Triopetra Beach: An Amazing Beach in South Rethymno!

Triopetra Beach has two beaches, and they are divided by a small peninsula. Triopetra Beach means Three Rocks, and it comes from the stunning rock formations that rise at the edge of the Peninsula. The beach has a quiet, peaceful environment and is family-friendly. The cove has shallow waters suitable for kids and a perfect place to relax. There are various tours available in Triopetra Beach. It is ideal for a full-day tour or to stay there for days. The best time to visit Triopetra is during May, October, and November since the weather is pleasant and the average temperature falls between 20 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. The dry months in Triopetra are May, June, July, and August. The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Additionally, Triopetra is an enormous, long, and sandy beach. It is positioned west of the Peninsula, often referred to as Chatzi or Western Triopetra. It reaches a few kilometres of the shore, veiled with a mixture of grey sand and fine and rough gravel. The water is high, and the bottom is coated with fine gravel. The first beach is called Small Triopetra or Koumado, situated in a closed sandy and rocky bay south of the three rocks. Akoumianos river is at the southern end. The river divides the Triopetra from the Agios Pavlos Beach. The southeast part of the beach is known as Stomio, which means mouth. Furthermore, Triopetra is prominent in the economy of Crete because of thousands and millions of tourists every year. Triopetra is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Crete. It is popular due to its crystal waters. The beach has very little in the sense of buildings and developments.

Find below a table with the main features of Triopetra Beach.

What is Triopetra Beach?

Triopetra is part of the top splendid beaches in Crete. The beach is sandy and rocky. The name Triopetra is defined as “three stones”. The triangular-shaped cave on the beach is quite huge. It is a perfect place to spend a holiday during summer. Triopetra beach is a magnificent and picturesque beach with astonishing panoramic sights and peculiar stones ascending from the blue waters. Additionally, Triopetra comes from its marker, namely the three gigantic rocks on the eastern side of the beach. The “trio” means “three”, and “petra” is “stone”. Triopetra is situated at the base of the Siderotas Mountain, nearly 52 kilometres (32 miles) south of Rethymno. Small houses were built in the Triopetra by the locals of the Akoumia village. It is located approximately 13 kilometres (8.07 miles) north of Triopetra. Tourists generally occupy the developments around Triopetra during summer. Citizens of the Akoumia Village moved to them to be nearer to their cultured fields.

Where is Triopetra Beach located?

Triopetra Beach is situated on the South shoreline of Crete, 32 miles (51.5 km) south of Rethymno and 8 miles southeast of the Akoumia village, at the base of the Siderotas mountain. Triopetra is accessible via car down the asphalted paths that begin either from Akoumia or Sachtouria. Continue on foot for about 5 minutes when almost at the beach. The beach is positioned in the middle of the extended beachfront, called Akoumiani Gialia. The beach has southern winds due to its geographic location. The coordinates of Triopetra Beach are 35.1189° N and 24.5475° E. The latitude is 24.5475057, and the longitude is 35.1189398.

How does the Triopetra Beach Map look?

Below is the image of the Triopetra Beach map.

What are the activities in Triopetra Beach?

The activities to do in Triopetra Beach are swimming, snorkelling and hiking. Swimming is the primary activity in the Triopetra Beaches. There are facilities for swimming, sunbathing and sea sports. It is ideal for water sports experts as the sandbanks made by the currents make the seabed unpredictable. The beach is long and wide, with coarse sand and crystal blue waters. There are villas with private swimming pools. There are cafés and taverns around the Triopetra with numerous dishes and fresh seafood. There are sunbeds and umbrellas in front of the pubs. The Small Triopetra is ideal for sup surfing or touring. The water is gentle, and the bottom is a bit rocky. It is suggested to wear aqua shoes. Camping is not allowed on the beach; however, there is a vast triangular cave where tourists are able to find shade, and there are wild campers on the coast. Additionally, hiking is available in Triopetra, going to Agio Pavlos. The distance is 4.76 miles (ca. 7,660 m), with an elevation of 787 feet (239.88 m). The paths toward the Agio Pavlos are primarily off-road. Moreover, hiking Triopetra has a length of 3.39 miles (5,455.68 m) and a height of 499 feet (152.1 m). Bring all the necessary things before hiking around Triopetra.

When is the best time to visit Triopetra Beach?

The best time to visit Triopetra is during May, October, and November since the weather and average temperatures are excellent. However, all seasons are ideal for visiting Crete, but most people see the beach during winter, such as the months from April to November when the weather is cold. The beach is long and wide, rarely feeling crowded, and there are many small coves and wild patches of beach to find privacy. It is recommended to avoid going out at midday in summer because the heat is unbearable sometimes. There are various things to do in Triopetra Beach, and the beach is one of the most attractive destinations on the island.

How do you get to Triopetra Beach?

Triopetra Beach is reachable by car along the island toward the south. One of the good options to reach Triopetra is by renting a car from Heraklion, especially if planning to rest there since there are no public transit systems accessible around the area. Drive south towards Mires and then turn west to get to the Akoumia. Drive toward either Triopetra or Little Triopetra. The travel duration from Heraklion to Triopetra Beach is approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes, with a distance of 101.4 kilometres. On the other hand, buses are not available to get to the beach. The sole option is to ride a bus to the village of Akoumia from Rethymno and then look for local transportation or continue on foot for around 5 minutes to reach the beach.

What are nearby attractions in Triopetra Beach?

Listed below are the nearby attractions in Triopetra Beach.

• Preveli Beach: Preveli Beach is the famous beach south of Crete, 35 kilometres from Rethymno. The beach is 10 kilometres away from Plakias Beach. It has palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. Preveli Beach has a breathtaking panoramic view. It is protected by the Natura 2000 program, which forbids human intervention at the beach. The travel duration from Triopetra Beach to Preveli Beach is 41 minutes.
• Plakias Beach: Plakias Beach is located on the south coast of Rethymnon, 20 kilometres from Rethymnon town. It lies on the shore of the Libyan Sea. The sandy beach is 1.5 kilometres. Plakias Beach has calm green waters with tamarisk trees along the back of the beach. Loungers and umbrellas are available to rent. The distance from Triopetra to Plakias Beach is 46 minutes.
• Damnoni Beach: Damnoni Beach is situated 23.7 km from Triopetra beach and about 35 km south of the city of Rethymno. Damnoni  beach offers a picturesque location with white sand and turquoise waters. Nestled between mountains and spectacular rock formations, it remains relatively uncrowded year-round. Visitors rate Damnoni highly for its tranquillity and beauty. Nearby accommodations include Hapimag Resort, Anna Angeliki Hotel, and Plakias Bay Hotel. Despite a peak in tourism from July to August, the best times to visit are in April and October. The distance from Triopetra to Damnoni Beach is 49 minutes.
• Samaria Gorge National Park: The Samaria Gorge National Park has been a National Park of Greece since 1962. The Samaria gorge is the focal point of the National Park. It stretches across a distance of 16 km. The canyon is in southwest Crete, in the regional unit of Chania. Camping, light fires, swimming in the streams, and staying overnight are prohibited inside the National Park.
• Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete: Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is nearly 20 hectares of land and is situated 17 kilometres south of Chania, in the village of Fournes. It is filled with fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, and medicinal and ornamental plants. Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is ideal for all ages. The travel duration from Triopetra Beach to Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is 2 hours and 8 minutes.

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.

• Insurance. Crete car rental includes insurance for Collision Damage waiver, and a credit card driver is required as a guarantee. The vast majority of rental cars include car rental insurance coverage in Crete. This protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. The rental company, in most circumstances, offers at least the bare minimum of protection mandated by local law.
• Driver’s age. In Crete, the legal age needed for a car rental driver is 18 years old. A driving licence is also required.
• Driver’s gender. A driver at a legal age of 18, regardless of gender, is allowed in Crete.
• Car type. Opting for a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The main reason is that Greek roads are narrow. There are noticeably smaller cars on the streets too. However, there are other factors to consider and help How to Choose the Right Car to Rent in Crete. There are activities in Crete, such as off-road exploration, in which Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) is needed. 4WD is known for more rugged terrain and typically consists of low and high options.
• Documents required for renting a car. Most people think the only necessary document for renting a car is a driving licence. However, a credit card with the driver’s name must be provided, including a passport or an ID card.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

The cost of renting a car in Crete varies according to the destination, passenger count, itinerary, car model, and length. The standard rate of Crete Car Rental is around €30 to €40 per day. The standard cost of renting a car for a week is €250, while for the weekend, the standard rate is around €78. Affordable car rentals in Crete vary depending on the car type.

How much does it cost to get to Triopetra Beach?

Visiting Triopetra Beach does not need to spend too much. Tourists are able to spend as much or as little as they want. It is essential to plan everything before going to Triopetra Beach. Book accommodation in Triopetra Beach in advance. The cost of accommodation in Triopetra Beach ranges from €45 to €80 per night. There is no admission fee in Triopetra Beach. Those accommodated beachgoers are allowed to go to the beach if the hotel has access. Additionally, there are markets in every town in Crete where foods are available. However, most of the accommodations in Triopetra often include self-catering kitchens, and refrigerators are usually available in rooms. The dinner for two approximately cost €30 to €100. Moreover, parking is not a problem in Triopetra since most hotels and accommodations have free parking for the guests.

Where to stay near Triopetra Beach?

Several villas and accommodations near Triopetra Beach offer visitors a variety of options, with most featuring small pools, gardens, and stunning coastal views. Notable hotels near Triopetra Beach include Triopetra Blue Horizon Villas, Triopetra Luxury Villas Fournou Lago, and Pavlos’ Place Triopetra Beach.

Triopetra Blue Horizon Villas is a complex of three Cretan villas located 800 meters (0.5 miles) from Triopetra Beach. The villas offer amenities such as free parking, a hot tub, a pool, Wi-Fi, and a beach area. The rooms include air conditioning, a kitchen, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The villas have received a 4.5-star rating, mainly due to their excellent location near the beach. Pets are allowed, but it is recommended to call in advance to confirm.

Triopetra Luxury Villas Fournou Lago is located in Triopetra, Agios Vasileios Municipality, Crete. This property consists of two luxurious villas offering amenities like free parking, a pool, Wi-Fi, a beach area, dry cleaning, laundry service, a bar, and a hot tub. The rooms feature air conditioning, a kitchen, a minibar, room service, a microwave, and a refrigerator. These villas have earned a 5-star rating for their location, cleanliness, service, and value. Pets are welcome at this property as well.

Pavlos’ Place Triopetra Beach is situated in Triopetra, Agios Vasileios Municipality, Crete. This accommodation offers amenities such as free parking, a bar, free internet, a gym, a beach area, a concierge service, breakfast, and car hire. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and refrigerators. Pavlos’ Place has also received a 4.5-star rating.

Where to eat near Triopetra Beach?

Several restaurants near Triopetra Beach offer diverse dining options, with Tavern Apanemia, Taverna Pelagos, and Filenia Tavern standing out as the top choices.

Tavern Apanemia is located at Small Triopetra Beach in South Crete and serves seafood, Mediterranean, and Greek cuisines. This family-run restaurant offers authentic Cretan food in a charming atmosphere, with meals made from fresh local ingredients. Tavern Apanemia provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, with vegetarian and vegan options available. It is ranked second among the seven restaurants in Triopetra and has earned 4.5 out of 5 stars, praised for its excellent food and staff.

Taverna Pelagos is situated in Triopetra, Agios Vasileios Municipality, Crete. It serves Greek, Mediterranean, and healthy cuisines, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Taverna Pelagos is ranked third among the seven restaurants in Triopetra, with a 4.5-star rating, noted for its excellent food and panoramic views.

Filenia Tavern is located at Rodakinokampos, near the Holy Apostles church in Triopetra, Agios Vasileios Municipality, Crete. It serves Mediterranean and Greek cuisines, with vegetarian and vegan options. Filenia Tavern offers lunch and dinner and is ranked first among the seven restaurants in Triopetra. Located 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Triopetra beaches, it is known for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional Cretan dishes such as barbecues, fish, salads, and seafood. Filenia Tavern has also received 4.5 out of 5 stars, appreciated for its great Cretan cuisine and friendly staff.

Is Triopetra Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Triopetra is worth visiting. Triopetra is a breathtaking beach on the south coast of Crete. It is ideal for leisure and spending holidays. The beach is lengthy, sandy, and oftentimes not jam-packed. Triopetra Beach is deemed one of the Best Beaches in Crete because it is peaceful, and the water is cool, which is perfect for swimming. There are numerous hotels, pubs, and taverns around the Triopetra. Many activities to do in Triopetra Beach, including water sports. The locals in Triopetra are welcoming and nice.

Is Triopetra Beach safe?

Yes, Triopetra is safe. The waters in Triopetra Beach are shallow, safe, and safeguarded for all ages. Crete is considered a safe place as any other country. The violent crime rates in Crete are low and rare. The residents are friendly and welcoming. The beach is perfect for relaxation and spending a holiday. The shallow waters of the cove are ideal for kids and playing sands. Additionally, it is essential to be attentive and never leave valuable things unattended, as anywhere else.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Triopetra Beach?

Yes, it is necessary to book in advance to visit Triopetra Beach. Most of the accommodations in Triopetra Beach are required to book in advance. Touring Crete is accessible via car. Reserve in advance, especially a car rental. Booking in advance makes the trip smooth and easy.

Are children permitted at the Triopetra Beach?

Yes, children are permitted at Triopetra Beach. All ages are welcome in Triopetra Beach. There are shallow waters in Triopetra that are suitable and harmless for small children. However, kids must be under supervision. Never take the eyes off the children in, on, or around water. Triopetra Beach is one of the Best Beaches in Crete for Toddlers and Young Kids. Most of the hotel accommodations near Triopetra Beach have amenities for kids. Crete itself is a safe destination for kids and even for everyone.

How was the preservation of Triopetra Beach?

The Greek government preserves beaches, including Triopetra Beach, by enforcing laws to protect public access and prevent exploitation. According to the Greek Constitution, all beaches and shorelines are public, and there are no private beaches in Greece. Several regulations have been imposed to maintain the integrity of these areas:

• Sunbeds and umbrellas: They must not cover more than 50% of the beach, ensuring space for public access.
• Walking corridors: A one-meter-wide corridor is required to allow visitors to walk through the beach freely.
• Sunbed placement: Sunbeds must be positioned at least five meters away from the water to maintain open access.
• Seaside restaurants: Operating on sandy beaches is prohibited to preserve the natural environment.
• Beach canteens: They must not exceed 15 square meters in size, and a proper license is required to operate.
• Prohibited activities: Barriers on the sand, cementing the beach, playing loud music, free camping on public beaches, and building private homes on the beach are illegal.

Owners of existing private residences near the shore must allow public passage through their property. Many of these regulations are often not strictly followed by business owners, leading to challenges in beach preservation.