Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is 1.15 km west of Rethymno town along Crete's north coast. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Water quality and safety standards are regularly monitored.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is 1.15 km west of Rethymno town along Crete's north coast. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Water quality and safety standards are regularly monitored.
The beach operates seasonally. Drinking water is available on-site. Swimming conditions are generally safe, though swimmers should use standard precautions.
Visit in April, May, or June for the most comfortable experience. July and August draw the largest crowds. The beach is quieter outside these peak months.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Region of Crete, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.1°C in July.
How crowded does Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
Is Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach safe to swim?Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?Peak water temperature at Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach reaches around 23.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.4°C.
What is the beach like at Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The beach operates seasonally. Drinking water is available on-site. Swimming conditions are generally safe, though swimmers should use standard precautions.
Does Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
How do I get to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach by car?Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is approximately 1.15 km from Rethymno. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 63.0 km away.
Can I get to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Rethymno. The nearest recorded bus stop is 322 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 291 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 361 m
Bus near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
- Bus stop Bus stop 322 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 331 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 377 m
Cafés near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
- Piazza di Porto Restaurant 98 m
- Noodle bar Restaurant 99 m
- Takis Place Restaurant 113 m
- Noble Café 117 m
- Gorgona Restaurant 127 m
Parking near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
- Parking Parking 272 m
- Parking Μαρίνα Parking 320 m
- Parking Marinas Parking 385 m
Supermarket near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
- Supermarket Supermarket 169 m
- SYN.KA Supermarket 259 m
- FoodCoop Supermarket 279 m
- INKA Supermarket 296 m
- Supermarket Supermarket 338 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | June – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 100 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 322 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3673°N, 24.4863°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach FAQ
Is Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach suitable for children?
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach free to access?
Access to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
The best time to visit Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 1.15 km from Rethymno. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 63.0 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach, including 291 m away and 361 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 322 m from Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach (Bus stop), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach, including Piazza di Porto (98 m), Noodle bar (99 m), Takis Place (113 m), and Noble (117 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 272 m from Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach, with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 169 m from Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach. Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Rethymno 1/Ilios Beach
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.