Bali in Indonesia is a famous place to visit, ok. But, did you know that a Bali there is also in Crete? As a matter of fact, a coastal village in the NE of Rethymnon area has the place name #Bali (Μπαλί) and has been developed as summer destination in past decades. The place is scenic, and let's see why one of the beaches there is suggested by us as one of the best in Crete.
Key factor: in the area of Bali there are three small beaches, almost always in calm sea condition even in windy days. The northern one is the best, and its the place name Karavostasis is corresponding to an anchorage (Καραβοστάσης: Καράβι + στάσις, boat stop).
Beauty of the landscape & seascape: scenic beaches between rocks, sandy and pebbled sea bottom, with turquoise water.
Preservation of the environment: the area has been overdeveloped for touristic purposes, still keeping many of its scenic elements.
Cleanliness of the sea / environment: mainly clean, yet during summer is overcrowded by visitors and water sports facilities.
Access: easy by cars, bicycles, or walking for 5’ from the village Bali. From Rethymnon is around 30’ driving, and from Heraklion 40’. During summer is hard to find parking.
Facilities: sea beds and umbrellas, canteens, seafood restaurants.
Tip: Usually overcrowded in summer, high pricing for sun beds and umbrellas. So in July and August probably you have to go early in the morning or in the afternoon.
During windy days you can also go to the nearby beach Limani where a small port has been constructed; the place name in Greek is meaning port and the jetty is sheltering the beach even from strong winds. It's amazing that both toponyms, #Karavostasis and #Limani respectively, are reflecting the diachronic land use and the dynamics of geomorphology, helping us now to use them as tools for trip planning.
Sum up: our rating 4.25/5
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* Do you want to find out more about sheltered beaches in Crete, available to visit even in windy days? Read about our top 5 beaches in Crete for 2019!
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