Located about 36km east of Rethymno and 44km west of Heraklion, the area of Charakas offers three stunning beaches with various features. Just half a kilometer east of the Church of Panagia Charakiani, a small peninsula is formed on the side of which lie the beaches of Glaros, Katevati and Charakiani. Glaros consists of three beaches facing west and is divided from the beach by a very narrow canal of less than 2m. The beach is sandy and the bottom is rocky, ideal for seclusion and snorkeling. Katevati has large pebbles and offers great views of the Talean Mountains to the south. It is unorganized, so visitors should be sure to bring essentials such as an umbrella, food, and water. Charakiani is preferred by snorkelers and spearfishermen, and is easily accessible by following a trail starting from the church. It has large round pebbles. All of the beaches have eastern orientation, thus they are protected from the commonly blowing north winds. On the hill north of Katevati beach and on the hill north of the first beach of Glaros, ruins of ancient settlements have been found.
