Triopetra Beach Crete

Triopetra Beach, we find it in the southwestern part of the Crete Island about fifty kilometers from the lively seaside resort of Rethymno. Thirteen kilometers away is the village of Akoumia which rises right at the foot of Mount Siderotas, an interesting village full of Byzantine churches, an authentic Cretan town with a bakery where you can find many typical delicacies of the island and the area.

The area belonged and still belongs to the inhabitants of Akoumia who once built small cottages on the coast and used them as a shelter when they came down from the mountains during the olive harvest.Let's start by explaining the reason for the name.

Triopetra in Greek literally means Three Rocks (tria- tre, petra - rock) and owes this name to the three majestic rock formations that as if by magic rise from the sea on the edge of the peninsula that gives life to the two beautiful and different beaches.

And yes, because Triopetra beach actually consists of two coasts divided by the small Akoumianos river that separates of Agios Pavlos beach and Capo Melissa. Let's start with the first called Little Triopetra or also Koumado which is located in a sandy and rocky bay closed to the south by the three rocks where the stream flows. Clean, transparent waters with hues and reflections of many colors, surrounded by stone walls and a coast of gray sand, it is equipped with some sun beds and umbrellas as well as some typical taverns where you can enjoy excellent fresh fish dishes or local tradition. To the south of LittleTriopeta beach, a small port called Stomio which in Greek means mouth by virtue of the adjacent river. From here, with a walk of about a kilometer north-east, you reach the chapel dedicated to the Prophet Elijah above the hill where the view is sensational.

The main beach also called Chatzi is of coarse sand, bathed by transparent waters and emerald turquoise with rocks on the west side. It stretches for a few kilometers until it meets Ligres beach which can be reached via a dirt path. Unfortunately, its position exposes it to the winds, rippling the sea with the waves and it is not exactly the best for families with children when Aeolus decides to make itself heard, vice versa when everything is calm it is a real oasis of relaxation with backdrops that they go down slowly, perfect for the little ones or for a swim. The east part is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and some taverns, the free part is instead completely exposed to the sun but you can find a splendid cave near the three rocks where you sheltered during the hottest hours. The time of sunset is magical, here you could see some of the most beautiful of the whole island of Crete as well as admire the islands of Paximadia from afar, two uninhabited islets overlooking the Libyan Sea. According to mythology, it is here that the goddess Lito gave birth to the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis.

If you want, you could also take the opportunity to visit the scenic beach of Preveli and its monastery or wander around to discover the historical sites of the Amari Valley with its Byzantine churches such as the church of Thronos where you can admire frescoes from the 14th century and again the chapel of Agia Anna which houses frescoes considered to be the oldest in Crete. In short, the must to do it on the list of things to see in Crete!

As always, it is better to have a rental vehicle so that you can organize the whole day without time limits. Wherever you are, keep Rethymno as a reference point and head south following the road signs towards Triopetra.

The journey alone will be worth it through the wonderful Cretan hinterland made of gorges and valleys where everything is wrapped in a unique and difficult to describe atmosphere.