Bali - history of the city and characteristics of the resort

Originally a fishing village, Bali (or rather a cluster of several smaller villages) lies in a low-lying area on the coast of the relatively spacious eponymous Bay of Bali, whose surrounding rocky walls protect the resort and the adjacent beaches from strong northerly winds. The resort of Bali can be found roughly halfway between the major cities of Rethymno and Heraklion, and its advantages include good transport links, as you can drive right past the village onto the motorway that runs along the north coast of Crete.

The present-day village of Bali stands on the site of the ancient town of Astali (Astale), which served as a port for the city of Axos. Astali is often associated with the legendary Cretan giant Talos, who stopped here during his travels and from whom the surrounding mountains were named the Talean Mountains. During the Venetian era, the name of the town was changed to Atali and this name is still preserved in the form of the nearby Attali Monastery. Today's name Bali then dates back to the period of Turkish rule and we can find two possible variations of what it means. According to one interpretation, it was derived from the Turkish word "balli", meaning "honey" (there were many beehives in the area), or it is related to the word "ballik", meaning "fish" (it is a fishing village).

Today Bali is a modern tourist resort with many restaurants, taverns and various shops, as well as a few discos and bars. There is also a pharmacy and an emergency room. Visitors to the resort mainly enjoy water sports and lounging on the beach, but they can also take advantage of the water sports centre and diving school. However, despite the excellent tourist facilities and the increasing number of visitors, it still manages to maintain at least partly the tranquillity and atmosphere of a fishing village.

Bali beaches

The resort has four nice beaches, collectively referred to as Bali beaches, which are spread out inside the bay, in its individual smaller bays. From the north to the south end of the bay there are Karavostasi, Limani, Varkotopos and Livadi beaches, plus sometimes the part of the coastline between Varkotopos and Livadi is also called Kouskouras beach.

Limani also functions as a port from which cruise ships depart daily for the larger towns of Rethymno and Heraklion. From here you can also book a boat trip to the "pirate" islet of Gramvousa or even a cruise to the neighbouring Greek island of Santorini.

Bali's beaches are mostly sandy, sometimes more sand and shingle, washed by beautifully clear water of greenish hues. The sea is calm and gently sloping, so you'll often see families with young children. The beaches are well organised and well equipped for tourists.

Attali Monastery

The monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (Saint John the Baptist), better known as the Attali Monastery, stands near the town of Bali, hidden in the surrounding rocky hills. According to the inscription above the entrance, it dates back to 1635, but it is estimated that the inner part (the Byzantine church itself) is much older. The two naves of the monastery were then added in the 17th century, and the frescoes that decorate them date from this period.

The Apakoui peak, on which the monastery stands, is not one of the highest within the Talea mountain range, but is an important archaeological site. The site was isolated until 1970, when the North Cretan highway was built here, and until then it functioned as a monastery. In addition to the church building itself, the complex also included an old mill, a pottery workshop and a bakery.

The Attali Monastery captivates with its magnificent panoramic view of the sea, and visitors are also impressed by the beautiful surroundings, as there are several old ornate fountains and a flower garden.

Who is the centre suitable for?

We would recommend Bali especially for families with children or couples looking for the right summer peace and quiet. A bonus is the pleasant surrounding environment and beautiful beaches. Thanks to good transport connections, the place is also ideal for taking various excursions around the area.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.