Ever thought you’d find a slice of Bali in Greece? Well, buckle up, because Crete’s Bali Beach is about to blow your mind!
Picture this: a sun-soaked coastline tucked into a broad bay, just waiting to be explored. That’s Bali Beach for you, folks.
Situated 30km east of the Stranden van Rethymnon and 43km west of Heraklion, it’s a sweet spot on Crete’s northern shore. The National Road runs right by, making it a breeze to reach from anywhere on the island.
During my visit, I was struck by how perfect this place is for all types of travelers. Families, couples, solo adventurers – Bali Beach welcomes everyone with open arms. The beach isn’t just one long stretch of sand, but four distinct coves, each with its own personality.
The water? A mesmerizing shade of green that’ll have you reaching for your camera.
✈️🌟Exclusieve reisaanbiedingen Kreta✨🌍
What really caught my attention was how calm the water is. The bay faces west, which means it’s sheltered from strong winds. It’s like nature’s own swimming pool, perfect for kids and less confident swimmers.
And let me tell you, that water is refreshingly cool, thanks to the springs from the nearby Psiloritis mountains.
As I strolled into town, I found myself in a charming little port. The locals call it “Limani,” and it’s got everything you need – a clean beach, restaurants, shops, and boats ready to whisk you off to nearby beaches.
Let’s break down these four fantastic coves that make up Bali Beach. Each one has its own vibe, but they all share those signature green waters and golden sands.
I spent a day beach-hopping, and let me tell you, it was tough to pick a favorite!
The water here is usually calm, making it great for swimming 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 livelier.
Karavostasis Beach Key Information
| Locatie | Prefectuur Rethymnon, Centraal-Kreta |
| Strandcompositie | Sandy |
| Water | Green, calm, cool |
| Strand | Four coves, shallow waters |
| Voorzieningen | Umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, lifeguards |
| Beroemd om | Family-friendly, romantic setting |
| Activiteiten | Swimming, snorkeling, water sports |
| Historische rol | Venetian settlement, fishing village |
| Omgeving | Near Psiloritis mountains |
| Sfeer | Relaxed, family-oriented |
| Eetkamer | Traditional tavernas, seafood restaurants |
| Toegankelijkheid | Easy access via National Road |
| Bezoekperiode | Mei tot oktober |
| Demografie | Families, couples, mixed-age groups |
Voorzieningen
Bali Beach has got all the essentials covered. You’ll find umbrellas and sunbeds for rent – I snagged one early in the day and it was the perfect base for beach-hopping. There are showers to rinse off after a swim, and lifeguards on duty during peak season.
For the active types, there are water sports facilities where you can rent equipment or book lessons. I tried my hand at paddleboarding and had a blast!
When hunger strikes, you’re in luck. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants just steps from the sand. I grabbed a quick gyros for lunch and it hit the spot perfectly.
Accommodaties
Bali’s got a range of places to stay, from cozy family-run guesthouses to more upscale hotels. I stayed at a small apartment with a sea view, and waking up to that vista every morning was unforgettable. If you’re on a budget, there are affordable options a bit further inland.
Geschiedenis en betekenis
While Bali Beach looks like a modern resort town, it’s got some serious history. The Venetians settled here in the 16th century and built a small fortress to ward off pirates. You can still spot hints of this past in the town’s architecture. It’s fascinating to think about how this quiet fishing village transformed into the vibrant beach destination it is today.
Activiteiten
There’s more to Bali Beach than just lounging on the sand (although that’s pretty great too). I spent a morning snorkelen and was amazed by the clear waters and interesting rock formations. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the coastline.
For a change of pace, I hiked one of the trails in the nearby hills. The views of the bay were absolutely stunning – don’t forget your camera!
Eetkamer
Foodies, rejoice! Bali’s got a great food scene. I recommend trying one of the traditional tavernas for authentic 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!
Het beste voor reizigers
Bali Beach is a hit with families, thanks to its calm waters and well-equipped beaches. Couples will love the romantic vibe, especially in the quieter coves. Solo travelers like me appreciated the mix of relaxation and activity options. And if you’re into photography, the sunsets here are absolutely incredible.
Karavostasis Beach Map – Getting There
Getting to Bali Beach is pretty straightforward. 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 Bali Beach:
- Chania: 120 km (75 miles), approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: 30 km (19 miles), approximately 30 minutes drive
- Heraklion: 43 km (27 miles), approximately 40 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: 60 km (37 miles), approximately 50 minutes drive
- Malia: 70 km (43 miles), approximately 1 hour drive
- Agios Nikolaos: 100 km (62 miles), approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: 140 km (87 miles), approximately 2 hours drive
Public buses connect Bali Beach to major cities, offering a budget-friendly option. Taxis are available but can be pricey for longer trips. The roads are generally in good condition, making for a smooth drive.
Tips
Here are some insider tips I picked up during my stay: 1. The beaches can get crowded in peak season (July-August), so arrive early to snag a good spot. 2. Bring water shoes if you plan 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’re into hiking, ask locals about the trail to the nearby village of Melidoni – the views are spectacular. 5. Remember to respect the environment – let’s keep Bali Beach beautiful for future visitors!
Kijk voor de laatste reisbenodigdheden en toeristische informatie op de Griekse Nationale Organisatie voor Toerisme. De Website van de gemeente Rethymnon is great for local insights. And for a broader look at Crete, visit the Officiële website van de regio Kreta.
For more Cretan adventures, check out Cretorama. En vergeet niet hun Instagram voor een dagelijkse dosis Kretenzische schoonheid!
Discoveries Around Karavastasis Beach
| Bezienswaardigheid in de buurt | Beschrijving | Afstand |
|---|---|---|
| Grot Melidoni | Historic cave, impressive formations | 12 km (7.5 miles) |
| Rethymnon Oude Stad | Venetian-era historic center | 30 km (18,6 mijl) |
| Arkadi-klooster | Significant historical religious site | 25 km (15.5 miles) |
| Margarites Village | Traditional pottery making village | 20 km (12.4 miles) |
| Anogia Village | Mountain village, folk art | 35 km (21,7 mijl) |
| Eleftherna Archaeological Site | Ancient ruins and museum | 28 km (17.4 miles) |
| Panormo Village | Picturesque fishing village, beaches | 10 km (6.2 miles) |
| Zoniana Cave | Impressive stalactites and stalagmites | 40 km (24,9 mijl) |
| Kournas Lake | Crete’s only freshwater lake | 45 km (28 mijl) |
| Psiloritis Natural Park | Mountain hiking, traditional villages | 50 km (31,1 mijl) |
