Island of Crete Rethymno. Open left menu city of Rethymno

Rethymnon is a settlement in the western part of the island of Crete and the regional administrative center, which has preserved the comfort and charm of small European towns. Located midway between Heraklion and Chania. The sights of Rethymnon (Crete) reflect the centuries-old history of the city, the influence of different cultures and religions.

Attractions

One of the most beautiful settlements in Crete captivates and attracts tourists. The architecture retains elements of Roman, Minoan, Turkish and Venetian cultures. Excursions from Rethymnon are a great way to get acquainted with the history of the locality.

In fact, the historical part of Rethymno is an open-air museum - a labyrinth of narrow streets where you can easily get lost, so it is better to take care of a map in advance. The abundance of Venetian churches, Turkish mosques, Catholic temples, elaborate fountains and amazing architectural monuments will surely make you take out your camera and enjoy a walk through the Greek streets. The overall picture of old Rethymnon is harmoniously complemented by the harbor and the lighthouse on the embankment.

Good to know! All the most famous attractions are within walking distance from the harbor, so it is recommended to start a walk or tour of Rethymno from here.

Where to go in Rethymno? First of all, you need to see the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, which is recognized as the largest structure on the shores of Greece.

Good to know! Construction took seven years and 110 thousand people were involved.

Archaeological Museum

Opposite the Venetian fortress is the Archaeological Museum; previously this building was the city prison. On Arapatzoglou Street you can visit the Museum of Marine Life, located in a restored monastery. On the next street is the Municipal Gallery, where paintings by contemporary Greek artists are displayed. Be sure to visit the Square of the Four Martyrs and go to the church of the same name. You can also watch:

Historical and Ethnographic Museum on Vernandou Street;
the Venetian Loggia on Palelogou Street, today there is a souvenir shop open here;
Guora Gate;
Neradze and Kara Musa Pasha mosques.

It is important! If you want to see as many attractions as possible in Rethymnon, be sure to take a navigator, guidebook or map with you. You can also purchase a tour and not only enjoy beautiful views Crete, but also learn historical facts and hear local legends.

Fortezza Fortress

The excursion to the unique fortification in Rethymnon begins at the Paleokastro hill, which is located in the northwestern part of the city. The name of the hill translated means “old fortress”. Excavations in this part of the city are still ongoing, and archaeologists are finding important historical exhibits.

Good to know! According to one legend, on the hill there was a temple of Apollo, a sanctuary of Artemis, and Zeus was born in the mountains nearby.

The fortress has the shape of a pentagon, and on a huge area there were barracks, churches, hospitals, wells, and warehouses. Fortezza is the largest Venetian building that has survived to this day in Europe.

The main gate is located between the bastions of St. Mary and St. Nicholas. In the center of the fortress you can visit the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque; nearby is the small Church of St. Catherine, rebuilt from a water storage tank.

Numerous cultural events are organized on the territory of the fortress. The Erofili Open Theater hosts a renaissance festival every year.

Practical information:

Address: Leof. Emmanouil Kefalogianni 27;
work schedule: daily from 8-00 to 20-00;
ticket price: adult – 4 EUR, child – 2.60 EUR;
You can enter the fortress territory from the embankment or from the old town.

Helpful information! The entrance from the embankment is preferable, as the climb to the top is more gradual.

After leaving, the Venetians left many architectural attractions in Rethymnon. Venice Harbor is undoubtedly on their list. It was built in the Middle Ages; you can still see small old Italian houses on the embankment.

This is the most ancient part of Rethymno and the island of Crete, but ships still enter the harbor today. Its area is only 5.2 thousand m2, and the length of the pier is 390 m.

At the entrance there is a lighthouse dating back to the 17th century, and along the coast there are a huge number of cafes, taverns and souvenir shops. There is a fisherman's market in the southern part of the harbor where you can buy fresh and inexpensive seafood.

Interesting fact! There is a pirate ship moored to the shore on the Venizelu Street side - great fun for children.

Botanical Garden

If you don’t know where to go and what to see in Rethymnon with children, pay attention to the Biotopoi Natural Park. Representatives of the flora and fauna of the island of Crete are collected here. Among the exhibits are unique tropical plants that can only be seen on the island of Crete, exotic species of butterflies, and tropical teas. The park is home to about 50 species of local animals.

Good to know! To reach the park, you need to walk approximately 1.5 km uphill, moving from the hourglass located in old Rethymnon. Ticket price – 5 EUR. Volunteers conduct excursions and tell a lot of interesting things.

The area of the attraction is small, so you can see it in 10-15 minutes. Nature lovers will be more interested in purchasing an excursion with a guide. The botanical garden has a children's playground with rides and trampolines, souvenir shops and bookstores with thematic literature.

The attraction can be seen in old Rethymnon, on Platano Square. For four centuries, the fountain has been providing tourists with fresh water. The structure was built at the beginning of the 17th century by order of the governor of Rethymno. It is not known for certain, but it is believed that there was an older fountain on the site and the governor simply reconstructed it. The holes from which water flows into the basins are shaped like lion heads. In the center of the architrave is the coat of arms of Rimondi.

Good to know! In the mid-17th century, the Turks added a dome over the fountain, but it has not survived to this day. Perhaps it was destroyed by local residents. According to one legend, lovers came to the fountain to drink water from it together. In this case, the girl and the guy will definitely get married.

Video: Old Town of Rethymno.

Arkadi Monastery

The attraction is famous all over the world, it is located 25 km from Rethymno and covers an area of 5.2 thousand m2, it is considered the largest in Crete. Every year thousands of pilgrims professing different religions come to Rethymnon.

Today, the Arkadi Monastery is a large complex where many rooms have been preserved - cells, a dining hall, storage rooms. You can also see the ruins of a gunpowder warehouse. The monks still live on the territory of Arkadi, maintaining cleanliness and caring for the landmark.

Interesting fact! Previously, Arkadi was a center of culture and education, where manuscripts were taught and copied, and a workshop was built where gold embroidery was skillfully done.

According to one of the legends, the founder of Arkadi is the monk Arkadius; it was he who found the icon in this place right in the olive tree.

Today the monastery is unique museum, where exclusive relics are stored - church vestments, equipment, manuscripts, weapons, icons.

Practical information:

There are buses from Rethymno to the monastery - three trips on weekdays, one trip on weekends;
You can also get from Rethymnon by excursion train;
ticket price – 3 EUR;
working hours: in winter - from 9-00 to 16-00, in summer and September - from 9-00 to 20-00, in April, May and October - from 9-00 to 19-00 and in November - from 9-00 00 to 17-00.

Ancient cave temple of St. Anthony

The road to the shrine lies through the Patsos gorge with rocks, caves, waterfalls, amazing flora and fauna, it is located 23 km from Rethymnon to the southeast of the city. Cave of St. Anaton - patron saint of children and health - amazing place, where thousands of people have already been healed, leaving behind crutches, canes and other evidence of illness. Inside the cave there are buckets into which holy water gradually flows.

the attraction is located in the province of Amari, between the Potami Dam and the village of Patsos;
the length of the walking route is 1.4 km, the road is difficult, you have to overcome boulders, wooden stairs with rope railings;
next to the cave you can go to observation deck and sit on benches;
in guidebooks the attraction is often listed as Patsos Gorge;
It is not recommended to travel with children;
be sure to wear comfortable, sports shoes;
It is advisable to have a supply of water with you;
Be sure to take into account the time required for the return journey.

Preveli Monastery

The attraction is rightfully considered one of the most interesting in Crete. The temple was built on the slope of a mountain, offering a picturesque view of the Libyan Sea.

Helpful information! On the road from Rethymnon, you can take an excursion to the Kourtaliotiko gorge and go to the local Preveli beach, also called Palm Beach.

Tourist entry to the monastery has been allowed since 2013. There is a church shop at the entrance to the church, and on the territory tourists are offered to go to a source of holy water. Main temple consists of two chapels - in honor of John the Theologian and the Blessed Virgin Mary. To the left of the monastery you can take an excursion to the ancient cemetery, chapel and go to the crypt. Be sure to visit the small zoo and a picturesque park with roses and exotic plants. Next to the church you can go to the bridge, built in the mid-19th century. You can also visit the museum of icons and church utensils. The iconography collection is recognized as unique.

Interesting fact! The main relic is the miraculous Cross of Ephraim of Prevelius, which heals eye diseases.

Practical information:

distance from Rethymnon to the temple – 32 km;
Regular buses leave the city twice a day;
a one-way taxi ride will cost 40 euros;
Paid parking is available for owners of personal vehicles;
you can see the temple on your own or purchase a tour from Rethymno on Crete;
entrance ticket to the monastery territory – 4 euros;
Working hours: daily from 8-00 to 18-30.

When I'm on vacation, it's not enough for me to just lie on the beach. For me, the key to a good holiday is the presence of interesting routes for walking and traveling. That is why I consider Rethymno one of the best places I have ever visited. This city is a wonderful corner in the north of the island of Crete and quite a popular tourist destination.

The cleanest warm sea in Rethymno is combined with a developed infrastructure, interesting excursions, the presence of a huge number of bars, cafes, restaurants, and good inexpensive shops. Holidays here will appeal to both families with children and cheerful youth groups. Food lovers will especially enjoy this city. In my opinion, Greek cuisine is one of the best in the world (if not the best). Here you can try the whole variety of its dishes in any version.

I came to Rethymno two summers in a row and each time I discovered it from a new side. For the first time, my family and I devoted time to famous sights, excursions, and nature. During our second trip, we preferred residential streets, bike rides, independent trips by bus. Such a vacation allowed us to see this place through the eyes of local residents and feel its spirit.

How to get there

You can get to the island of Crete by plane or ferry. The cheapest way to get to Rethymnon is by regular bus. You can also order a taxi or rent a car.

By plane

Since the city is on an island, air travel is the best way to get to Rethymnon. There is an airport for international flights in two cities of Crete: and Chania. The flight to both cities is not long: 3-3.5 hours from Moscow, 4-4.5 hours from St. Petersburg. I flew in July, so I give the approximate cost of tickets during this period.

Prices for tickets from Moscow and back:

To Heraklion: from 283 EUR (17,500 RUB);
To Chania: from 243 EUR (15,000 RUB).

Prices for tickets from St. Petersburg and back:

To Heraklion: from 398 EUR (24,600 RUB);
To Chania: from 379 EUR (23,400 RUB).

If you calculate the price of flights and transfers for an entire family, the number you get is not at all happy. Therefore, I strongly recommend traveling with a travel agency. Personally, I did just that. Firstly, charter flights are always much cheaper. Secondly, you don’t need to think about how to get from the airport. The bus picks up all tourists after the flight and takes them to their hotels. you can see tours at good prices.

If you still prefer to travel on your own, you can compare prices for flights on your dates and choose the best option in terms of price and duration.

From the airport to Rethymno

Rethymno is located 81 kilometers from Heraklion and 65 kilometers from Chania. You can get to the city from both airports by the following means of transport:

by bus;
by taxi;
in a rented car.

I will tell you more about each of these methods below.

By train

There is no railway in Rethymno, so it is not possible to get there by train.

By bus

If you are interested in how to inexpensively get from Heraklion or from Chania to Rethymnon, then the most budget option is a regular bus.

Rethymno is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Heraklion. The ticket price is 8.3 EUR). Buses run on schedule. They do not depart from the airport itself, but from Station A (East Station), so you need to get there first. The bus has a special place for luggage. If you are traveling with animals, be sure to check the schedule for the times when they can be transported.
Recently, you can get to Rethymno directly from Chania airport (schedule). The ticket costs 8 EUR. Buses also depart from the bus station in Chania (schedule). This route will cost 6.8 EUR.

However, please note that all buses arrive at the bus station (near the fortress). If your hotel is on the other side of town, you will have to walk or take a taxi.

By car

Car rental in Crete is very popular, so there are many companies of this profile. You can also look at and compare rental offers.

You can rent a car directly at the airport and return it to Rethymnon. It will cost approximately 80 EUR per week.

On the map below I have marked the road route from Heraklion to Rethymnon. As I already said, the journey from there will take about 1.5 hours.

The journey from Chania Airport to Rethymnon will take less - about 1 hour. You can see the route from there on the map below.

In Greece, traffic is on the right hand side and international rules apply. Many roads are designed to accommodate vehicles in only one row. In this case, the slower driver may pull over and let the other driver pass. However, the roadside in Crete can be very narrow and it is often impossible to get onto it. It is also worth keeping in mind the small size of road signs. When moving at high speed, you can easily miss them. Many Greeks are not very attentive to the rules of the road, so you should always be alert and use your intuition.

You can also get from the airport or hotel by taxi. Such a trip will cost in the area:

85-150 EUR from Heraklion;
80 EUR from Chania.

By ferry

If you're holidaying on the mainland, you can spice up your holiday by taking a ferry from Athens to Crete. I haven’t tried this method myself, but I think such an adventure would be very interesting. The direct journey from Athens will take about 6 hours. One-way tickets cost from 26 to 85 EUR. There are routes: Athens-Heraklion, Athens-Chania. In addition, recently the small ferry Elli T runs directly to Rethymnon.

Clue:

Rethymno - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The choice of time for your holiday in Crete depends on your preferences. Summer is considered the highest season. At this time, the temperature stays around 28–30 C°, and sometimes reaches 40 C°. Companies offer the cheapest tours to Rethymno in May and September, since during these months there is not a large influx of tourists in Crete (which is understandable: children have school, students have a session). During this period there is no strong heat, and the water temperature remains around 22 C°. In winter, it’s worth coming just for the excursions; there’s nothing to do in resort towns at this time.

Rethymnon in summer

The first time I vacationed in Rethymno was in July. Since I love the heat and tolerate it well, it was just great for me. On some days I didn’t want to get out of the water at all, but in the evening I could wear a light dress. The temperature was about 35 °C. At the same time, the wind blew very weakly and there were almost no waves. The Mediterranean Sea is very clean, so swimming in calm waters is a pleasure. Without a mask or glasses, you can see schools of fish, algae, and beautiful shells at the bottom. Nevertheless, there were also several cloudy days when the sun was always hidden in the haze. We devoted such days to excursions and sightseeing, which would have been unbearable in hot weather. I must say that in this season, air conditioning in the room is simply a vital necessity. It is a great happiness to find yourself in a cool room after a whole day in the sun.

The second time we came to this place in mid-August and left in early September. The parents were happy: it wasn’t so hot, a cool breeze was blowing, and they could splash around in the waves. But after a few days in the stormy sea it became simply impossible to stand on my feet. Jumping on the waves is, of course, a lot of fun. But it’s not every day that you have to part with your swimsuit when going into the water! One could attribute everything to an insidious cyclone. However, as I found out after talking with a local resident, this happens in Crete every year. At this time, the north wind Meltemi comes to Crete. So, if you are not a fan of extreme swimming, you should not choose August for a trip to Rethymno. Vacationing at this time can even be dangerous if you are a poor swimmer.

Rethymnon in autumn

Since the period from July to August is considered the high season, there were quite a lot of people. In the evenings everyone went out into the streets, sat in all the bars and restaurants big companies, children were running, street performers were working. However, as soon as the first of September arrived, we saw a completely different Rethymno. The hotels were half empty, and it became possible to ride a bicycle even along the main promenade without fear of crashing into the crowd. Most of the children left, and the students too. The wind had become quieter by this time. So, if you are a lover of a relaxing holiday, this time is just perfect for you.

Rethymnon in spring

As I already wrote, this is a great option for budget holiday. I have many friends who vacation in Greece only in the spring. Holiday season in Crete it starts already in mid-April. However, at this time it is still quite cool (20-23 C°) and the water does not have time to warm up. The most comfortable temperature is established here only in May. This month the air warms up to 25-27 C°, and the water to 19-22 C°. My friends usually come on vacation after the May holidays, when it’s already possible to swim and it’s not too hot.

Rethymno in winter

While on vacation, I met a local guy. I was very interested in what the residents of Rethymno do in winter, when the tourists leave. The young man thought for a moment and answered: “We’re drinking coffee.” I’ll write more about Greek coffee; you can really drink such a delicious drink endlessly. But during these three months it is still better to go somewhere to.

Rethymno - weather by month

Clue:

Rethymno - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

The city can be divided into residential and tourist parts. The tourist part is everything that is located along the embankment. This can be clearly seen on the map by the location of the hotels.

The area next to the Fortezza fortress (on the peninsula in the western part) is the very center of the tourist part of the city (circled in red), where all the main attractions, souvenir shops, nightclubs, bars, restaurants are located. This is where all the evening life of the city is concentrated. And in the same area are located best hotels Rethymno. Prices in restaurants and hotels in the city center are, of course, the highest.

Circled in green on the map are hotels in Rethymno that offer the best value for money and location: being just a 20-minute walk from the main street of the city, they offer lower prices than hotels in the center. You can book a room at, and compare prices. I will tell you more about the cost of living below.

If you walk a little further into Mark Portaliou Street, you will see a residential area of the city. There are few hotels here, but there are apartments for rent, banks, hairdressers, pastry shops and bars where local residents gather. There are also inexpensive shops here that girls should definitely check out. There is also a wide bicycle path in this part of the city. In my opinion, a bicycle or motorcycle is the best way to get around Rethymnon. If you do your own cooking, there are great shops there with fresh fish, seafood and more. Offers for renting apartments can be viewed.

What are the prices for holidays?

Accommodation prices

Hotel prices here are about the same as in other cities in Greece. A double room in Rethymno will cost you from 23 EUR (1400 RUB) per night. I was traveling with my family, so we took an apartment. This is convenient because you have several rooms and a kitchen at your disposal, where you can cook for yourself. Apartment prices start from 32 EUR (2000 RUB) per night.

The cost of living varies quite a bit by area:

In the city center, a room will cost 33-180 EUR per night.
In the area indicated in green on the map - 23-130 EUR.
One night in one of the few hotels in the residential area will cost 40-84 EUR.

Prices in restaurants

A dish in a restaurant in Rethymnon costs 10 EUR on average. Drink - 2 EUR. A glass of wine or cocktail - 5-10 EUR. Meat dishes are much more economical than fish dishes. For example, a large meat cutlet with a side dish will cost you about 8 EUR, while fish will cost around 12 EUR.
The cheapest and most satisfying (and very tasty) dish, gyros, will cost about 4 EUR.
Prices, for example, for lobsters start at 25 EUR.

For example, here are the prices in one of the cafes in Rethymno:

A regular lunch or dinner for three without wine cost us somewhere around 30-40 EUR. As you move away from the city center, prices decrease, but portions, on the contrary, increase. Therefore, I advise you not to eat outside the center, but simply walk a little along the embankment.

Prices for excursions

The cost of excursions varies greatly depending on the distance to the attraction of interest. Prices vary from 10 to 200 EUR. For example, you can go on an excursion to the monastery of St. Irene near Rethymnon for 10 EUR. At the same time, traveling to the island on a small plane will cost about 200 EUR. Also, prices for excursions depend on your travel agency.

Taxi prices

The cost of a taxi ride in Crete is calculated by kilometers. It is approximately 1.4 - 1.5 EUR per 1 km. This price applies if you hail a car on the street. When ordering a taxi through the website, the trip will cost 15-20% cheaper. The cost is calculated specifically for the trip and does not depend on the number of passengers and luggage.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

When you think about what is worth seeing in Rethymnon, the first thing that comes to mind is the ancient Venetian fortress Fortezza. This is the most famous landmark of the city and is worth visiting first.

Next to the fortress is the Old Town. Of particular interest here are the ancient buildings of Venetian times: the Guora Gate, the Rimondi Fountain, the Venetian Loggia. They are easy to find on the most important tourist streets of the city.

In addition, many will want to visit churches and Orthodox monasteries in the vicinity of Rethymnon. All of them were founded in the Venetian era and have a very interesting history. Some of them operate to this day and store Christian shrines.

Not only tourist but also residential streets and areas of Rethymnon are of interest. Turning from any street of the Old Town into a narrow alley, you can observe the life of local people. The houses there are very small, there is no space left for a hallway. Very often the doors are open and all passersby can see the interior of the house. It seems that here, a hundred meters from the main tourist arteries, there is some kind of world of its own, far from everyday worries. The interesting design of the houses, the abundance of flowers, and doors with intricate patterns attract attention. There are door handles in the shape of lions, carved grilles and similar decorations.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

The beaches in Rethymnon smoothly merge into one another.

The city authorities take care of maintaining the territory, so it is very pleasing to see the fine white sand, which is not polluted in any way.

As you approach the fortress, the coastline expands. In the center are the best beaches of Rethymno. There you can practice summer sports: there are volleyball courts, banana rides, and tablet rides. In general, if you like active recreation, this is the place for you. Among other things, there is even free Wi-Fi. A little to the left, right on the seashore, there is a palm garden where you can stroll among the exotic trees. We went to the beach, which was right across the street from the hotel.

Despite the fact that all the beaches in Rethymnon are free, there are not very many people, so you can sunbathe almost anywhere. Renting two sunbeds with an umbrella costs 5-7 EUR per day. Or you can buy a beach mat at any store on the embankment.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are only two iconic churches in Rethymno, and the ancient Nerantze Mosque is located in the Old Town. Concerts are currently being held on its territory.

The most interesting monasteries are not located in the city itself, but in the immediate vicinity of Rethymno.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Archaeological Museum- it presents exhibits found in the Rethymno region. These include jewelry, weapons, clothing and similar artifacts. The oldest exhibits are about 2,700 years old.
Church Museum- here you can see various icons, photographs, church utensils from different eras. The museum's collection is constantly growing.
Historical and Ethnographic Museum- I wrote about him above. Here you can see embroideries, costumes, ceramics and much more.
Museum of Marine Life- here you can get acquainted with the marine inhabitants of the island of Crete. There is quite an interesting collection of sea shells and sponges.
Municipal Gallery named after. L. Kanakakis - perfect place for a cultural holiday, especially if you are interested in art.

Unfortunately, all city museums have one drawback: their working hours coincide with the hottest time of the day (10.00–15.00), and at this time you want to swim and sunbathe more.

Parks

One and a half kilometers up from the hourglass is located Natural Park Biotopoi. It was organized by local enthusiasts. During the walk you can see rare aromatic and medicinal plants, tropical flowers, iguanas, chameleons, turtles and many other fauna. Children will especially like it there: the main feature of the park are rabbits and baby rabbits of all kinds. In the park you can buy natural tea from local medicinal plants.

This place is also worth visiting for its magnificent views of the city. Few people know that the best panorama of Rethymno opens from there. It is especially beautiful at sunset.

There is also a city park near the bus station in Rethymno. There you can admire the thickets of bamboo, exotic birds and just have a pleasant time in the shade of the trees.

What to see in 1 day

08:00 - Fortezza. Since the bus station and sea port in Rethymno are located next to the fortress, it’s worth starting with it. This open-air museum starts working at 08:00. You can see the ruins here interior spaces, go down into the tunnels, see the ancient ammunition depot, take interesting photographs through small windows in the fortress wall. By the way, get your camera ready, you can have an unforgettable photo session there!
09:30 - Coffee break. After the fortress we go in the direction of the old port. On the square in front of it in Everest you can have a snack and drink coffee. The Rethymno city tour bus stops there.
10:00 - sightseeing tour of the city and surrounding area. The first tour bus leaves at 10.00. We get into it and go on an exciting journey through the Rethymnon region. You can choose the stop where you decide to stay: a military museum, the monastery of St. Irene or something else. After visiting the attraction, we board the same bus (they run every hour) and continue the trip.
12:30 - Historical and Ethnographic Museum. After getting off the bus we go to Lasthenous Street. There you can get to know the history of this region even more deeply and see elements of local craft.
13:30 - Walk through the narrow streets of Rethymno. I think by this time you will have enough historical information. Therefore, you can simply walk along the narrow streets and courtyards, see how the locals live, and have lunch in one of the cozy city cafes.
15:30 - Rimondi Fountain and Venetian Loggia. We return to the city center of Rethymnon, go to Mavrokordatou Alexanrou street and explore one of the most famous attractions of the city - the Rimondi Fountain. On the way, we admire the Church of Our Lady of Angels at the corner of Arampatzoglou and Nikiforou Foka streets. We go out onto the main shopping street Arcadiou and examine the ancient Venetian loggia. If you wish, you can go inside and look at the exhibition of copies of ancient works of art.
16:30 - Municipal Gallery named after. "L. Kanakakis." Let's get acquainted with the works of Greek modern art on Himaras street, no. 5.
17:30 - Shopping. On the main shopping street you will find many tourist shops where you can buy gifts for your loved ones and small souvenirs. Women who want to buy clothes and shoes will be interested in going to Pink Woman and Sandy's. They are located there, on Arkadiou Street.
19:30 - Dinner and cocktail. After a long walk and shopping, I suggest you go to Mavrokordatou Alexanrou street to the bar "Cul de sac". This establishment will be written about in more detail later.
20:30 - departure or walk along the embankment. If you come from afar (for example from Heraklion), you should already move towards the bus station. For those who still want to enjoy the spirit of Rethymno, I advise you to go to the sea. In the evening, the lights are switched on, street performers come out, and jewelry and other goods are traded. You can also ride along the embankment on a Segway; there are many rental points along the coastline.

What to see in the area

Excursions from Rethymno depart almost throughout Crete. In my opinion, the most interesting:

Many more travel agencies offer excursions to the island. They say it’s very beautiful there, and every now and then I come across photo shoots from this place on the Internet. But such pleasure costs more than 100 EUR per person, so the trip should be planned in advance.

Excursions from a travel agency are usually not cheap. To save money, you can use the services of local travel agencies. We traveled with Spiridon Tours several times. Russian staff works there, so you can easily find out all the details of the excursions from them. They have all the routes described above.

There you can also buy tickets for one of the many boat trips. If you come during the hot season, then this is probably the best option excursions. Many routes involve swimming, so the trip will be quite comfortable. We went for a walk to the cave on a small boat. I really enjoyed racing through the waves, and it was also very unusual when the boat swam inside the rock.

There is also an evening excursion on a pirate-themed ship (looks like the Black Pearl). It includes Cretan treats and folklore. At the entrance, everyone is offered to try the national Greek alcoholic drink called rakia.

From Rethymno you can independently travel to Chania and other cities. Buses depart from the bus station. Before you go, it is better to familiarize yourself with the schedule.

Nearby Islands

From Rethymno you can travel to one of the most picturesque islands located nearby. This trip can be one of the most memorable adventures of your vacation. Among them: Gramvousa, Spinalonga, Elafonisi. I marked their location on the map:

Food. What to try

The local cuisine fascinated me from the very first day of my stay in Rethymno. Crete is famous for dishes such as: moussaka, kleftiko, dakos, gyros, gemista. You can read more about these dishes.

In addition, there is a large selection of fresh fish and seafood, it’s simply a shame not to try it all. Local restaurants don't skimp on portions at all. I remember that on the day of arrival I decided to order a light Greek salad for dinner. As a result, we finished the huge plate with the whole family. So salads and many other dishes Greek cuisine You can safely take it for several people.

Many Italian dishes are prepared here. Almost any restaurant in Rethymnon has a huge selection of pasta and pizza. I liked the pizza with seafood - we also have a large selection of Italian dishes, but such fresh seafood is not available in any Russian restaurant.

I was especially impressed by the local pastries. This is simply something divine! Snails with cheese and spinach, various pies with different types cheese, ham, meat just melt in your mouth. For those who try to watch their figure, there are continuous temptations all around. The best bakeries and pastry shops are located away from the tourist center of the city. In order to find them, you need to look into the narrow residential streets not far from the fortress.

On the central streets you can try Greek sweets. There is baklava, kataifi, and loukoumades here. In addition, you can find traditional cakes and pastries. I especially liked the local ice cream. It is sold literally on every corner. Here you can find delicious creamy ice cream with the flavors of Twix, Nutella, Oreo, Kataifi and about 50 other varieties. Various desserts, waffles and cakes are made with ice cream. Yogurt ice cream with toppings, which in Russia costs crazy amounts of money, is sold here at a very reasonable price. A large glass with 3 fillings can be purchased for 2 EUR. Such cafes are also found every 100 meters.

For those who cook on their own, there are inexpensive supermarkets here. These include Xalkiadakis, SPAR, Papadakis. The lowest prices are in the latter. You can find everything there: from crackers to exotic fruits. By the way, Cretan crackers are definitely worth trying. They are sold in almost any store in the city. They are best eaten warm with cheese and olive oil, as uncooked they are almost rock hard. Crackers are made using several types of flour and bran, so they are very useful.

At every step you will see things like this:

These are the fruits of a cactus. To be honest, I still don’t understand how they’re supposed to be used. It’s definitely not worth eating in its pure form. The entire peel of these fruits is covered with small fibers, which then take a long time to pick out from your fingers.

After arriving, we went to have lunch at a nearby restaurant and, as it turned out, we were right. The place is called. This is probably number one in my personal ranking. If you like to eat heartily, this is the place for you. In general, the staff here is very friendly. It is clear that they sincerely want to please and cheer you up. The portions are huge, no one will remain hungry. Things you should definitely try:
- Mousakas. This is a Greek casserole with minced meat, eggplant, fried potatoes and bechamel sauce. Here it is cooked in clay pots and served in them. Well, it’s just oh-so delicious! I could eat only this the whole holiday.
- Kleftiko. This is a very tender lamb stewed with vegetables. Once you try this, you will forget all the notions that lamb is tough meat. In this dish it simply melts in your mouth.
- Seafood risotto. This is definitely worth taking for two, the dish is of impressive size. The composition includes everyone's favorite shrimp, mussels, squid, octopus. Mussels in their shells and whole shrimp are placed on top, which gives the dish a very exotic look.
- King prawns. They are quite expensive compared to the rest of the menu (16 EUR), but it’s worth trying at least once. They are really very big. Served with cheese-baked potatoes and rice, you can easily fill up.
- Breaded fried cheese. As a big cheese lover, I can’t help but write about this dish. It is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Just what you need for wine!
- According to Greek tradition, after a meal you are always given a gift of fruit, dessert or rakia.
Another a good place- restaurant Lissus. This place has very tasty fish. It also makes amazing tortellini and lasagna. To prevent guests from getting bored while waiting for their order, they immediately bring you buns with butter and olive paste. It is very tasty and pleasant, however, then the treat is included in the bill.
For beer lovers, I recommend the restaurant with its own brewery, Takis Place - Beeraria. There is a very large selection of beer: Greek craft, Belgian, Mythos and Alfa on tap. You can order cheese balls as an appetizer; they are prepared just wonderfully. The restaurant also serves all Greek cuisine and seafood.
Another great place is on El Street. Venizelou Ave. It's nice to come here for dinner during an evening walk. Since I try not to overeat at night, I was very pleased with the huge selection of vegetable dishes. There are tomatoes baked with cheese, eggplants in various variations, and just grilled vegetables. This restaurant also offers delicious homemade wine and a beautiful view of the embankment. I don't know the name, but it's easy to find from the photo.
And on the map, of course:
In my opinion, this is the best place for a quick snack. There is a huge selection of Gyros here. Who doesn’t know, this is a kind of shawarma in Greek. Here it is the most delicious and inexpensive in the city. The name is not indicated on the outside, it’s better to look for it by appearance:
The restaurant is located opposite a huge parking lot. Around the corner from it, in the same building, is the restaurant ΘΡΑΚΑ.
If you want something sweet, I highly recommend going to Meli. They only serve coffee and desserts, but they are simply incredible. The cafe does not have such a large selection of ice cream varieties as in the center, but this was enough for me to be happy. Especially delicious black ice cream, with Nutella, Twix and kataifi (Greek sweetness). They also have different cakes and, if you order them along with ice cream, they will make a very beautiful dish.
Well, my list is completed by the fast food chain Everest. The cafe is located near the old port. It is simply impossible to miss it. You will bump into it when you walk to the end of the entire embankment.
I recommend trying the cheese pies there. They are not made from traditional Greek dough (with olive oil), but from regular puff pastry. But I haven’t tried anything tastier yet.

Budget

La Piazza Pizzeria
The Italian Job
To Parastratima
Sto karfi kai sto petalo
Stella's Kitchen

Mid-level

Prima Plora
Petite fleur
Vassilis Restaurant
Alana restaurant

Expensive

Piazza di Porto
To Steki tou Gianniko
La Boheme

Holidays

From July 23 to 28, the city hosts the Cretan Wine Festival. Here you can taste different types of drink, try snacks made from local products, listen to live music, and take part in folk festivals. The event is always very fun and bright. Cooking master classes are held for children, and beautiful performances for adults.

Another important event in the life of the city is the annual carnival. It takes place before the start of the tourist season: at the end of February - beginning of March. If you find yourself in Crete at this time, you should definitely look here. The carnival is dedicated to Maslenitsa. At this time, festive processions and performances take place, and treats are displayed on the streets. The holiday week ends with the burning of a carnival effigy on the beach and festive fireworks.

Safety. What to watch out for

The island of Crete is a fairly safe place. The crime rate here is very low. Local residents often leave their houses and cars unlocked. However, healthy caution will never be superfluous. If you come to Rethymno, you don’t have to be afraid of insects, snakes, sharks, and so on. Even sea urchins not found on the coast.

The only thing to be wary of is local motorists. If you are a pedestrian, make sure you are allowed to pass before crossing the road. Many Greeks won't even think about stopping until you're in the middle of the road. Drivers should also exercise caution. Local residents often forget to turn on their turn signals, the asphalt is of poor quality, and animals (for example, goats) may enter the roadway. You should be especially careful on the night from Saturday to Sunday, when you may encounter drunk drivers.

Things to do

Rethymno has many opportunities for active recreation lovers. For example, you can ride a bike. Rental points are located along the entire embankment. Usually they are combined with car and motorcycle rental. The bicycles are very comfortable, with a basket and a lock. One day of rental costs about 10 euros. You can ride along the embankment, but in the evening there are quite a lot of people there. Freer skating is possible along Μαρκ street. Πορτάλιου. There is a specially designated bicycle path there. It follows a fairly varied route; along the way you will encounter beautiful landscapes, bakeries with delicious pastries, residential streets and interesting buildings. If you go towards the fortress, towards the end of the bike path there is a rise from which you can see a very beautiful view of the sea. Immediately after the end of the cycling route, the road rises sharply. One day I decided to climb there out of curiosity. After driving a few hundred meters more, I came across a man with a machine gun. As it turned out, there is a local military unit there, where tourists are not very welcome. I advise you not to repeat my feat and not suffer while climbing the mountain.

Here you can also play beach volleyball, try Fish spa, ride a Segway and get a henna tattoo.

Shopping and shops

On vacation you always want to buy gifts for your loved ones and update your own wardrobe. Excellent shopping is one of the undoubted advantages of the city of Rethymno. Tourist shops are concentrated mainly on the streets: Arkadiou, Ethnikis Antistaseos, Sof. Venizelou, Souliou, Kountourioti. Their prices are very different. Here you can find products for every taste and budget. There are both sophisticated boutiques with clothes and shoes, and very cheap shops with fun things. In addition, the city has good shops with local goodies, tea and coffee.

Bars. Where to go

Clubs and nightlife

The nightlife in Rethymnon is quite active, but it does not correspond to our everyday ideas. To begin with, in the evenings young people gather in the numerous bars on the embankment and move towards the clubs only around 02.00, because the clubs open well after midnight. But even there people are in no hurry to get to the dance floor. Here it is customary to simply chat to music with a glass of wine or cocktail. Several times I saw incendiary companies, but as a rule they turned out to be Russians or Germans. Despite this, the atmosphere is quite cheerful; if you know English, you can easily meet someone and have fun. All nightclubs are concentrated around the fortress. The most famous of them:

Fortezza. Address: Nearxou 14;

Opera club. Address: Salaminos 18;

Metropolis. Address: Nearxou 15;

Ice Club. Address: Salaminos 22.

From the outside, the clubs are very inconspicuous and during the day there is a high chance of passing by. However, at night all the doors open and you can just follow the sound of music. I heard a lot about the Metropolis club and decided to go there. Thanks to the stories, I expected to see a spacious modern hall, but in fact it turned out to be more like a cafe. Nevertheless, the music played just right and the bartender turned out to be not greedy.

Extreme Sports

On central beach You can go banana boat ride, jet ski, tablet ride or parasailing. This is a type of recreation when a person soars in the air on a special parachute that is attached to a boat.

This is where I tried this water activity for the first time. It was very difficult to decide (I’m terribly afraid of heights), but the feeling was indescribable! When you soar up there, all fear is forgotten. All that remains is to enjoy the view of the mountains, the city, little people on the beaches and the sea. Parasailing is not a cheap entertainment, it costs 50 EUR per person. If you weigh less than 50 kilograms, you will not be able to ride alone. Usually there are a lot of people interested and the organizers simply attach you to the parachute along with someone else. If there is no match for you, don’t worry either, one of the workers will rise into the sky with you.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Magnets, key rings and the like can be bought here at every turn. I am a supporter of useful gifts. Olive oil, spices, cosmetics, handmade tablecloths - this is what the island of Crete is famous for. Rethymno has a large selection of such things and much more.

Olive oil. Perhaps this is the most common product brought from Greece. In Rethymno you can choose oil to suit every taste. All varieties vary in acidity. I liked the oil with an acidity of 0.2 - it does not bind my mouth and at the same time has a rich taste. It is sold in all souvenir shops in the city.
Spices. This is definitely worth buying! I have never tasted such rich spices anywhere else. I really liked the spices for the cutlets (it says “for burger” on the package). It is better to choose those that contain mint. The cutlets turn out exactly like in Cretan taverns, very tasty. It is also worth purchasing spices for Greek salad and chili pepper. It is better to be careful with the latter, it is very hot.
Greek cosmetics. I think the girls will understand me: you can’t leave Rethymnon without this purchase! famous for its natural cosmetics based on olive oil. It works especially well on dry skin. I really liked the Aromaesti body oil - the skin becomes soft and smooth for a long time. Here you can also find cosmetics with avocado oil, which has a good smoothing effect. The prices for cosmetics are quite high, but it's worth it.
Tablecloths. Here you can buy an excellent handmade cotton or linen tablecloth. They are made with very beautiful embroidery and lace. We bought the tablecloth as a birthday present, my grandmother appreciated it, and now she puts it on the table every holiday.
Fur coats. There are several fur shops in Rethymnon. For example, on Arkadiou Street there is a store of the Avanti brand, famous in Europe. These products are famous high quality. However, prices in local stores are very high. In Moscow you can buy a fur coat for the same price, or even cheaper.
Decorations. From Rethymno you can bring very unusual jewelry made of gold and silver, interesting costume jewelry. Women's jewelry amazes with its fine workmanship and ingenuity, something you can't buy in your homeland. Jewelry stores in Rethymno are located on Sof streets. Venizelou, Arkadiou, Souliou. You can also buy inexpensive and interesting jewelry here. Small shops in the city center have a huge selection of earrings, bracelets, and pendants. I liked the turquoise jewelry, it looks very bright and summery.
Leatherother products. Shoes, bags, belts - all this is sold in stores throughout the city. Crete is famous for its quality leather goods. There are a lot of counterfeits of famous brands on the embankment, but there are also good shops a little further away. You can also find leather jackets in different colors and styles.

How to get around the city

The most convenient way to get around here is on foot or by bicycle, because Rethymno is a small city. Local residents navigate the narrow streets on motorcycles. In my opinion, absolutely everyone here has this type of transport, even grandparents.

They also go here sightseeing buses. If you want to see the whole city and its surroundings, a great way is the Retimno City Tour. It looks like this:

The ticket is quite inexpensive (especially compared to the cost of a sightseeing tour at a travel agency) - 12 EUR. For children under 12 years old the cost is half as much, and children under 6 years old can travel for free. For this money you will get a sightseeing tour of the city itself, learn its history, and get your bearings on the sights. Then the bus will take you along mountain paths. You can go to the Gothic monastery of Panagia Halevi, see the water mills in the village of Mili, go down into the gorge, and visit the military museum. The most important thing: during the excursion you can get off at any stop, walk there as long as you want and take another bus from this company with the same ticket. Just remember to look at the time of your last stop on the map you were given. On the bus you will be given headphones with an audio guide in Russian, so you can understand everything they say. I really liked this trip, I especially remember the beautiful mountain gorge.

If you don't mind the lack of air conditioning, you can explore the city on an open train. It costs about 5 EUR. You will be able to travel around the whole of Rethymnon in a breeze, and the sights of the city will be visible at a glance.

Taxi. What features exist

As I already wrote, a standard taxi ride from the airport to the city center will cost you 80-150 EUR (depending on which airport you arrive at). Taxi drivers in Crete work on a meter, but you can negotiate a fixed price. The cost of the trip is calculated by kilometers. On average it is 1.3-1.5 EUR per kilometer. However, this amount may be reduced. For example, if you negotiate with a driver for a round trip.

It is not customary here to stop a car on the street. You can order a taxi by phone or at the hotel reception. There is no special taxi stand in Rethymno. The cost of the trip will be 15-20% lower than with other methods. In the application form, you must indicate the time and place you need to pick up the car, as well as the destination. If you are coming from the airport, you can simply enter your flight number. You can pay for this trip credit card or cash. However, when booking, a small percentage will still be debited from your credit card.

Transport rental

There are many car rental locations in Rethymno. Most of them are located along major roads - on Ari Velouchioti Street, as well as in the residential part of the city. You can also rent motorcycles, mopeds and scooters there.

To conclude an agreement you will need: a Russian license, an international driver's license (IAA), a plastic card and money.

There are several ways to rent a car:

Booking a car via the Internet - for example.
Rental on site.
Book a car through a guide or at the hotel.

There are such well-known international companies in Crete as: AVIS, HERTZ, Sixt, Europcar, Alamo, etc. Among local companies, Rent a Car Crete deserves trust.

The cost of gasoline in Crete decreased in 2016. Thus, the average price of a liter of 95 gasoline became 1.5 EUR instead of 2 EUR. One liter of diesel fuel costs on average 1.1 EUR.

Rethymnon - holidays with children

The region of Rethymno is one of the most popular destinations for those arriving with children. True, for family vacation It is worth choosing hotels in the suburbs. Firstly, it is calmer there and there are no noisy youth groups. Secondly, in these places you can find hotels that have children's playgrounds on their premises.

In terms of entertainment for children, Rethymnon is simply a wonderful place. Each hotel has a swimming pool where children splash around happily all the time, so they are guaranteed to socialize. In addition, there are three water parks in the vicinity of the city:

Don't forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

It is famous not only for its excellent beaches, but also for a lot of interesting sights, mostly architectural and historical. For those who still don’t know what to see in Rethymno, we have selected the five most remarkable places that are worth visiting. If you are going to explore Crete with a guide, then about Catherine’s excursions in the west of the island Grekoblog.

The Fortezza fortress, located on the Paleokastro hill overlooking Rethymno, is the largest fortification structure in Crete.

Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the fortress was designed to protect the island from attacks by pirates and Turkish invasions. The project was developed by the Italian architect Michele Sanmicheli - initially it was planned to build a much larger structure, but due to the peculiarities of the relief, it was not possible to fully realize the plan.

Fortezza Fortress - the largest fortification structure in Crete

The total length of the fortress wall, capable of repelling both shelling with projectiles and an assault using ladders, is almost 1.5 kilometers.

On the territory of the fortress there was an episcopal palace, a church, a rector’s house, barracks, water tanks, and warehouses for food and weapons in the basements of the buildings.

But even the powerful walls did not save the Fortezza fortress from the Turks - in 1645 they captured the fort and erected the Ibrahim Khan Mosque on the site of the Church of St. Nicholas, which has been well preserved to this day.

The fortress is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; tickets cost 5 euros.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

The archaeological museum, which has existed since 1887, is located in a former Turkish prison, directly opposite the entrance to the Fortezza fortress. The museum moved to this premises in 1991; before that, the museum exhibition was organized in the building of the Venetian Loggia, another city landmark of Rethymnon.

In the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno you can see rare artifacts

The exhibits stored in the halls and storerooms of the Rethymno Museum allow you to get an idea of all eras of cultural development of Crete from the Neolithic to the Roman period.

Here you can see rare artifacts found during archaeological excavations Melidoni, Monastiraki, Axos - ancient coins, gold jewelry, weapons, warrior helmets, figurines, ceramic dishes and other household items.

The doors of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno are open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Monday. A ticket to the museum costs 3 euros.

Rimondi Fountain

The famous Rimondi Fountain, built by the governor of Rethymno back in 1626, is located in the old part of Rethymno on Platano Square. Then the main purpose of the fountain was to supply the city with drinking water, but today it simply decorates the center of Rethymnon.

The ancient fountain is a wall with columns, sandwiched between houses. Water flows out of three holes made in the shape of lion heads and falls into pools specially designed as drinking bowls for animals.

They say that lovers who drink water from the Rimondi Fountain will be together for the rest of their lives.

The central part of the wall is decorated with the coat of arms of Governor Rimondi, after whom the fountain is named, as well as the Latin inscription Liberalitatis Fontes, which means “generous source”. During Turkish rule, a dome was erected over the fountain, but it has not survived to this day.

There is an old belief associated with the Rimondi Fountain - they say that lovers who drink water from the fountain will be together for the rest of their lives.

Venetian port

The port of Rethymnon, built during the reign of the Venetian Republic, is to this day a favorite place for walks among both locals and visitors to the city. In the Middle Ages the port was an important economic and shopping center, today from here you can go on a boat trip or excursion around Rethymno.

The ancient Venetian port is located in the harbor of Rethymno

The ancient Venetian port is located in the harbor, along the shore of which there is an embankment ending with a stone cape. At the very tip of the cape stands a lighthouse - as old as the port itself.

Two or three-story Venetian houses line the embankment; their first floors are occupied by restaurants and taverns offering all kinds of seafood dishes.

Arkadi Monastery

The ancient monastery of Arkadi, which is one of the main religious centers of Crete, is located near Rethymno - 23 kilometers to the southwest. The monastery complex with an area of more than 5 thousand square meters was founded in the 16th century. The first building, around which other buildings then began to be erected, was the Church of St. Constantine.

Later, guest and monastery houses, chapels, workshops, monastic cells, and a refectory appeared on the territory surrounded by a high defensive wall. The Arkadi Monastery became the center of the cultural life of the region - a school was organized here and a library worked.

The monastery complex of Arkadi was founded in the 16th century

During the Turkish invasion in 1866, the headquarters for the liberation of Crete from the Ottoman yoke, headed by Abbot Gabriel Marinakis, settled in the monastery.

The surrounding residents tried to take refuge here from the enemy invasion, but the Turks, after a short siege, nevertheless broke into the monastery through the western gate. The Cretans, who did not want to surrender to the enemy, blew up the gunpowder warehouse, paying for freedom with their own lives.

On the territory of the monastery there is a museum, an exhibition of Christian books, ancient icons, and a souvenir shop. From June to September, the gates of the monastery complex are open to visitors from 9 to 20 hours, in April, May and October - until 19:00, in November - until 17:00, and from December to March - until 16:00. The entrance ticket costs 3 euros.

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Between the White Mountains and Psiloriti (Ida) lies the resort region of Rethymno, synonymous with the incomparable beauty of rocky landscapes, beautiful beaches, melodies of the Cretan lyre, legendary caves, historical monasteries, traditional villages and luxury resorts.

Important natural wealth The district is, first of all, Mount Psiloritis, which dominates the eastern part of Crete, its highest mountain region. The changing landscapes will delight nature lovers and others: fertile valleys alternate with colorful rocky landscapes and a rugged coastline of sandy beaches. Green ravines and small rivers that go far into the mountains, protected areas and about forty gorges complete the picturesque picture.

City of Rethymno

The city of Rethymnon is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece: Venetian fortifications blend harmoniously with Orthodox and Catholic churches, delightful Venetian residences, arches and cobbled streets.

Discover the city's past with a tour of the historic center of Rethymno: descend from Arkadiou Street and follow the signs for the "cultural route", crossing the historical center from east to west. Here you can admire the unique monuments of Hani Pattaku and the House of Drandaki, both excellent examples of Venetian architecture, as well as the Kara Musa Pasha Mosque. Once you step onto Tsouderon Street, head to western part cities.

On the way to the Church of St. Francis and the Turkish School, pay attention to the beautiful door at number 12 of Tsouderon Street. Make a short stop at the 1st Primary School Square with its magnificent monuments. Go to st. Vernard, where the local history museum and the Ghazi Hussein mosque are located. At the intersection of the street. Nikiforos Fokas and Koroneus you will find the impressive Church of Our Lady of Angels.

Fortezza – The Venetian fortress on the hill of Paleokastro, with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and the city, is undoubtedly the symbol of Rethymnon. The exemplary preserved buildings of Fortezza (Arsenal with arched openings, Episcopal Palace, Agios Theodoros Trichinas, Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, Erofili Theater) transport visitors back to the Venetian era. Finish your tour of Rethymnon with a leisurely stroll through the old Venetian port, enjoying views of Fortezza while relaxing in a café or tavern by the sea.

If you go to Crete in summer for a holiday in Rethymno, do not miss two very important cultural events: the famous "Renaissance Festival" where you are invited to become actors, co-producers and time travelers through music and theatrical performances. Almost all performances take place at the Teatro Erofili in Fortezza.

Another interesting event is "Wine Festival" which welcomes producers, lovers of good wine and fine cuisine to a festival of traditions, gastronomy, wine tasting and entertainment in which all the inhabitants of Crete take part.

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Sights and excursions

The beauty of the natural wonders of Rethymnon is amazing, take a few days of your holiday in Crete to devote them interesting excursions and getting to know the region, you won’t regret it!

Lagoon Prevelis

in the place where the Megalos Potamos (Kourtaliotis) River flows into the Libyan Sea and ends at the Kourtaliot Gorge, there is the unsurpassed beauty of the Prevelis Lagoon and Finikas Beach. To get here you need to follow the road leading to the Prevelis Monastery. The path leading to the left from the monastery will lead you to a sandy beach with numerous palm trees, to an unexpected tropical paradise for the Mediterranean! The river flowing into the sea, lush vegetation and heavenly colors of the beach were appreciated by hippies in the 70s of the last century, who chose this place as their refuge.

Nida Plateau

79 km southeast of the city of Rethymnon, on Psiloritis, is the world famous Nida plateau. On the plateau, thanks to all the necessary infrastructure, you can practice skiing in winter.

Argyroupolis

a picturesque traditional mountain village in a wooded area, built on ruins ancient city Lappa. There are mineral springs, small waterfalls and centuries-old trees, as well as uniquely beautiful caves and a small chapel.

Canyons

of unique beauty cross mountain ranges Districts: Kourtaliot Gorge (3 km) leads to the famous Prevelis Lagoon Kotsifos Gorge starts from the village of Kanevos and reaches the village of Sellia Patsos Gorge in the Amarios area Prasianos Canyon leads to Platanias Beach east of the town of Rethymno Arkadios Gorge and other gorges.

Caves

The mountains surrounding Rethymno are full of impressive caves. The most important are Geranios, Simonelli (west of Rethymno), Agios Antonios in the diocese of Amarios, Melidonios, Svendoni Tripa and Mushri Sison (near Zonian). The cave of Ideon Andron, where Zeus is said to have grown up, was an important place of worship in ancient times, both in the Minoan and Roman periods.

Important archaeological finds discovered at the site show that the region flourished from the early Stone Age until the early Christian period.

Archaeological sites

Among the archaeological sites, the ancient Elevferna, inhabited since the 8th century BC, and the ancient burial grounds of Armenus with more than 350 graves stand out. Religious monuments such as the stone chapel of Psiloritis, historical monasteries and ancient Christian basilicas will enrich your holiday in Crete in the Rethymnon region. Of great historical importance is the Arkadi Monastery (15th century), overlooking the gorge of the same name and the Prevelis Monastery. A real trip back in time will be an excursion to traditional villages such as Adel, Anogia, Garazo, Rustika and Khromomonastiri, where life flows at its calm pace... Here you can taste excellent local delicacies (roasted lamb with tomatoes, noodles with snails and herbs ), which are always accompanied by the Cretan drink raki!

The climate in Rethymno is temperate Mediterranean with long, warm summers and abundant rainfall in winter. The average air temperature in Rethymnon in summer is + 29C, water + 27C. In winter, the temperature does not drop below + 14C.

Seaside holidays and beaches

Visit Rethymnon in summer to enjoy the sun and sea on beautiful beaches resort. Both the northern and southern coasts of Rethymnon prefecture are famous for their sandy beaches.

Beach of Rethymnon- an organized sandy beach 20 km long, stretching to the east of the city.
Panormos located in the coastal village of the same name (20 km east of Rethymno), and is one of the best organized beaches with excellent infrastructure.
Bali beach is located in the seaside village of Bali (34 km east of Rethymnon). Choose any of the nearby islands of the bay of the same name to appreciate the charms of these places.
Plakias. Tourist resort Plakias (40 km south of Rethymnon) is famous for its amazing beach that offers endless possibilities for lovers aquatic species sports
Agia Galini Beach located 58 km south of Rethymnon, it has an exemplary tourist infrastructure and beaches with crystal clear waters, as well as well-hidden nearby islands.
Prevelis beach. A resort of exceptional natural beauty, with palm trees, small lagoons where the Great River flows, and white sand. Finikas, otherwise known as Prevelis Beach, is located 40 km south of the city of Rethymnon.

Among all the cities in the land of the gods, Rethymno is the most colorful. The resort is located a little west of Heraklion, administrative center island of Crete, the largest of all greek islands. Mountainous terrain, amazing nature, excellent conditions for passive and active tourism - all this makes Rethymno a very attractive option even for the most sophisticated holidaymakers.

In many respects, Rethymno is called the best place to relax on the island of Crete, be it a permanent vacation or a “base” for excursions

You can get to Rethymnon by ferry from Athens. The crossing operates daily. Comfortable shuttle buses run from different parts of the island. It is better to start your trip in any major city in Greece, since Rethymnon does not have its own air terminal.

Most tourists fly into Heraklion or Chania and from there take a bus to Rethymnon. Travel time from both places takes about an hour. Flights depart at intervals of 1.5 hours.

Adherents of healthy recreation have a real opportunity to visit a number of cultural sites in the old part of the city, get acquainted with local attractions and interesting legends Rethymnon is an open-air museum.

The refined architecture of the Middle Ages, which is found in Rethymnon literally on every corner, is admirable. There are many religious temples built in the perfect Venetian style, which, even despite their age, have not lost their sophistication.

Pompous Catholic buildings coexist with Ottoman mosques, creating a feeling of harmonious misalliance. Breathtaking beyond belief beautiful fountains, built by ancient architects.

You can’t take your eyes off the landscapes of the suburb of Rethymnon. Tourists only need to cross the city limits and they immediately immerse themselves in an atmosphere of complete peace.

I want to wander for hours along the tangled paths, inhaling the aromas flowering plants, enjoy life.

Young people who come to Rethymno on holiday traditionally settle closer to the center. So that during the day you can sunbathe on cozy sandy beaches and swim in warm sea water, and in the evening have a glass of ouzo in a small tavern where live music is playing, and after a couple of hours you can go to the dance floor.

By the way, the beaches of Rethymnon have been awarded the honorary Blue Flag. This means that the local swimming areas are environmentally friendly; vacationers do not need to worry about their health. Sandy beaches Rethymnon is quite wide, its length is more than 16 kilometers.

Therefore, everyone who likes to relax spaciously will certainly like them. Along the coastline there are numerous hotels of varying levels of comfort (from 3 to 5 stars).

The lion's share of those who come on holiday to Rethymnon are married couples with children who know the true value of silence and privacy. Such tourists prefer to stay in nearby villages.

5 kilometers west of the city lies the quiet and peaceful village of Platanias.

15 kilometers later in the same direction is the village of Georgioupoli, famous for its fishing traditions. Even if you stay in Rethymno, be sure to book an excursion to this tranquil corner. It is here that the difference between the measured rhythm of the suburbs and the bustle is so felt major cities that you are amazed. In Georgioupoli you can relax your soul.

People involved in art are definitely recommended to visit another village near Rethymno, Agia Galini. Against the backdrop of rocks stretch winding streets with white houses in which local population. The composition is crowned by the port. The creator’s hand reaches out for the brush to capture this piece of paradise.

For lovers of water fun, we suggest heading to Plakias. There is a good diving school right on the shore. After completing the instructions, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. And in the late afternoon, don’t forget to take a walk through the palm grove surrounding Lake Preveli. It's literally a stone's throw from Plakias.

Video: Rethymnon Resort

Wondering where to relax in Greece? Travel to Rethymnon. Your holiday trip to Greece will definitely be memorable!