If you are staying inside the city and don't want to waste too much time travelling to the beach, Rethymnon has one of the most attractive, clean and long bays that a coastal city can possibly have. Broad clean sandy beaches, with no rocks, and gradually deepening waters, with a wind that occasionally makes them choppy, await you. Here you can enjoy a swim without having to worry too much, even if you do have small children; the beach is organised, with umbrellas and chairs, canteens and cafes, and attracts large crowds.
The beaches you will find reach Stavromenos. Starting in Rethymnon and moving east on the motorway, you will encounter Perivolia, Mysiria,Platanias, and Pigadianos Kampos. Take your pick. Twelve kilometres east of Rethymnon, at Skaleta village, two large bays, with sandy beaches and pebbles on the sea-bottom await you. The scattered rocks and surrounding mountains add an enchanting wildness to the landscape and make this an ideal choice for those who want to escape the crowds and city, without going too far.
Episkopi beach is ten kilometres outside Rethymnon, on the way to Chania. It is broad and sandy, and the sea deepens suddenly, while it is often quite rough. This is mainly a youthful, lively beach, and loud modern music often makes its presence felt.
Another lovely beach, Petres, is ten kilometres away from the city, to the West.