Is this the most bodacious beach in Greece?
An almost-secret spot in Crete
RETHYMNO, GREECE — Fast-moving wildfires tearing through southern Crete’s Agios Vasileios municipality triggered emergency sea rescues after trapped tourists and residents were forced onto local beaches.
Driven by intense wind gusts reaching up to 160 km/h, flames and thick smoke cut off main land routes, leaving beachgoers along Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, and nearby coastlines trapped.
In response to emergency 112 system alerts, the Hellenic Coast Guard—supported by naval ships, Frontex patrol craft, and local fishing vessels—launched emergency sea evacuations directly off the shoreline. Dozens of stranded visitors were plucked from the beaches and safely shuttled to the port of Kokkinos Pyrgos.
Authorities have declared a State of Civil Protection Emergency for the region as over 200 firefighters continue battling active fronts near Agia Paraskevi. While neighboring tourist hubs like Agia Galini have reopened, emergency officials strictly advise against non-essential travel to the Agios Pavlos coastal zone until flare-up risks diminish.
As it happens, Agios Pavlos (pictured up top) is one of the world’s most interesting beaches. Once the dust settles and the smoke clears — and once travel in this remote corner of south Crete gets the all-clear — we highly recommend checking it out. It’s a bit like a trip to the moon, if the moon had a patch of Mediterranean coastline.
While it’s possible to avoid the steep access route, that’s also part of the allure. Just be able-bodied, be hydrated, and — trust us on this — don’t go it alone.
