Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach is 1.07 km from Rethymno on Crete's north coast. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach operates throughout its designated season and has drinking water available. Swimming conditions require standard caution. April through…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach?
Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach is 1.07 km from Rethymno on Crete's north coast. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach operates throughout its designated season and has drinking water available. Swimming conditions require standard caution. April through June offer the best visiting conditions, with peak crowds arriving in July and August.
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/Kriti 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/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach
Is Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach safe to swim?Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach?Peak water temperature at Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach?Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach
How do I get to Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach by car?Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach is approximately 1.07 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/Kriti Beach?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 63.1 km away.
Can I get to Rethymno 1/Kriti 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 316 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 208 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 288 m
Bus near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
- Bus stop Bus stop 316 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 365 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 366 m
- ΠΑΣΤΕΡ 8 Bus stop 453 m
Cafés near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
- Gorgona Restaurant 101 m
- Ma Douce Café 110 m
- Takis Place Restaurant 111 m
- Paralia Restaurant 124 m
- Noodle bar Restaurant 139 m
Parking near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
- Parking Μαρίνα Parking 237 m
- Parking Marinas Parking 300 m
- Parking Parking 322 m
Supermarket near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach
- FoodCoop Supermarket 225 m
- Supermarket Supermarket 227 m
- SYN.KA Supermarket 254 m
- INKA Supermarket 293 m
- Sklavenitis Supermarket 370 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 | 120 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 316 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3674°N, 24.4854°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach FAQ
Is Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach suitable for children?
Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach free to access?
Access to Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach?
The best time to visit Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach?
Rethymno 1/Kriti 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/Kriti Beach?
Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 1.07 km from Rethymno. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 63.1 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/Kriti Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach, including 208 m away and 288 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/Kriti Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 316 m from Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach (Bus stop), plus 3 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach, including Gorgona (101 m), Ma Douce (110 m), Takis Place (111 m), and Paralia (124 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 237 m from Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach (Parking Μαρίνα), 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/Kriti Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 225 m from Rethymno 1/Kriti Beach (FoodCoop). 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/Kriti 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.