- Region
- South Rethymno
- Distance
- About 55 km from Rethymno
- Beach
- Sand with rocks, deep water
- Access
- Walk down from Agios Pavlos or Triopetra
The beach
The bay is framed by sand dunes and cliffs. The sea is deep with a rich bottom for snorkelling, and the water rarely drops below about 15°C, so people swim here even in winter.
Strong westerly winds often bring big waves. There are only a few umbrellas; shade comes from caves in the rocks in the middle of the beach. It is quiet and nudism is common.
Getting there
From Agios Pavlos: park in the village and take the path behind the western end of the beach for 5 to 10 minutes, then slide down the steep sandy slope through the dunes. The climb back up is hard work in the heat.
From Triopetra: follow the road west from the little harbour of Stomio for about 500 m, park, and walk down by the Akoumianos river.
Sunset from Thronos
Climb Thronos, the roughly 300 m peak above the beach, for sunset: on clear evenings you can see the Paximadia islets, Gavdos and the White Mountains.
Questions before you go
How do I get to the Agios Pavlos sand dunes beach?
Walk 5 to 10 minutes from the western end of Agios Pavlos beach, then down a steep sandy slope. Or walk in from the Triopetra side by the Akoumianos river.
Is the sandhills beach organised?
Hardly: a few umbrellas only. Bring water and shade.
Is it safe to swim?
On calm days. Westerly winds often bring big waves; don't swim in rough sea.
