From quiet beaches and scenic mountain roads to traditional villages, hiking trails and authentic Cretan cuisine, South Rethymno offers a slower and more genuine side of Crete.
Whether you are looking for relaxation by the sea or an adventure exploring the island, Virgin Mary Apartments & Taverna is the perfect starting point.
Polyrizos beach is truly the absolute highlight of your stay at Virgin Mary! Located directly in front of our property, it offers you the luxury of diving into the sea just a step away from your door. It is a wide beach with golden sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters, ideal for families with small children and guests seeking absolute tranquility without needing to travel.
Surrounded by olive groves and tamarisk trees offering natural shade, it creates the perfect setting for a quiet afternoon overlooking the Libyan Sea. If you need a quick bite or a refreshing drink, our taverna is just a few steps away, so you can enjoy your day undisturbed.
Just a 5-minute walk from our accommodation, Korakas beach offers a completely different and enchanting experience. Following the road to the left, you’ll find a wonderful coast with fine grey and black pebbles and crystal-clear waters.
As you swim, the view of the imposing mountains surrounding the village of Rodakino will captivate you. The beach has a long coastline and offers moments of relaxation, while part of it is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and showers.
For those wishing to experience the most pure, authentic and untouched side of southern Crete, Peristeres is the ideal choice. It’s just a 2-3 minute drive away, or a slightly more adventurous walk.
The landscape offers wild beauty and is ideal for those who love tranquility and contact with nature. Its long coastline combines rocky areas, perfect for underwater exploration, with sand at its left end, where you’ll also find a semi-organized section with sunbeds and umbrellas.
The famous beach of Frangokastello stretches in front of the historic medieval fortress, about 15 km west of Virgin Mary. It’s easily reached by car via the village of Skaloti. The beach is sandy, organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and has shallow waters. You can combine your swim with a walk around the impressive Venetian castle.
Kotsifou Gorge is one of the most accessible and impressive gorges in Crete. Massive rocks rise vertically on both sides of the narrow road, giving the feeling that they "kiss" at the top! It’s very close to us, just 20 minutes on the road towards Rethymno.
It doesn’t require difficult hiking, as the main road runs through it. However, for walking enthusiasts, there’s a beautiful path starting from the village of Kanevos leading south, near Plakias. It’s ideal for a short exploration, photography and wildlife watching, especially early morning or at sunset (duration: about 1.5 hours).
For true nature lovers, Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s located about 40 km from our property and is one of the most famous in Crete. The scenery here is breathtaking: giant vertical cliffs, rushing waterfalls and the sound of the wind whistling through the rocks like a natural instrument, hence the name "Kourtala" (clapping).
Access is very easy, as there’s an organized parking area on the road, and you then follow the stone steps. The route passes the picturesque chapel of Agios Nikolaos and ends at the springs that flow down to the famous Preveli beach.
Rodakino · South Crete
