Quick answer: Schinaria is a small beach of grey-beige sand and fine pebbles about 33 km south of Rethymno, reached by a narrow road from Lefkogia. Its rocky seabed makes it one of the richest dive sites on Crete, with visibility often above 40 m.
- Region
- Plakias area, south Rethymno
- Distance
- 33 km from Rethymno
- Beach
- Sand and fine pebbles, rocky seabed
- Best for
- Snorkelling and diving
Under the water
Dive centres use Schinaria for courses and dives. Snorkellers see rocky reefs, moray eels, octopus and fish close to the shore. Calm mornings are best.
On the beach
The beach is small, with a taverna and a few umbrellas. Behind it, spring-fed ponds and thick vegetation make a green backdrop. It gets busy with divers and swimmers in summer.
Getting there and nearby
The road from Lefkogia is about 2 km, narrow and winding; on the way you see the Tripiti, a hole in the rock. Ammoudi is 500 m away and the Preveli monastery about 3.3 km.
Questions before you go
Is Schinaria good for snorkelling?
Yes. It is one of the best snorkelling spots in south Crete.
Is Schinaria beach sandy?
It has sand and fine pebbles, with a rocky seabed.
Can you dive at Schinaria?
Yes, local dive centres run dives and courses there.
