If you’re looking for Rethymno hotels on the beach, you’re in the right part of Crete. The region has one of the longest sandy coastlines on the island, stretching from Rethymno Town to Adelianos Kampos, Platanes, and Scaleta, and packed with beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, adults-only escapes, and family-friendly properties where you can step from your sunbed straight into the sea. Unlike Chania, where most hotels sit above rocky coves, Rethymno is all about direct beachfront stays with soft sand and calm, shallow water — ideal for relaxing holidays without needing a car.
This guide lists the best hotels directly on the beach — not “5 minutes away”, not “close to the coast”, but truly seafront hotels with immediate beach access.
Best Areas for Beachfront Hotels in Rethymno
Rethymno Town Beach (walkable to Old Town)
Perfect if you want the comfort of a beach holiday but still be able to walk to the Venetian Harbor, shops, tavernas, and nightlife.
Adelianos Kampos / Adele (10–12 min drive from Old Town)
Long sandy coastline, large resorts, all-inclusive options, family suites, pools, beach bars. Great for resort stays.
Platanes (East of town, bus every 15 mins)
Mid-range hotels, beachfront tavernas, quiet in the evening, easy access to Rethymno by bus or taxi.
Skaleta / Sfakaki (further east, quieter)
Wide beaches, fewer crowds, slow pace, couples & older travelers love it.
Best Luxury Beachfront Hotels (€€€€)
Aquila Rithymna Beach
One of the most established luxury beachfront resorts in Rethymno. Multiple pools, suites, villas with private pools, and a long stretch of sandy beach with Blue Flag status.
Best for: couples, families, all-inclusive feel without chaos.
Grecotel Creta Palace
5-star resort with lagoon-style pools, a private beach area, spa, kids’ activities, and elegant dining.
Best for: travelers who want classic beachfront luxury close to Rethymno Town.
Atlantis Beach Hotel (Walking distance to Old Town)
Directly on the sand, stylish, modern, and one of the closest luxury beachfront hotels to the city center.
Best for: adults & couples who want beach + culture in one stay.
Best Boutique Beachfront Hotels (€€€)
Iperion Beach Hotel
Modern suites, calm atmosphere, right on the sand, 25-min walk to Old Town or 5-min taxi.
Best for: couples who want boutique style, not a massive resort.
Swell Boutique Hotel
Beachfront adults-friendly hotel with modern design, pool, sea-view rooms, and a walkable location near cafes and bars.
Best for: stylish travelers who don’t want to rent a car.
Elia Beach Hotel
Fresh renovation, calm vibe, set directly on Rethymno Town Beach.
Best for: couples & solo travelers, no kids’ noise, close to the promenade.
Best Mid-Range Beachfront Hotels (€€)
Sentido Aegean Pearl
Modern, beachfront, excellent food, walkable to Rethymno, quiet section of the beach.
Best for: couples + families looking for value without losing quality.
Adele Beach Hotel
Direct beach access, good-sized rooms, friendly staff, sandy beach with clear water.
Best for: travelers who want a relaxing stay outside the city but not isolated.
Eva Bay Hotel On The Beach (Adults-Only)
Right on the sand in Adelianos Kampos — no kids, calm atmosphere, pool + beach service.
Best for: quiet adult getaways.
Best Budget Beachfront Hotels (€–€€)
Gorgona Hotel Platanes
Small, simple, family-run, with a spot directly on the beach. Great Greek hospitality.
Best for: budget travelers who still want beachfront.
Olympia Beach Hotel
Right on the sand, clean rooms, walkable location.
Best for: couples & solo travelers who want low-cost + sea view.
Nefeli Beach Hotel
Affordable beachfront, pool, very easy access by bus from Rethymno.
Best for: families on a budget.
Best All-Inclusive Hotels on the Beach
✅ Aquila Rithymna Beach (5★ AI option)
✅ Rethymno Mare Royal – classic all-inclusive, multiple pools, family rooms
✅ Iberostar Creta Marine – terraced beachfront property with coves & views
✅ Bomo Rethymno Beach – straightforward AI, great if you want food/drinks on autopilot
Note: most AI hotels are in the Adelianos Kampos → Scaleta stretch, not inside the town.
Adults-Only Beachfront Hotels
- Eva Bay Hotel On The Beach (€€)
- Theartemis Palace Adults Wing (€€€, walkable to town)
- Pepi Boutique Hotel (Old Town, not beachfront but adults-only + near city beach)
Good choice if you want peace, no animation teams, no family noise.
Which Beachfront Area Should You Choose?
| Area | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rethymno Town Beach | No-car travelers, couples | Walk to Old Town, shops & nightlife |
| Platanes | Good value, relaxed | Cheaper than town, still busy |
| Adelianos Kampos | Resorts & AI | Long sandy beach, family-friendly |
| Skaleta | Quiet & spacious | Couples, older travelers, fewer bars |
Tips for Booking Rethymno Beach Hotels
✅ Book May–June or Sept for lower prices & calmer beaches
✅ If you want to walk into Old Town, stay west of Adele/Platanes
✅ August sells out early — waterfront rooms go first
✅ Sand is fine & shallow → ideal for kids & weak swimmers
✅ Winds are lighter here than north-Crete beaches (Chania, Falasarna, etc.)
FAQ – Rethymno Hotels on the Beach
Can you stay on the beach and walk to Rethymno Old Town?
Yes — hotels like Atlantis Beach, Swell Boutique, and Sentido Aegean Pearl make that possible.
Is the beach sandy?
Yes — the entire Rethymno coast is sandy and shallow for many meters.
Is Rethymno good for families?
Very. Flat beaches, shallow water, no dangerous waves, lots of all-inclusive options.
Can I stay without renting a car?
Yes if you stay in Rethymno Town or along the main bus line.
Are there luxury beachfront hotels?
Yes — Grecotel Creta Palace & Aquila Rithymna Beach are the top tier.
Final Verdict
If your ideal holiday is beachfront comfort with easy access to a beautiful old town, tavernas, shops, and a long sandy shoreline, then Rethymno is one of the best places in Crete to stay. It combines resort-style beachfront hotels with real Greek character, something you don’t always get in Malia or Gouves.
Whether you want a romantic boutique hotel on the sand, a family all-inclusive, or a simple budget room with the sea steps away, Rethymno has the widest range of true beachfront hotels in Crete.
No comment