CalmBeach Greece
Karavostasi Beach, Rethymno
See practical info for Karavostasi in Rethymno, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The natural anchorage in Bali's last cove
Karavostasi is the easternmost and last beach of Bali, on the north coast of Rethymno in Crete, about 33 km from the town. It forms in a small, enclosed cove of fine sand and pebbles. Its name marks a natural anchorage, the place where boats once stopped and moored.
Bali stands on the site of ancient Atali, the port of mountain-set Axos. In Venetian times the bay was mapped as Porto de Atali, a name still carried by the nearby Monastery of Bali (or Atali), whose gate bears the date 1635, while the newer name is attributed to the Ottomans, since 'balli' means honey in Turkish. Tradition holds that the mountains south of the village, the Talaia Ori, took their name from Talos, the bronze giant of Cretan myth.
Tavernas operate around the small cove and there is a parking area, while the ground is fine sand with pebbles. Access is by a surfaced road through Bali.
- Region
- Rethymno, Greece
- Beach type
- Sand & pebbles
- Access
- Easy road access
- Coordinates
- 35.41704, 24.78526
- Organized beach
- Beach bar
- Sunbeds
- Parking
- Food nearby
- Family friendly
About this beach
The bay at Karavostasi opens to the north, so it usually has natural cover from southerly, south-easterly and south-westerly winds. Orientation only reflects which way the coast faces, not confirmed shelter, so check wind and waves in the app before you go.
Karavostasi has sand and pebbles underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.
For amenities, Karavostasi has an organised beach, a beach bar, sunbeds, parking nearby and food nearby.
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
View this beach in CalmBeach Greece