Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is a coastal beach in Crete, Greece, located 12.61 km from Rethymno. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is a coastal beach in Crete, Greece, located 12.61 km from Rethymno. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
The beach is open throughout its designated season. Drinking water is available on-site. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution in the water.
April, May, and June offer the best conditions for a visit, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months of July and August.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.1°C in July.
How crowded does Skaleta/Rethymno Mare get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Skaleta/Rethymno Mare sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Skaleta/Rethymno Mare open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
Is Skaleta/Rethymno Mare safe to swim?Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?Peak water temperature at Skaleta/Rethymno Mare reaches around 23.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.1°C.
What is the beach like at Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?Skaleta/Rethymno Mare on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The beach is open throughout its designated season. Drinking water is available on-site. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution in the water.
Does Skaleta/Rethymno Mare have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Skaleta/Rethymno Mare meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
How do I get to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare by car?Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is approximately 12.61 km from Rethymno. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 52.1 km away.
Can I get to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Rethymno.
Nearby
Near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Skaleta/Rethymno Mare. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
- Public toilets Public toilets 286 m
Bus near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
- Bus stop Bus stop 201 m
- ΣΚΑΛΛΕΤΑ Bus stop 202 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 224 m
- ΣΚΑΛΛΕΤΑ Bus stop 226 m
Cafés near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
- Restaurant Restaurant 245 m
- Café Café 262 m
- Taverna Ilios Restaurant 266 m
Parking near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
- Parking Parking 305 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.3918°N, 24.6095°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare FAQ
Is Skaleta/Rethymno Mare suitable for children?
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is Blue Flag certified in Greece, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Skaleta/Rethymno Mare free to access?
Access to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
The best time to visit Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Skaleta/Rethymno Mare is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 12.61 km from Rethymno. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 52.1 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare, including 286 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 201 m from Skaleta/Rethymno Mare (Bus stop), plus 3 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare, including 245 m away, 262 m away, and Taverna Ilios (266 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Skaleta/Rethymno Mare?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 305 m from Skaleta/Rethymno Mare. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Skaleta/Rethymno Mare
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.