Explore South Crete
A completely different Crete, the one hidden in the South, with far fewer visitors, unique beaches and bare, barren landscapes.
The Libyan sea separates this piece of land from Africa and you will feel a bit like you are on safari, climbing the rocky heights of the Asterousia Mountains, passing over the watsinis and bushes to reach the beach of Agiofarango, or diving in Agios Pavlos.
The village of Rodakino is located 45 km southeast of Rethymno, at the exit of the wild gorge of Rodakino that descends from Mount Krioneritis, between Plakias and Fragokastelos. Polyrizos is located next to the main beach of Rodakinos, Korakas. The area is overgrown with thick olive groves that go down to the sea.
In front of the settlement stretches a wonderful sandy beach with fine sand and shallow, calm waters. This beach is suitable for children as it is relatively organized with umbrellas and there are rooms for rent and taverns nearby. The easternmost end, where small bays with rocks and large tamarisk trees are created, is calmer. The coastal road stops at Polyrizo, as a large hill, Kastelos, rises in the western part of the beach, but continues inland. Behind this hill is Peristeres beach, which can be reached by a concrete road west from Polyrizo.
The area of Rethymno offers a tour of South Crete (Preveli beach and Plakias, a visit to the Arkadiou Monastery and the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with objects from the time of Homer, as well as the Cave of Melidonio. You will also have the opportunity to make your own your Greek ceramic construction in a ceramic art workshop and the Cave of Melidonio, a place of worship during the Minoan Civilization.
Beaches
Pigeons: The beach is divided into two parts and is a bit secluded. There is generally no infrastructure, except for two small canteens. The beach has pebbles and sand, while around there are many trees that offer shade.
Korakas (Peach): Large, beautiful beach with fine pebbles, rocks in places and wonderful crystal clear waters. Fairly organized with umbrellas, taverns, accommodation. Suitable for water sports. It has received a blue flag and is nudist friendly.
Vines: The Gulf of Klima hosts three consecutive beaches. None of the beaches are organized, despite the fact that they are next to the now touristic settlement of Korakas. All three have fine pebbles and crystal clear waters, while in some places the rocky bottom is suitable for a mask. Ideal for nudity.
Agia Marina: The beach has sand and pebbles, while in several places there are rocks, ideal for fishing. It is not organized, so make sure you bring the essentials with you. To get to Agia Marina, you should follow the coastal dirt road from Peristere. Nudist friendly.
Carotid: Keratidi beach, or rather the two beaches in Keratidi, are located in a secluded location. The beaches have little sand and, especially the eastern one, has quite a rocky bottom, ideal for a mask.
Pits: In Lakkos there are many small sandy coves, which are separated by very small rocky peninsulas. The area is very quiet and relatively organized. There are few units with hotels and few taverns. If you feel like it, you can walk or drive to Skaloti and admire the magnificent Byzantine church of Prophet Ilias, built in 1335.
Ticket: It is a secluded beach. Access is mainly by boat. The beach was selected in 2014 as dog friendly by the Municipality of Sfakia.
Pine trees: Pefkias is a completely isolated area of southern Crete located on Cape Stavros. Within this wild landscape there are a few small beaches, not at all organized. The beaches starting from east to west are Kokkinos Volakas, Stavri, Philadelphi, Parahoristra, Agios Antonios, Hochlakas and Klimata. Their bottom is ideal for exploring with a mask and is nudist friendly.
THE Fine sand is a fantastic beach with shallow waters, next to the famous Fragokastelo. The beach is quiet compared to Frangokastelo. The eastern part is a nudist beach, while there are some basic tourist infrastructures on the first beach. According to legend, the sand from Orthi Ammos covered the unburied bodies of the 335 dead Greek warriors who were killed in the battle of Fragokastelos (May 17, 1828).
Souda: The beach is organized. There are umbrellas and showers, and in the area you will find several taverns and rooms. In addition, there is a lifeguard on the beach and it has received a blue flag. Finally, there is the possibility for water sports.
(from 0.9 km to 5.5)
Churches
Church of Agia Paraskevi Argoule: Its interior is decorated with frescoes from the beginning of the 14th century. The sacred podium has been decorated by an archaic iconographer, while the main church has frescoes by Michael Veneris.
Agios Charalambous Monastery in Frangokastelo: It is said that in 1821 the monks Grigorios and Magdaleni settled in the area of the Monastery, although it is believed that the monastery was much older. The establishment of the two monks was the beginning of its prosperous course, as since then the monastery was expanded, fortified with a wall, the temple rebuilt and acquired property. Today we see the two-aisled catholicon dedicated to Saint Charalambos and Saint John the Theologian.
Church of Agios Nikitas in Frangokastelo: The church of Agios Nikitas (13th century), which probably also functioned as a monastery, is located approximately 300m. northeast of Fragokastelos, on the ruins of a three-aisled early Christian basilica from the 6th century. Around the temple there are ruins of buildings, members of which were used for the construction of the Frangokastel.
(from 1.5km to 6km)
Activities
Hiking/ Exploring
Trail E4 Rodakino-Kryonerite-Alones: This section of the E4 path has as its main feature the ascent of Mount Krionerites, offering panoramic views of the north and south coast of Crete. The route continues north and ends in the village of Alones.
– Running Time: 6:00 – Difficulty: 2 – Length (km): 10
Sykias Gorge in Rodakino: The very beautiful gorge of Sykia is essentially the easternmost gorge of the province of Sfakia and is formed north of the village of Rodakino. The gorge has been named Sykia by the speleological associations, because of the many fig trees that one encounters along its path. Its crossing requires the use of technical equipment.
Perdikari Gorge: It is a difficult canyon with a fairly steep slope and low vegetation. at one point there is a small rappel, which must be overcome with a ladder or rope.
– Walking Hours: 2.5 – Difficulty: 3 – Length (km): 3
Peach Canyon: The gorge of Rodakino is formed north of the village of Rodakino and is inaccessible without the use of canyoning equipment.
– Running Hours: 6:00 – Difficulty: 4 – Length (km): 3.2
Skalotis Gorge – Manika Plateau: It is a small canyon 2 km long. The canyon is initially quite open but then narrows and the walls rise vertically. Vegetation is mainly limited to shrubs.
– Duration: 1:50 – Difficulty: 3 – Length (km): 2
Agiasmatsi Cave: The Agiasmatsi Cave is located northeast of the village of Kapsodasos. Access is initially via a dirt road and then via a path (15-20') that starts from the location of Xylou Seli. The cave is of great archaeological importance, as it was used in antiquity as a place of worship, as evidenced by the large number of dedications that have been found. The cave is relatively small, but particularly rich in cave decoration of stalactites and stalagmites.
Kourtaliotis Gorge: It is one of the most impressive natural attractions of the prefecture of Rethymnon. The huge rocky slopes of the canyon reach 600 meters and are full of openings and caves, where important species of avifauna live. The Kourtaliotis River passes through it.
– Duration: 1:50 – Difficulty: 3 – Length (km): 2
Alternative activities
Our Address
Polyrizos Hotel
Rodakino, Municipality of Agios Vassiliou
Rethymno, Crete, 74060 GreeceReservation
+30 2832031334
+30 6979728302
polyrizo@otenet.grWine & Dine
Our chefs, specialized in traditional flavors, use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create unique dishes.
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