Sandstrände Geheimtipp

Spilies Beach

Rethymno, Rethymno · Free

Highlights & amenities

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About

A pebble cove under cliffs where monk seals shelter.

Spilies, meaning caves, is a small secluded beach at the end of a narrow bay on the coast east of Rethymno. Steep cliffs protect it on both sides, and the sea has carved caves into the rocks, which are used as shelter by the rare Mediterranean monk seal.

The beach has pebbles and very clear water. It's unorganised and quiet, so bring what you need. If you see a seal, keep your distance and stay quiet, as they are easily disturbed and strictly protected.

The area around Rethymno town mixes a lively Venetian old town with a long sandy coast and quiet villages in the hills. To the east, the beach runs for kilometres past Platanes and Adelianos Kampos, where loggerhead turtles nest in summer. Inland, villages such as Chromonastiri, Myloi, Atsipopoulo and Maroulas have old Venetian houses and tavernas with views. The Arkadi monastery and ancient Eleftherna are less than half an hour away. Try the local snails, staka with eggs and the town's famous pastries.

Around Rethymno

North coast, on the Cretan Sea
Nearest town: Bali, about 17 km by road
Nearest airport: Chania airport (CHQ), about 60 km by road

Rethymno sits between the mountains and two seas, and it is the easiest region to combine with the rest of the island. Its old town and Fortezza are among the best preserved on Crete, with Venetian doorways, Ottoman wooden balconies and a long sandy beach right next to the centre. More about Rethymno