Rethymno

On two things every traveller and historian is agreed: the bravery of the people and the beauty of the island.

Exploring the Area

Rethymno, in Crete, is a rare combination of history and modern-day luxury, with its Venetian-era Fortezza fortress and multicultural Old Downtown, tropical beaches and exquisite Cretan cuisine.

The main town of the Cretan prefecture that carries the same name, Rethymno hides its secrets in plain sight. Walking around is like travelling back in time, to the period of Venetian rule in Crete. The Fortezza (fortress) sits atop Rethymno’s magical old town like a crown. And you can hear the echoes of the sea and as you walk along the Venetian port with its old lighthouse and get lost in the maze of alleyways, admiring the ornate doorways and the Venetian crests that decorate them. You’ll also visit the mosques with their minarets and hop between the dozens of shops, restaurants and cafes that give Rethymno its special atmosphere. And as a final bonus, Crete’s longest beach – all 12km of it – awaits just outside town.

Coastal Adventures

The largest beach on Crete (12km) stretches along the east side of the city, from Rethymno to Skaleta. You’ll take advantage of the water sports in the Adelianos Kampos and enjoy a quiet swim in the rocky coves of the Pegianos Kampos. All along the beach, you’ll find beach bars with umbrellas and lounge chairs, shops and hotels.

Eating and Drinking

Places to eat and drink in Rethymno are many, especially in tourist regions such as Rethymno Town, Bali, Adelianos Kampos, Plakias, Agia Galini, and others. These are places with many restaurants and bars that attract lots of visitors every night. However, restaurants in Rethymno are also found in many secluded beaches and villages around the region. These restaurants are actually traditional taverns and serve delicious Cretan recipes. Very cozy are also the restaurants, cafe, and bars in the Old Town of Rethymno.

What to See and Do

In a stunning location at the base of the Psilorítis mountain range, about halfway up the island’s north coast, Rethymnon is the third largest town on Crete after Heraklion and Chania. As you drive along the expressway, you’ll easily identify the town from its imposing fortress on the waterfront.

Rethymno is full of new adventures and incredible activities to do. Here you will see a list of 10 of the best things to do in Rethymno:

1. Dine on the Old Venetian Harbor
2. See the Rimondi Fountain
3. Explore Fortezza
4. Soak Up the Sun and Scene on Rethymnon Beach
5. Day Trip to Preveli Beach
6. Enjoy the Views from the Preveli Monastery
7. Hike Mount Psiloritis
8. Neratze Mosque
9. Historical & Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon
10. Porta Guora

Where to Stay

The choice of hotels, all-inclusive resorts, villas, and other places to stay in Rethymnon is quite wide. Being so popular among tourists, you can find any kind of accommodation no matter what your budget is.

Here you will find a list of the best places to stay in Rethymno based on travelers’ reviews:

1. Atelier. Atelier is a small studio right in the heart of Rethymnon Old Town within walking distance from main landmarks such as the Fortress and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon.
2. Faros Rooms & Suites. Faros Rooms and Suites is in a great location, right at the Venetian Port of Rethymnon, with panoramic views, overlooking the Lighthouse and the city beach. Although the area can be a bit noisy at night, nothing beats the comfort of dozens of bars and restaurants just meters away from where you’re staying.
   Rooms with a private balcony over the port have a higher price tag but are worth it. Instead, if you are on a very tight budget, you can check the rooms without a view.
3. Rethymno House. An affordable place where to stay in Rethymnon in a traditional alley in the old town, an ideal place to feel the vibe of the city. Rethymno House is a historic building that’s more than 600 years old and that has been restored keeping the characteristic stone walls of the Venetian architecture and the picturesque wooden balcony from the Turkish period.
4. Preveli Apartments. Preveli Apartments are a perfect place to stay for young couples or a family with a small child. Both the Old Venetian Harbor and the modern town of Rethymnon are just a short walk away from the property.