Quick answer: Petres is the eastern end of the long Episkopi beachfront, 13 km west of Rethymno, where the Petres gorge reaches the sea. Sand mixes with rock, the seabed is rocky and good for snorkelling, and it is quieter than the beaches to the west.
- Region
- West of Rethymno
- Distance
- 13 km from Rethymno
- Beach
- Sand and rock, rocky seabed
- Best for
- Snorkelling on calm days
What it is like
Where the sand of Episkopi runs out, Petres begins: a shore of sand and rocks with a few umbrellas. The rocky seabed makes the water very clear and gives snorkellers something to look at. Small Vythos cove lies just to the north.
Like the rest of this coast it faces north and is often wavy. Choose calm mornings, and watch your footing on the rocks.
Diving
A diving school operates nearby and uses the rocky coast for dives and courses.
Getting there
Petres is by the bridge on the old national road, with bus stops nearby. If you are driving, park on the old road and walk down.
Questions before you go
Is Petres beach sandy?
Partly. It mixes sand with rocks, and the seabed is rocky.
Is Petres good for snorkelling?
Yes, on calm days the rocky seabed is clear and interesting.
How far is Petres from Rethymno?
About 13 km.
