Geropotamos beach
Geropotamos is located about 18km east of Rethymnon and 3km west of Panormo. It is named after the homonym river that empties in the east end of the beach. The small beach is sandy and has crystal clear water, which is very cool because of the river, which has water all year round and forms a small lake near the shore. It is slightly organized with umbrellas and a canteen that offers refreshments, coffee, water and some basic food supplies. There is also a luxurious hotel just next to the river. Despite the easy access, it is always quiet and not crowded. However, the orientation of the shore makes it vulnerable to north winds.
Access to Geropotamos is very easy, because the its located to the bridge of the main road connecting Heraklion and Rethymno. You can even get there by bus; just to ask the driver to stop in Geropotamos. The area is very important because the waterland is a natural shelter for rare birds and animals. Moreover, to the west of Geropotamos, the shore is full of cavities, in which the rare monk seals (Monachus monachus) and falcons live.
The arch
A few meters west of Geropotamos beach we see an amazing rocky arch, called Kamara. Below Kamara (i.e. Arch) there is a tiny beach with sand, small pebbles and crystal blue waters. It is so small that when north winds blow in the area (quite common), the waves almost cover it. But when the sea surface is flat, it is really beautiful. The beach is surrounded by vertical cliffs, which provide natural shade. Thus, access is possible only by boat. A nice idea, on windless days, is to swim the distance from Geropotamos and snorkel in the meantime.
Lianos beaches
Cape Lianos is the east end of Geropotamos beach, also known as Lavris area. It is a rocky Cape, with a luxury hotel built on it. In front of the hotel there are some small artificial coves with piers protecting from waves, which look private. However, even if you don’t stay in the complex, you have the right to reach the coves via the footpath that starts near the beach of Geropotamos and heads eastwards.
The area of Lianos Cape, with the wetland of Geropotamos, is protected under the European program "Natura 2000". It is home to many reptiles, birds, turtles, amphibians, mammals, and plants. Some of them are indigenous or under extinction.
