As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a very well-known tourist destination, offering everything you want on a Grecian getaway. While the hospitality is unmatched and the food is out of this world, it’s really the beaches that steal the show here.
If you’re planning a solo island-hopping adventure, or are just looking for some downtime, there really is no better place than Rethymno. Located at the heart of the picturesque island, this district has become known for its beachlife – so if sun and sea is what you’re looking for, this is the place to be.
Top 5 Beautiful Beaches!
Here are my top 5 sandy stretches to explore during your stay – visit any or all of them, and don;t forget your sunscreen!
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Preveli Beach
Named after the nearby monastery (which itself is worth a visit!), Preveli wows you right from the start with a beautiful, if a little tricky, walk down to the water. The views of the blue Libyan sea are incredible, and the surrounding forests make this one of the prettiest on my list.
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City of Rethymno Beach
Despite being right in the middle of the city, this central stretch of sand is a great option for a day where you want everything close by. Thanks to its size, it never feels too crowded, and you can find some great bars, cafes and restaurants along the shorefront.
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Kalypso Beach
This is one of my favourite beaches, not just in Crete but of all time, thanks to its uniqueness. You won’t find golden sands here, instead, the resort is built onto the craggy rocks and is surrounded by turquoise water that is ideal for scuba diving. If you only have time for one or two beaches during your stay, make Kalypso one of them.
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© Yiannisdsp Triopetra Beach
Triopetra means “three rocks”, and is named after the distinct rock formation that sits just off the coast. It’s worth a visit just to get a photo of the natural sculpture! This is one of the longest beaches in Rethymno, but it is quite open so tends to be fairly windswept – so it’s great for water sports!
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Kamara Beach
This is a smaller, cove-like destination that is much more secluded and offers a private feel. Visitors are treated to beautiful scenery, with craggy rocks and blue waters that are great for snorkelling. It’s also a wonderful sunbathing spot, thanks to its remote location.
Where to Stay:
Thea Apartment – This beachfront flat is well-located in Rethymno town with views looking towards the sea. Air-conditioning is one of the many features of this modern accommodation.
Barbara Studios – Situated in the stunning Old Town, these units are beautifully decorated with a traditional flair. Some studios boast pretty balconies overlooking the charming local streets.
Arcade Central Retro Apartment – This air-conditioned apartment is just a stone’s throw away from the main beach and features a private balcony. The unit includes a fully-fitted kitchen and living area.
How to Get There:
Getting from the UK to Heraklion Airport, on Crete, can be fairly inexpensive, but it does depend on the time of year that you’re visiting. September is the cheapest time to travel, which is a good option as the weather remains pleasant and tickets can start at £59. Summer months, such as August, are definitely the most expensive time to visit. There are a number of airlines offering flights, including TUI, Easyjet and WizzAir.
To get from the airport to your hotel, I’d suggest pre-booking an airport transfer. Having a Heraklion airport transfer already organised will make your trip a lot easier. An airport transfer from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno will take about an hour and 20 minutes.
Overview
UK to HER Flight Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
HER to Rethymno Distance: 86 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct offers a variety of Rethymno transfers, from shared buses to private taxis. All of their options make a reliable airport transfer; Heraklion to Rethymno is a well-known tourist route so there’s something for every budget. Here is what you can expect from a Shuttle Direct airport transfer.
One of the best options is an airport taxi, Heraklion to Rethymno, as it cuts out any time spent waiting in a queue. This is great for solo travellers who want a sense of privacy and security.
A bus transfer from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno can save you money, even if it takes a little longer. It’s also a fun way to travel as you’ll be with other travellers so you might make some new friends!
Then there’s the private transfer. Heraklion airport to Rethymno is a relatively long journey, with the drive being just over an hour, which means that having your own space will ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the trip and get a full door-to-door service.
Finally, this Heraklion airport transfer is a great compromise for those who are happy to share but still want a certain level of comfort and space. It’s very good for larger groups of family or friends so you can all travel together.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When deciding on the airport transfer that’s best for you, you’ll need to consider factors such as your budget and any extra wants or needs. If money isn’t a problem, you might prefer to book a private transfer. Heraklion airport to Rethynmo is a long enough journey that comfort could also be a deciding factor. However, if you have any specific questions, contact Shuttle Direct and one of their team will be happy to help you.
Cost: This is the ultimate deciding factor, however, all of the airport transfers on offer provide excellent deals. If you’re on a budget choose shared, if not, enjoy the luxury of a private service.
Convenience: For a solo traveller, travelling alone means thinking about safety first and foremost, and for this reason, sharing a transfer could be the best option. But for those looking for a door-to-door luxury service, convenience looks more like a private transfer.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we pride ourselves on our quality service and experience. No matter what kind of transfer you’re looking for, we can ensure that you’ll have a smooth and pleasant journey. We’ve been providing our reliable airport transfer services for many years, to and from a huge range of destinations all over the world. We’ll get you to where you need to go!
