Rethymno/Ikones
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Rethymno/Ikones is a Blue Flag beach located 2.59 km from Rethymno along the coast road in Crete, Greece. The beach is open during its designated season and has drinking water available. Swimming conditions require standard caution.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Rethymno/Ikones
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Rethymno/Ikones?
Rethymno/Ikones is a Blue Flag beach located 2.59 km from Rethymno along the coast road in Crete, Greece. The beach is open during its designated season and has drinking water available. Swimming conditions require standard caution.
April, May, and June offer the best visiting conditions, while July and August see the heaviest crowds. The Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirms the beach meets strict standards for water quality and safety.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones 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/Ikones get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Rethymno/Ikones sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones
Is Rethymno/Ikones safe to swim?Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones?Peak water temperature at Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones?Rethymno/Ikones on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. April, May, and June offer the best visiting conditions, while July and August see the heaviest crowds. The Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirms the beach meets strict standards for water quality and safety.
Does Rethymno/Ikones have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Rethymno/Ikones meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones
How do I get to Rethymno/Ikones by car?Rethymno/Ikones is approximately 2.59 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/Ikones?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 61.6 km away.
Can I get to Rethymno/Ikones 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 252 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Rethymno/Ikones
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Rethymno/Ikones. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Rethymno/Ikones
- ΠΑΛΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙ Bus stop 252 m
- ΠΑΛΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ Bus stop 321 m
- Οπλαρχηγού Παχλά 22 Bus stop 424 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 440 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 469 m
Cafés near Rethymno/Ikones
- Yalla Café 109 m
- Tropical Restaurant 144 m
- Vatania Restaurant 205 m
- Manolis Place Restaurant 206 m
- Bora Bora Restaurant 225 m
Parking near Rethymno/Ikones
- Parking Parking 123 m
- Parking Parking 171 m
- Parking Parking 393 m
- Parking Parking 436 m
Supermarket near Rethymno/Ikones
- Vergina Supermarket 117 m
- AB Vassilopoulos Supermarket 207 m
- Papadakis Supermarket 386 m
- Supermarket Supermarket 446 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 | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 120 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 252 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3685°N, 24.5022°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Rethymno/Ikones FAQ
Is Rethymno/Ikones suitable for children?
Rethymno/Ikones has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Rethymno/Ikones free to access?
Access to Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones?
The best time to visit Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones?
Rethymno/Ikones 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/Ikones?
Rethymno/Ikones is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 2.59 km from Rethymno. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 61.6 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Rethymno/Ikones?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 252 m from Rethymno/Ikones (ΠΑΛΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙ), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Rethymno/Ikones?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Rethymno/Ikones, including Yalla (109 m), Tropical (144 m), Vatania (205 m), and Manolis Place (206 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Rethymno/Ikones?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 123 m from Rethymno/Ikones, with 4 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Rethymno/Ikones?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 117 m from Rethymno/Ikones (Vergina). 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/Ikones
- 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.