The long sandy beach in front of Platanés continues the coastline of the Bay of Rethymno. The bay begins near the port of Rethymno and stretches 13 km east to Skaleta. This makes the coast the main attraction when choosing Platanés.

Beach and water in Platanés

At Platanes Beach, the water is shallow and considered suitable for children. Water sports are also available, and the beach is described as fully equipped. This means different beach interests are catered for: shallow water, sporting activities and a long coastline.

The coast also plays a role in nature conservation across the wider region. The Bay of Rethymno is one of Greece’s three most important areas for loggerhead sea turtles. More than 400 nests are recorded there each year; the turtles are protected by the state in Greece. This information relates to the bay, not to Platanés alone.

Culture in the wider destination of Rethymno

In the wider destination of Rethymno, the old town offers a distinct historical focus. It is designated a protected historical monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic town centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress.

Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum, by contrast, is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century. Five rooms in its permanent exhibition display traditional crafts and folk art.

Other cultural topics in the destination of Rethymno range from military history to archaeology. The Chromonastiri Military Museum includes a room dedicated to the historic Battle of Crete and displays weapons dating from the Greek Revolution of 1821 through to the Second World War. It is housed in a Venetian villa belonging to the Clodio family, built in 1610. The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna explores life in ancient Eleftherna: its exhibitions span from the late millennia of the 4th millennium BC to the Byzantine period. The museum is the first archaeological site museum in Crete.

The Armeni necropolis also offers a glimpse into the region’s past. More than 220 tombs have been excavated in the extensive Late Minoan cemetery. These are family tombs containing several deceased people; the grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the time.

Landscape, events and regional interests

The gorges in the destination of Rethymno differ in their locations and described features. The Moulói Gorge includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of Moulói, where traditional architecture, old churches and caves can be seen. It begins at Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. The Arkadi Gorge starts at Arkadi Monastery and passes through striking scenery to the village of Pikri, which features notable elements of Venetian architecture.

Arkadi Monastery also offers a focus on architectural history: its two-aisled church was built in 1587 and is a Venetian-era structure featuring elements of Renaissance architecture. After the revolution of 1866–1869, the monastery became an eternal symbol of freedom. Those interested in the region’s history will find both a specific building and a site of historical significance here.

Events bring a range of seasonal highlights to the destination of Rethymno. The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, featuring music, theatre and dance performances as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event with a parade organised each year by volunteers. The Rethymno City Theatre presents performances annually; for specific travel plans, it is worth checking the event dates and programme.

Food and other activities are also among the region’s offerings: Rethymno has traditional coffee houses serving local specialities, and the region offers opportunities for diving. These topics add culture, history and activities in the wider destination of Rethymno to Platanés’ beach-focused appeal.

Discover more destinations: Vlichada, Magnisia, Vederi, Perama, Karoti, Argiroupoli, Somatas, Damnoni.

View the wider travel guide: Rethymno.