shoes if you want to explore the rockier parts of the beach.

3. Don’t miss the local weekly market – I found some great local produce and souvenirs there.

4. If you like hiking, ask locals about the trail to the nearby village of Melidoni – the views are amazing.

5. Remember to respect the environment – let’s keep Varkotopos Beach beautiful for everyone!

For the latest info on travel rules and tourist stuff, check out the Greek National Tourism Organization. The Rethymnon Municipality website is great for local tips. And for a bigger picture of Crete, visit the Region of Crete official website.

For more cool Cretan adventures, check out Cretorama. And don’t forget to follow their Instagram for daily doses of Cretan beauty!

Discoveries around Varkotopos Beach

Nearby Attraction	Description	Distance
Melidoni Cave	Cool cave with old stories	12 km (7.5 miles)
Rethymnon Old Town	Old town with pretty buildings	30 km (18.6 miles)
Arkadi Monastery	Old, important religious place	25 km (15.5 miles)
Margarites Village	Famous for making pottery	20 km (12.4 miles)
Anogia Village	Mountain village with local art	35 km (21.7 miles)
Eleftherna Archaeological Site	Old ruins and museum	28 km (17.4 miles)
Panormo Village	Pretty fishing village, nice beaches	10 km (6.2 miles)
Zoniana Cave	Cave with cool rock formations	40 km (24.9 miles)
Kournas Lake	Crete’s only freshwater lake	45 km (28 miles)
Psiloritis Natural Park	Mountain hiking, traditional villages	50 km (31.1 miles)

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