Explore the Cretan Town of Rethymnon: Attractions, Beaches, Restaurants
Explore the Cretan town of Rethymnon!
Diving in crystal clear waters, walking on cobbled streets, romantic moments in the Venetian port, and delicious Cretan flavors. Rethymno at its best.
An old town as puppet-like as that of Chania less, however, exploited for tourism, less noisy, more earthy, more “homey”. This is the first impression of the recently arrived visitor to Rethymnon. Cobbled alleys, colored neoclassical with flowered balconies to frame them, shady squares to interrupt the small labyrinths that form. At their edge, where almost all the alleys end, stretches the Venetian Port, and above all this rises the imposing castle of Fortezza. Is it possible not to fall in love with a city like this?
Top-4 Walks and Attractions
The Old Town
It is the place where all the walks in Rethymno start and end when it gets dark. In addition to the endless wanderings in its alleys, which are the number one attraction and the favorite activity of every visitor to the city, its attractions include the magnificent Venetian Rimondi Fountain, with water gushing from three lion-headed fountains, the Historical and Folk which is housed in a beautiful Venetian mansion, the Turkish school of 1796 with its beautiful square, the impressive church of St. Francis and the Mosque of Gazi Hussein Pasha, right next to it, which now houses the Conservatory.
Fortezza
The undisputed jewel of the city for centuries, the Venetian castle that rises on the hill of Paleokastro, dates from 1575 and includes important buildings such as the ammunition depot, where the cannons and weapons were kept, the residence Councilors where one of the two Venetian Councilors of the city lived, the Rector’s residence, a luxurious and majestic building in the central square of the fortress, the Ibrahim Khan Mosque, the small church of Agios Theodoros Trichinas and the Erofili Theater which it hosts every summer the Rethymnon Renaissance Festival.
The Venetian Port
Colorful pastel buildings overlooking the sea, Venetian and Turkish influences on architecture, and a beautiful lighthouse built in the 17th century on the edge of the Venetian jetty compose one of the most beautiful images of the city, right on the seafront. The bustling promenade of the waterfront, with the tables spread by the fish taverns and the cafés that surround it, is the ultimate meeting point every hour of the day and night.
The Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon
Right in front of the main gate of Fortezza, in a pentagonal building that stands out from afar for its special architecture, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon tells the history of its area starting from 3500 BC, through exhibits that include finds from caves, settlements, and cemeteries of Minoan times, as well as objects of geometric, archaic, classical, Hellenistic and Roman times found in the excavations.
Top 5 Beaches for Dips
Preveli Beach
The most famous, the most photographed, and the most beautiful beach of the smallest prefecture of Crete! It is famous for its white sand, palm forest, and the small lagoon where the Great River flows. The landscape of unique natural beauty, one of the “definitely” of every trip to Crete, is forty kilometers from the city of Rethymnon.
Agia Galini Beach
Do you want an exemplary organization, with your sunbed, your umbrella, your iced coffee, and the beach bar playing your favorite music a few steps from the beach? Do you want secret coves with crystal clear waters and a lack of crowds? Agia Galini, 58 km south of Rethymnon, has something for everyone.
Bali Beach
From its name alone it refers to exotic landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters. At the foot of Mount Kouloukonas, is a sheltered cove with nearby islands to choose your favorite and disappear there all day. It seems to be trying to dive into Bali beach’s waters.
Plakias Beach
Once upon a time, in the mid-1970s, it was just a small fishing village. Today, it has been transformed into a bustling tourist resort. With water sports enthusiasts swearing by the name of its beach. Fortunately, the impressive size of its golden beach leaves room for everyone – even those who are just looking for a nice place to spread their towel. You will find it 40 kilometers south of Rethymnon.
Agios Pavlos Beach
The favorite secret of South Crete is the beach with the famous dunes that rise like a wall over the huge, almost white sandy beach in the embrace of the Libyan Sea.
Alana Restaurant-City Center Rethymnon Photo Credit: Alana Restaurant
Top-5 Cretan flavors
Melina
Grab a table on its beautiful terrace, at the foot of the Fortezza, and enjoy genuine Cretan specialties. Such as apaki and lamb opposite, accompanied by plenty of raki, but also nice local wines.
Avli
For your most special (romantic) nights in the city. It is housed in a Venetian mansion of 1530, lit by candles, and serves creative variations of traditional Cretan recipes.
Alana
Two steps from the Venetian Port, in its beautiful courtyard with the well you will taste Cretan specialties with Mediterranean influences. Such as lamb yahni with siouficha spaghetti and risotto with vegetables, cream cheese, and basil leaves.
Kompos
A hangout of the locals! It has a history of decades and serves in addition to delicious Cretan delicacies, and juicy local meat on the grill. It also spreads tables outside, on its cool terrace.
Best Rethymnon Experiences by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Rethymnon for Nature Lovers
Your day will start with a scenic drive to the west of the town of Rethimnon. Your first experience will be the natural lake of Kourna, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. The lake is reported in antiquity by the name Koresia and looks like there was an ancient temple in the area dedicated to Athena Koresia (to the horse or the daughter). The lake is renowned as a nature reserve and has a unique geological interest.
Your next stop will be the beautiful Natural Park of Patsos. In the park, renowned for its natural beauty, you will feel your senses delighted thanks to the several species of fauna thriving. You will hike the Gorge of Patsos, also known as Agios Antonios Gorge, an 8kms long moderate hike. During your hike, you will have the chance to see, among others, the centuries-old church of St. Anthony (Agios Antonios) created in a cave and an impressive waterfall.
You will enjoy a delicious traditional meal in the local tavern of the gorge, including typical Cretan specialties. Visit Arkadi Monastery, a centuries-old Monument, a historic monastery, and a symbol of independence for the Cretan people. You will explore its impressive architecture and decorations, as well as learn about its history and its significance in the Cretan people’s struggle for liberation.
Rethymnon for History Buffs and Foodies
Your day will start with a detailed sightseeing walking tour in the old town of Rethimnon, starting from the imposing and impressive Venetian fortress of Fortezza.
Throughout the town sightseeing walking tour, you will have the chance to explore several of the town’s most important Venetian and Ottoman monuments, such as the Venetian harbor, the Loggia, the Guora gate, the Rimondi Fountain, the church of St. Francis, the Pane of Neratze, the Ottoman Hamam and the Turkish school. Some 40 minutes southern of Rethimnon, you will reach a very picturesque traditional village.
You will have the chance to explore its architecture and everyday life. Furthermore, you will find out a lot about the Cretan weaving Art and you will see on the spot how the ladies of the village make the traditional “copaneli” lace. This wonderful place will be hosting a fun cooking class! Find out about the special and delicious characteristics of Cretan cuisine. You will then enjoy a very special 3-course traditional meal.