Sandy beaches

Bali Beach

Mylopotamos, Rethymno · Free

Directions

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Organised

Well organised

Characteristics

Sandy

Activities

Diving centre

Facilities

About

A picturesque village with five little coves of turquoise water between Rethymno and Heraklion.

Bali sits in a natural bay with a string of five small coves. Most are sandy with crystal clear water, good facilities and a pretty harbour full of tavernas. It gets busy in summer but keeps a village feel.

There are hotels, tavernas and a dive centre, and the atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming. Above the village, the Attali monastery offers great views over the bay. Bali is a popular base for families and couples.

Mylopotamos lies between Rethymno and Heraklion, stretching from the north coast up the slopes of Psiloritis. The coast has the pretty resorts of Bali and Panormos, while inland you find the pottery village of Margarites, ancient Eleftherna, the Melidoni cave and the mountain villages of Anogia and Zoniana. The area is known for its strong traditions, Cretan lyra music and hearty mountain food, especially lamb and cheese. It's a great area for exploring away from the main resorts.

Around Mylopotamos

North coast, on the Cretan Sea
Nearest town: Bali, about 1 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 48 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