Small Hotel in Rethymnon
by the Beach

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...just walking distance to the water...

Small Hotel in Rethymnon - by the Beach

The Rethymnon Region is the home of snow-capped, rugged mountains, dramatic gorges, endless historic adventures and seaside villages. Rethymnon town hums along with a modern air, full of artists, writers, performers and students at the University, and a trading hub for this agricultural island.

The old town provides the backdrop to one of Crete's most vibrant cities, whilst inland visitors seek physical activities of mountain climbing, caving and trekking. The beaches of Rethymnon are so beautiful many visitors go directly to their chosen beach and simply enjoy the clear waters and relaxation for their holiday...

We have selected small family-run guesthouses just walking distance to the beach on both the north and south coast of the region.

Choose your accommodation by location on this map - shown here from west to east...

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This is the budget symbol, keep a look out for this on each article below and throughout We Love Crete.

Plakias Crete

Small Hotel in Rethymnon - by the Beach

On the south coast of Rethymnon, about 35 km from Rethymnon town, is the coastal village of Plakias. Nestled amongst steep hills rolling straight into the blue of the Libyan sea, the village enjoys beautiful sunsets tinting the bay. The villages of Selia, Mirthios and Mariou perch half way up the mountain side, between two and three kilometres inland from Plakias. The beach is a mix of pebble and sand, and the neighbouring beaches of Damnoni and Amoudi are within walking distance.

Walking and nature attract many visitors to the area. The sweeping deep bay is flanked to the west by Akrotiri Stavros and to the south is Kakomouri headland. Inland from Plakias runs the Kotsifos Gorge. Close by are Kourtaliotis Gorge and Fratianos Gorge. Looking south one can just see the Island of Gavdos.

Near Plakias are Preveli Beach and Preveli Monastery, both well worth a visit. Scuba diving is also popular in these clear, abundant waters, and the untouched beaches welcome their share of nude bathers.

Plakias was the unsuspecting scene for a tragicomedy in true Cretan style, narrated by internationally acclaimed chef Byron Ayanoglu with charm and self-depreciating humour in Crete on the Half Shell also published as The Taste of Honey. It seems the town has recovered well, and the many tavernas continue to delight guests, not send them to hospital.

Below we have chosen two of the many places to stay in Plakias, whilst getting away from it all and soaking up the wide open spaces.

Small Hotel in Rethymnon
by the Beach
Thalassa House Apartments

Plakias, Rethymnon

Thalassa House Apartments are high enough to enjoy beautiful views over Plakias Bay, yet close enough to walk to the beach. The Giparakis family run these apartments and the nearby hotel with Cretan hospitality and care. These apartments are modern, with large balconies for enjoying the views, and kitchen facilities for self-catering.

More information and bookings for Thalassa House Apartments...

Small Hotel in Rethymnon
by the Beach
Plakias Suites

Plakias, Rethymnon

These six stylish suites are located at the eastern end of the bay of Plakias on a beach named Paligremnos. Damnoni and Schinaria beaches are close by. This accommodation is a little away from the centre of the village, making it nice and quiet and its little patch of beach is superb. In a ten minute walk you will reach the village of Plakias with its tavernas, cafés and a market if you want to self-cater.

There is a beautiful short stroll of only 100m across a small village road, from your fully-equipped suite to the beach and the glorious bay. This is a new property, not like a hotel at all, more like a set of modern luxury apartments by the sea.

"What a little gem the Plakias Suites are. Our hosts George and Eleni were absolutely brilliant making us just so welcome and comfortable. Nothing was too much trouble and they would check that everything was satisfactory." Peter

More information and bookings for Plakias Suites...

Small Hotel in Rethymnon
by the Beach
Panormo, Rethymnon

Panormos street scene (Image by Romtomtom)

Panormos is an authentic Cretan village, with narrow streets and bright flowers in the windows. A wonderful place for those who want enjoy the peace and quiet of Cretan life.

We have chosen this as a location for our hotel in Rethymnon by the beach because in the village are cafés, traditional tavernas, a butcher, a baker and shops, all with reasonable prices. The local beaches are ideal for children, with sand and pebbles and shallow waters.

Captains House Traditional Apartments - Panormos Crete

Captains House Traditional Apartments - In the small and inviting village of Panormos, 20 km east of Rethymnon town, sitting proudly overlooking the sea, is the grand Captain's House. The house is over 115 years old, and was carefully and accurately restored in 1987, and converted into studio apartments. With another renovation in 2006, these studios are unique, showcasing the traditional seaside house, with plenty of large windows and balconies taking in the views and fresh air.

Rethmnon Hotels, Captains House, Panormo

The Captain's House is only 50 metres from its own little beach, and its own taverna overlooking the bay, serves fresh fish and seafood, best enjoyed with a little wine or retsina, chased down by a tsikoudia.

More information for Captains House Traditional Apartments

Small Hotel in Rethymnon
by the Beach
Akti Damnoni

Damnoni, Rethymnon

Afrodite Christonaki will look after you in this small pension with six rooms and a taverna in the tiny, remote seaside village of Damnoni.

Just 33 km due south of Rethymnon town, this lovely horse-shoe shaped bay is the perfect place to get away from the hustle bustle and relax in the sun. The waters are turquoise and the sand is white, the only sound is your breathing as you melt into the sea...

Damnoni Beach (Image by Wolfgang Staudt)

Around the bay are tiny rocky coves with sweet little romantic beaches, all within walking distance of Damnoni, these are Ammoudaki and Kleisidi – perfect for getting away from the 'madding crowd'.

Damnoni Beach Cove (Image by Wolfgang Staudt)

Akti Damnoni Pension - this is a small family-run pension; it is not flash but it is genuine, clean and close to the beach. If ever you wanted the beautiful Aphrodite to prepare your meal, and to eat it from a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, here is your chance. enjoy fresh local ingredients and authentic Cretan hospitality.

More information and bookings for Akti Damnoni Pension...

Small Hotel in Rethymnon
by the Beach
Palm Beach Apartments

Palm Beach Apartments are located just a 10 minute walk from the old town on Rethymnon Beach. If you are looking for a resort hotel, this might not be the place... but if you are looking for a charming, friendly, personal, authentic experience with great people, food, drinks, and music, this is your place.

This family hotel is located right on the beachfront with a spectacular view to the endless Cretan Sea and charming Old Town with a marvelous Fortezza of Rethymnon. Renovated in 2012, the rooms are fresh, bright and modern.

Your hosts are twin brother and sister Natassa and Giorgos who will ensure you are looked after like one of the family. The café taverna on the beachfront serves fresh local cuisine and caters to all family needs.

"Newly renovated rooms are very nice. Amazing value. 10 minute, nice walk to city center." John

More information and bookings at Palm Beach Apartments...