Spilies beach
Spilies or “Tou Maliou to Riaki” (i.e. Maliou stream) is located 15km east of Rethymnon city, in a quiet area, just a few kilometers east of Skaleta and west of Geropotamos. It is quite unknown to most visitors, though it is very close to the highway that connects Heraklion and Rethymno. It is formed in a small rocky bay with a pebbly beach and crystal clear deep waters, protected by vertical cliffs. Characteristic of the cove are the beautiful cavernous rocks that protect the small beach on the west. Beyond the west and the east end of the beach, there are several sea caves and rocks with amazing formations. A part of the east caves collapsed in winter 2011-12. These caves are very important for species such as the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. A great idea is to explore the rocky shores east of the beach and walk to the amazing natural rocky arch of Geropotamos.
On the beach there are some umbrellas and beds and a small canteen; that’s all! The only problem here might be waves, due to common north winds. To reach the beach from Rethymnon, you have to drive in the main road to Heraklion. After Skaleta, you will see “Creta Farm” and after some meters you will see two gas station on both sides of the road. There is a short road leading to the beach (there is a draft sign to Spilies (ΣΠΗΛΙΕΣ)), starting behind the gas station that is located on your left hand. In order not to turn left while in the national road, we suggest that you enter the station on your right and then turn back towards Rethymno.
