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 E toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
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 <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. 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 <span class="inline-stat">23.1°C</span> 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.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal 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 is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Rethymno/Ikones free to access?
Yes, access to Rethymno/Ikones is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Rethymno/Ikones?
The best time to visit Rethymno/Ikones is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 23.1°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 26.1°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Rethymno/Ikones?
Rethymno/Ikones is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
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. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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