TRIOPETRA BEACH

Triopetra is located about 52 km south of Rethymno and 13 km southeast of the village of Akoumia, at the foot of Mount Siderotas. It is accessible by car via paved roads from either Akoumia or Sachtouria. Triopetra lies in the central part of a long coastal stretch known as Akoumiani Gialia (Akoumia Beach), named after the nearby village whose residents once used the area as a winter shelter close to their olive groves. Even today, much of the land is still owned by people from Akoumia, and many local businesses originate from the same village.

Triopetra consists of two main beaches separated by a small peninsula. At the tip of the peninsula, three impressive rock formations rise from the sea. The name “Triopetra” means “Three Rocks” in Greek, referring to these distinctive formations.

The first beach, known as Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is a sheltered sandy and rocky bay located south of the three rocks. At its southern end, the Akoumianos River flows into the sea, separating the area from the nearby Agios Pavlos Sandhills at Cape Melissa. This beach offers a few rooms, taverns, and sunbeds. In its southeastern part there is a small harbor area called Stomio (“mouth”), named after the river’s outlet to the sea. About 1 km northeast, visitors can also find the beautiful chapel of Prophet Elias on a hill with panoramic views over Akoumiani Gialia.

The main beach, West Triopetra (or Chatzi), extends westward from the rocks for several kilometers towards Ligres Beach. It features coarse sand, clear waters, and a striking landscape. Due to its west-facing orientation, it is often exposed to strong winds and waves, but it is also famous for its spectacular sunsets. The eastern section is lightly organized with taverns, rooms, and sunbeds, while never feeling crowded. A small river with fresh water flows year-round through the area. Wild camping is not permitted, though a large cave shaped like the Greek letter Δ near the rocks offers natural shade. The western part of Triopetra remains completely unorganized and wild, with a dirt road running along the coast toward Ligres Beach.