Platanés: Sand Beach and Water Sports

Platanés combines a long sand beach with shallow water and water sports. The long sand beach in front of Platanés continues the coastline of Rethymno Bay. The bay begins near the port of Rethymno and stretches 13 km east to Skaleta.

Beach time in Platanés

Water sports are available at Platanes Beach. The shallow water there is considered suitable for children, and the beach is fully equipped. This makes swimming and water sports distinct options for a day by the sea.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Platanés, the kind of beach day you want can guide your choice of location: would you like to focus on shallow water, water sports, or both?

Nature in the wider area around Rethymno Bay

Rethymno Bay is also important for the loggerhead sea turtle. It is one of the three most important areas in Greece for these animals, with more than 400 nests there every year. Loggerhead sea turtles are protected by the state in Greece. They also nest on the sand beach in the municipal district of Arkadi, where systematic measures are carried out to protect them.

These natural features extend beyond the individual beach and give your stay a broader regional connection. If you would like to consider the landscape and wildlife of the wider region as well as time for swimming, the bay and the municipal district of Arkadi are among the locations mentioned in connection with turtle conservation.

Culture and history in the Rethymno destination

Rethymno offers a distinct cultural and historical focus. The Old Town of Rethymno is designated as a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress.

Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. In five rooms, its permanent exhibition displays traditional crafts and folk art.

The Chromonastiri Military Museum also combines exhibits with a historic building: it is housed in a Venetian villa built in 1610 by the Clodio family. The museum includes a room dedicated to the historic Battle of Crete and displays weapons dating from the Greek Revolution of 1821 to the Second World War.

The architectural heritage of the Rethymno destination also includes the double-aisled Church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour at Arkadi Monastery. Built in 1587, it is a monument from the Venetian period featuring elements of Renaissance architecture. After the Revolution of 1866–1869, the monastery became an everlasting symbol of freedom.

Events and gorges in the Rethymno destination

Those interested in cultural events can enjoy two different annual occasions: the Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, with music, theatre and dance performances as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event featuring a parade organised by volunteers every year.

The region’s gorges also offer varied scenery and local character. The Moulói Gorge includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of Moulói, where traditional architecture, old churches and caves can be seen. The gorge begins at Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. The Arkadi Gorge begins at Arkadi Monastery and leads through impressive scenery to the village of Pikri, which features significant examples of Venetian architecture.

Discover more destinations: Vlichada, Anógeia, Pigianos Kampos, Viranepiskopi, Episkopi, Keramota, Triopetra, Myrthios.

For the broader travel guide: Rethymno.