Bali Crete Guide 2026: Coves, Beaches & Where to Stay
Bali, Rethymno guide: the coves of Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani and Karavostasi, snorkelling, Melidoni cave, Arkadi monastery, Panormos, hotels and transport.
8 chapters · 4 beaches· 35.4106° N 24.7856° E
Bali.
Four coves halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion
A fishing village turned hillside resort with calm bays, snorkelling and the Melidoni cave up the road
- From Piraeus
- 9-10h
- Best months
- May · Jun · Sep
- Ferries from
- Athens (Piraeus) · Athens (Piraeus)
- Ferry fares
- seasonal
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Villages in this guide
- 4
- Best months
- May · Jun · Sep
Island explorer
Bali in 8 chapters.
The villages and beaches that shape the island. Tap a chapter to fly there, then plan it into your trip.
Village · Livadi
Chapters01 / 08
Chapter 01
Village
The largest bay and the family hotels.
The first cove from the main road, with the longest beach, sunbeds and most of the big hotels. Easiest for families and for anyone who wants to avoid the steps of the upper village.
- Longest beach
- Family hotels
- Water sports
- Flat access
Touristas AI checks ferries, stays and timing for your dates.
How to plan Bali
- 01
- 02
- 03
01 · The island
Discover Bali.
Bali is a small resort built on the hillsides above four coves on the north coast, 30 km east of Rethymno and 45 km west of Heraklion. The bays of Livadi, Varkotopos, Limani and Karavostasi are sheltered and calm, the village climbs steeply between them, and the Melidoni cave, Arkadi monastery and the fishing village of Panormos are all within 30 minutes. It is a hotel-with-a-pool base rather than a nightlife resort.
Bali was a fishing hamlet with a Venetian-era harbour until the coast road and the first hotels arrived in the 1980s. It kept its shape: a village strung along a steep road that drops into one cove after another, each with its own beach, tavernas and hotels.
The coves face north and east and are protected by headlands, so the water is usually calm and clear enough for snorkelling off the rocks. Limani, the old harbour bay, still has fishing boats and the best tavernas; Livadi, the largest bay, has the family hotels.
Bali sits at the midpoint of the north coast, which makes it a practical base for both Rethymno and Heraklion. Arkadi monastery is 30 minutes, the Melidoni cave 15, and the fishing village of Panormos with its own small beaches is 10 minutes west.
“Bali is built on steps and coves. Pick a hotel near the bay you want to swim in and you will barely need the car.”
- Couples
- Snorkelling
- Calm bays
- Central base
02On the map
Where is Bali?
- Coordinates
- 35.4106° N 24.7856° E
- Region
- Crete, Greece
03 · Where to stay
Where to stay in Bali.
Bali offers distinct neighbourhoods for every trip style. Compare areas and rates for your dates on our Bali hotels page or the detailed where to stay in Bali guide.
Area 01Livadi
The largest bay and the family hotels
The first cove from the main road, with the longest beach, sunbeds and most of the big hotels. Easiest for families and for anyone who wants to avoid the steps of the upper village.
- Longest beach
- Family hotels
- Water sports
Area 02Varkotopos
The middle cove
A smaller sandy bay between Livadi and the harbour with tavernas on the water and apartments on the slope above. The best all-round swim in the village.
- Sandy beach
- Waterside tavernas
- Calm water
Area 03Limani (the harbour)
Fishing boats and the original village
The old harbour cove with fishing boats, the best fish tavernas and the most character. The beach is small; the boat trips leave from here.
- Fish tavernas
- Boat trips
- Village feel
Area 04Karavostasi
The last, quietest cove
A small bay at the end of the road, with a beach bar and clear water. Fewer people than the other three even in August.
- Quiet
- Snorkelling
- Beach bar
04 · Story
A harbour with a monastery's name.
- 01
Ancient Astali
The harbour served the inland city of Axos in antiquity under the name Astali; the modern name Bali comes from the Turkish word for honey, which the area produced.
- 02
Venetian harbour
The small port at Limani sheltered Venetian coastal traffic and, later, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Atali on the hill, whose 17th-century church still stands.
- 03
Melidoni cave
Fifteen minutes inland, the cave was a sanctuary of Hermes in antiquity. In 1824 several hundred villagers sheltering inside were killed by Ottoman troops; a memorial stands in the main chamber.
- 04
Arkadi monastery
Thirty minutes south-west, Arkadi is the symbol of Cretan resistance: in 1866 hundreds of Cretans blew up its powder store rather than surrender to the Ottomans.
- coves in the village
- 4
- Melidoni cave tragedy
- 1824
- Arkadi uprising
- 1866
- first hotels
- 1980s
05 · Beaches
Beaches worth the trip.
The best shores of Bali
Long sandy family bay01Livadi
The biggest beach with sunbeds and shallow water
- Water
- Calm, sandy bottom
- Access
- Flat, by the main road
- Best for
- Families
Sheltered sandy cove02Varkotopos
Tavernas on the sand and calm water
- Water
- Clear, shallow
- Access
- Steps from the village road
- Best for
- Couples, families
Harbour cove03Limani
Small beach beside the fishing boats and the best tavernas
- Water
- Clear, deeper
- Access
- Village centre
- Best for
- Lunch and a swim
Quiet end cove04Karavostasi
Clear water and rocks for snorkelling
- Water
- Clear, calm
- Access
- End of the village road
- Best for
- Snorkelling, quiet swims
Car & ATV hire
Reach every beach on Bali
Compare local agencies with port and hotel delivery.
06 · At the table
Eating in Bali.
Harbour fish and Rethymno mountain cooking
- 01
Grilled fish at Limani
The harbour tavernas serve what the village boats bring in; sea bream and red mullet are the usual catch.
- 02
Boureki
Courgette, potato and mizithra pie, the Rethymno and Chania summer dish.
- 03
Dakos
Barley rusk, tomato, mizithra, olive oil.
- 04
Lamb with stamnagathi
Lamb with wild chicory in lemon sauce, served in the inland tavernas around Melidoni and Perama.
- 05
Sfakianes pites
Thin cheese pancakes with honey for dessert.
- 06
Local honey
The village is named after it; buy thyme honey from the roadside stalls towards Melidoni.
07 · A day on the island
Your perfect day.
From sunrise to sunset in Bali
- Morning2 hours
Snorkel the coves
Karavostasi and the rocks at Limani have the clearest water. Masks and fins from the beach desks at Livadi.
- Afternoon2 hours
Melidoni cave
Fifteen minutes inland. A single large chamber with stalactites and the 1824 memorial. Cool at 17°C even in August; bring a layer.
- Half day3-4 hours
Arkadi monastery
Thirty minutes south-west through the Rethymno foothills. The Venetian church facade and the powder-store memorial; combine with lunch in the village of Amnatos.
- Afternoon3 hours
Panormos
Ten minutes west, a fishing village with a sandy beach, a Byzantine basilica ruin and harbour tavernas. Quieter than Bali.
- Full day5 hours
Rethymno old town
Thirty minutes west. The Fortezza, the Venetian harbour and the old town lanes; back in Bali for an evening swim.
- Full day5-6 hours
Boat trip along the coast
Boats from the harbour run east to the sea caves and beaches with no road access, with swimming stops. Calmest in June and September.
Tours & activities
Book the best of Bali
Sailing trips, sunset cruises, diving and cooking classes.
08 · When to go
When to visit Bali.
Find the perfect time for your Bali trip
May
23°C
Low Crowds
Resorts open; sea 20°C; quiet beaches
Jun
27°C
Medium Crowds
Warm sea, long evenings, water parks open
Jul
30°C
High Crowds
Peak families and groups; book early
Aug
31°C
Max Crowds
Hottest and fullest month; highest prices
Sep
28°C
Medium Crowds
Sea at its warmest; crowds thin after the 10th
Oct
24°C
Low Crowds
Still swimming; some bars close by month end
Nov-Apr
15°C
Very low Crowds
Most resort hotels closed; towns quiet
09 · Getting there
Getting to Bali.
Ferry routes and travel connections
From
Athens (Piraeus)
Overnight, limited season
Duration
9-10h
Price
seasonal
From
Athens (Piraeus)
Overnight, daily
Duration
8h 30m to 9h
Price
from €40
10 · Book
Plan your Bali trip.
Ferries, hotels, car hire and neighbourhood guides: everything you need after reading this Bali guide.
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Tours & activities
Boat trips, tastings and guided hikes.
- 06
Places to eat & drink
Tavernas, bars and cafés by village.
11 · Essentials
Before you go.
Insider tips for your Bali trip
Bali · 2026 updates
- Book Livadi hotels early for June and September; Bali has fewer beds than the Heraklion resorts.
- The Melidoni cave is open daily April to October; the path down is slippery, wear proper shoes.
- Coast boat trips are cancelled in strong wind; check the morning of departure.
01Transport
3
- Heraklion airport is 50 minutes by car; Chania airport about 1h 45m. Taxis from Heraklion cost around €70.
- KTEL buses between Rethymno and Heraklion stop on the main road above the village; it is a steep 15-minute walk down.
- A car is worth having for Arkadi, Melidoni and Rethymno; inside the village you walk.
02Money & Booking
3
- Bali is mid-priced; the big hotels at Livadi sell good half-board deals in June and September.
- Harbour fish is by the kilo; ask the price first. Meat tavernas in the upper village are €12-16 per person.
- Sunbeds are €8-10 for two at Livadi and free at some tavernas if you eat there.
03Health & Safety
3
- The nearest hospital is in Rethymno (30 minutes); a doctor's surgery operates in the village in summer.
- The village road is steep and has no pavement in places; take care walking at night.
- The coves are sheltered but the meltemi still brings afternoon chop to Livadi; mornings are flat.
04Culture & Etiquette
3
- The monastery of Agios Ioannis above the village is a working monastery; visit in the morning and dress modestly.
- Arkadi is a national memorial as much as a monastery: quiet voices, no swimwear.
- Fishermen at Limani sell directly in the morning; buying a fish and taking it to a taverna to cook is normal.
FAQ
Bali questions.
Everything you need to know about Bali
- On the north coast, 30 km east of Rethymno and 45 km west of Heraklion, roughly halfway between the two. Heraklion airport is about 50 minutes by car.
- Yes. The village climbs steeply between four coves and most hotels involve steps. Livadi, the first bay, is the flattest; choose accommodation there if steps are a problem.
- Livadi for space and families, Varkotopos for a sheltered swim with tavernas on the sand, Karavostasi for quiet and snorkelling, Limani for lunch by the fishing boats.
- Yes. The coves are sheltered and clear; Karavostasi and the rocks beside Limani harbour are the best spots, and the boat trips reach caves and beaches along the coast.
- Melidoni cave (15 minutes), Panormos fishing village (10 minutes), Arkadi monastery (30 minutes), Rethymno old town (30 minutes) and Heraklion with Knossos (45 minutes).
- A few bars in the village and hotel entertainment; nothing like Malia or Hersonissos. Rethymno old town has the bars and is 30 minutes away.
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