Overview

Aquila Rithymna Beach is a five-star resort on the Rethymnon Riviera of Crete, with more than fifty years of operation and a reputation for consistent service and family-friendly facilities. The property occupies a beachfront site with direct access to a Blue Flag sandy beach and presents a village-like layout combining classic Cretan details with contemporary comforts. The resort offers clearly defined Adult and Family zones, a Premium All-Inclusive option and a wide choice of dining venues, while on-site features include an extensive spa complex, a modern water park designed around themed “circles”, an outstanding children’s programme and a selection of premium suites and villas for guests seeking additional privacy and space.

Location

Positioned on the coast of Rethymno and approximately six kilometres from the historic city centre, the resort benefits from views towards Psiloritis and the White Mountains and easy access to the Aegean Sea. The long stretch of sand in front of the property is Blue Flag accredited and is configured with separate areas for families and adults, wooden decks and piers that make water access straightforward, and an on-site Water Sports Centre that provides a base for sea-based activities. The resort’s placement allows guests to combine beach days with visits to the nearby town’s cultural and historic attractions.

Facilities

The resort’s facilities are extensive and variety-led, ranging from a network of outdoor pools with a tropical main seawater pool and waterfront pools to an indoor pool within the spa complex. The Aquila Water Park covers a large planted area with multiple slide circuits, a lazy river, spray zones and dedicated children’s attractions, while the broader resort includes a boutique gym equipped with Technogym gear and TRX, squash or tennis coaching options within its activity programme and a water sports centre on the beachfront. The spa occupies a substantial footprint with private treatment rooms, a seawater pool, hammam and saunas, and the resort provides practical guest services such as changing cabins, showers, sun loungers, parasols and complimentary beach towels supplied with each room.

Room

Accommodation ranges from Classic rooms and bungalows within the Cretan-style village area to the premium Mythica Collection of suites, bungalows and villas with private pools and sea views. Classic rooms and bungalows offer open-plan layouts or two-room family arrangements, private balconies or terraces overlooking gardens or the sea and contemporary refurbishments in selected units with marble bathrooms and wooden finishes. The Mythica portfolio includes beachfront bungalows with private terraces, family suites with multiple bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, and larger beachfront villas with private gardens, multiple pools and indoor living areas, providing options for couples, families and groups seeking greater space, privacy and a higher level of service.

Sports & Entertainment

A broad entertainment and activities programme caters to all ages, with the water park’s thrill rides — including multi-lane slides, closed Black Hole slides with sound and light effects and tube slides — forming the core attraction for younger and more adventurous visitors. A children’s activity zone and children’s pools within Kri Kri Club complement supervised clubs and a crèche for the very young, while Club 4U and teen-focused programming run seasonal events and excursions. Land and sea activities are available through the resort’s sports provision, including poolside games, beach volleyball, organised tennis and diving lessons, and an action pool area for family fun; live music and themed evenings provide evening entertainment across several venues.

Dining & Bars

Dining options are wide-ranging and designed to reflect local and international cuisines with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and Cretan traditions. The resort operates a number of distinct outlets, including a principal restaurant with a sea-facing terrace, a Greek taverna offering themed evenings and regional dishes, an Italian venue under a pergola, a brasserie for casual al fresco lunches, and a beachfront seafood restaurant with tables set on wooden islets on the sand. Bars are positioned to suit different moods, from a lounge bar with sea views and live DJ or music sets to a sand-level bar by the Oceana area; children’s menus and a dedicated Tasty Corner at the kids’ club are included within the overall catering offer.