Rethymnon, the beautiful Historic & Traditional Side of Crete
Rethymno is a unique town between the White Mountains and Psiloritis. Synonymous with unparalleled beauty. Rocky landscapes, wonderful shores, Cretan lyre melodies, legendary caves, historic monasteries, traditional mountain villages, and luxurious resorts are some of the things you can enjoy and explore!
Experience the quintessence of Crete and the myth in the most mountainous, remote, and self-sufficient area of the island
The important natural wealth of the prefecture is reflected primarily in Psiloritis, which dominates in the eastern part of the region, the most mountainous of Crete. The change of landscape will excite lovers of the countryside. You won’t get enough of fertile valleys followed by rugged rocky landscapes and steep shores and sandy beaches. Overgrown gorges and small rivers that penetrate deep into the mountains, fauna protection zones and about forty gorges complete the picture.
The wonders of nature will take your breath away
The Preveli lagoon
At the point where the Megalos Potamos (Kourtaliotis) flows into the Libyan Sea and the Kourtaliotiko gorge ends, is the unrivaled beauty of the Preveli lagoon and the beach of Finikas. To get there, one must follow the road to Preveli Monastery. Just before the monastery, a path on the left leads to a parking lot. It is the point that leads to the sandy beach with countless palm trees, an unexpected tropical landscape in the middle of the Mediterranean! The river that flows into the sea and the orgiastic vegetation give a heavenly color to the beach, once a hangout of hippies in the ’70s.
The Nida Plateau
79 km southeast of the city of Rethymno, on Psiloritis, is the famous Nida plateau. A trademark of the plateau is the famous «mitato», stone-vaulted pastoral accommodations. The plateau also offers the possibility for winter sports in winter thanks to its infrastructure.
Argyroupoli
A picturesque mountain traditional village in a verdant area, built on the ruins of ancient Lappa (27 km southwest of Rethymnon). The location of the springs, with the dense vegetation, the small waterfalls and the age-old trees, the cave, and the chapel are worth taking the time to visit.
Gorges of unique beauty cross the mountainous areas of the prefecture
The Kourtaliotiko gorge (3 km long) ends at the famous Preveli lagoon. Moreover, there is the Kotsifos gorge that starts from the village of Kanevos and reaches the village of Sellia. Furthermore, the Prasiano gorge that ends at Platanias beach east of the city of Rethymno, the Arkadi gorge, and many other smaller ones.
The mountains of the area are full of impressive caves
The most important are: Geraniou, Simonelli, Agios Antonios in the province of Amari, Melidoni, «Sfentoni the Trypa» and «Mougri Sison». The Ideon Andron Cave, where according to legend Zeus grew up, was in ancient times an important place of worship during both the Minoan and Roman periods.
Our Rethymnon Nature Experiences
Rethymnon for Nature Lovers
Our Rethymnon for Nature Lovers Experience combines history, nature with religion. Start your day by visiting the beautiful Lake Kourna, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete! It has an immense geological and mythological interest as it seems that there was an ancient temple in the area. Your next stop will be at the gorgeous Natural Park of Patsos. There you will enjoy a moderate 8-kilometer hike. During your hike do not forget to take pictures by the amazing waterfall! Before you visit the Arkadi Monastery, have a delicious traditional meal in a local tavern of the gorge. Finally, at this historic Monastery, your guide will explain to you its significance as it is a symbol of independence.
The Mysteries of the Cretan Born Zeus
A sacred experience that will introduce you and your family to traditional villages with breathtaking views in Central Crete where you will enjoy local food and music. Arolithos village has numerous old houses, a Folk-Art Museum, and a central square where you can enjoy your Greek coffee. Participate in traditional workshops, such as weaving, mosaics making, kneading, and cooking. However, perhaps the most exciting part of your activity will be your hike to a holy cave where according to the myth, is connected to the worshipping of Zeus. You will reach the beautiful plateau of Nida and you will hike for 20 minutes until you come across the second biggest Cave in Crete, Ida Cave. After this impressive tour, lunch in a “mitato”, a stone-built shepherd’s hut on the top of the mountains. There, you will enjoy the astonishing views as well as Cretan specialties such as antikristo lamb!
Archaeological Findings and Religious Monuments
Important archaeological findings reveal that the area flourished in ancient times from the Stone Age to the Early Christian Period. Among the archeological sites that came to light, the ancient Eleftherna stands out, which was inhabited from the 8th century BC. as well as the cemetery in Armenoi with over 350 tombs.
Religious monuments such as the stone chapels in Psiloritis, historic monasteries, and early Christian basilicas enrich your visit to the prefecture of Rethymno. Of great historical importance is the Monastery of Arkadi overlooking Arkadi gorge and the Monastery of Preveli. A journey back in time is a tour of the traditional settlements. For example, Margarites, Adele, Anogia, Garazo, Rustika, and Chromonastiri, where life follows its carefree rhythms. Here you can taste excellent local delicacies. Such as roast goat with tomatoes, noodles, and snails with greens — always accompanied by Cretan tsikoudia!
Customize your historic Experience in Crete with us and reveal the treasures of the town and its regions!
Our Rethymnon Village Experiences
Retimnon Village Experience with Cooking Class
Join us on a scenic drive along the south coast of Rethimnon province, passing through fertile regions and mountainous views. After some 40 minutes drive, reach a picturesque traditional village renowned for its Roman monuments and Venetian architecture dating back to the 16th century. Walk in the village’s old section and admire history leaving its traces, taking unique pictures. Find out a lot about the Cretan weaving Art, visit a cute Folk Art Museum and see on the spot how the ladies of the village make traditional lace. Next, at a family restaurant, enjoy a splendid cooking class by the lady owner and find out all about the secrets of the Cretan local cuisine, herbs, spices, and local products. Enjoy a delicious 3-course traditional meal based on the plates you cooked with many additional dishes prepared by your local chef.
Greco Roman Wonders Experience
Why not experience more of Rethimnon village life and take part in our interactive Greco Roman Wonders tour? Apart from vising one of the villages with long history and tradition in pottery making, you can participate in a special pottery class. Next, explore with us the ancient city of Eleftherna and its unique Museum. The impressive findings from the 9th to the 5th century AD will have you blown away!
The Venetian Port, Rethimnon Fortezza & the Old Town
In Rethymno, everything overflows with history, beauty, and tradition. Crowned by Fortetsa, the old town of Rethymno is magical. A maze full of surprises. A trip to the Venetian era. Go up to the fortress, to hear the roar of the sea. Walk to the Venetian port with the old lighthouse. Get lost in the alleys of the old houses. Admire the ornate doors and the Venetian coats of arms that adorn them. Visit the mosques and minarets. Discover its gastronomy through the dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes. As one of the most luxurious destinations in Greece, Rethymnon will reward you with its beauty but also unique Cretan flavors.
Our Rethymnon History and Food Experiences
Rethimnon for History Buffs & Foodies
The Rethymno for History Buffs & Foodies experience is the best combination for those who love history and food. Focusing on the monuments of the old town of Rethymno as well as visiting a traditional Cretan village south of Rethymno, in a few hours you will grasp the history and the traditions of the land. End this day with a fun cooking class! Learn the secrets of Cretan cuisine and you will enjoy a 3-course meal!
Rethimnon Old Town Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Bites
For you wishing to visit the most important monuments of the old town on a half-day walking tour and combine them with local bites on the way, this tour is a perfect choice! Explore with us the imposing and impressive Venetian fortress of Fortezza and continue with a town sightseeing walking tour, during which you will have the chance to visit 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 Pane of Neratze, the Ottoman Hamam, and the Turkish school. On your way, taste local specialties, such as phyllo pastries made a local Phyllo pastry Εxpert. Try the famous Cretan Olive oil and enjoy several local bites at a typical Cretan “Kafenion”. Accompany your bites with local wine and the famous local “raki” spirit.
Let’s Go to the Beach!
Both the north and the south coast of the prefecture of Rethymno are famous for their insurmountable sandy beaches. Here are some of our most favorite!
The Beach of the Town of Rethymno
Organized sandy beach, 20 km long, which extends to the east of the city.
Panormos
This coastal village has one of the best-organized beaches with excellent infrastructure.
Bali
At the foot of Kouloukonas is the coastal village of Bali with the famous beach. Choose one of the nearby islands in the bay and enjoy the sun and the sea all day.
Plakias
The tourist resort of Plakias is known for its amazing beach that offers endless possibilities to water sports fans.
Agia Galini
58 km south of Rethymnon, Agia Galini has exemplary tourist infrastructure and beaches with crystal clear waters.
Preveli Beach
Location of exceptional natural beauty, with palm forest, a small lagoon where the Great River flows, and white sand. Finikas, as Preveli beach is otherwise known, is located 40 km south of the city of Rethymnon.
If you are in Rethymnon during the summer, do not miss two very important cultural events:
The famous «Renaissance Festival», invites you to become protagonists, co-producers, and fellow travelers wandering through time through music and theatrical experience! Almost all the performances are organized at the «Erofili» theater in Fortezza.
On the other hand, the «Wine Festival» welcomes winemakers, lovers of good wine, and fans of good cuisine in a festival of tradition, gastronomy, wine tasting, entertainment where the whole of Crete participates!
What else is worth seeing in Rethymnon?
A trip to the landmarks of the city
The Nerantze Mosque (Conservatory) with the magnificent minaret of 1890. The New Square has all the history of the old town with beautiful houses, the Conservatory, the catholic church of St. Francis, a Turkish mausoleum, and the Turkish school. In Titou Petyhaki Square (or Platano) you will pass by the lively restaurants and cafes, to exit to the famous Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626. The famous Makri Steno which leads from the Municipal Garden to Fortezza is one of the most beautiful alleys of Rethymno full of Venetian houses and stone fountains.
The Venetian Port and the Lighthouse
From Nearchou Street you will find yourself in front of the puppet Venetian port with the restored lighthouse built between 1830-40. Behind the harbor is the 16th century Venetian Loggia. Rethymno will surprise you with the beauty and the sights that you will encounter in its streets.
The «Tropical» Beach of Rethymno
The largest beach of the island. Its length exceeds 12 km and stretches east of the city of Rethymno to Skaleta. In Adelianos Kampos you can do water sports and in Pigianos Kampos you can enjoy a quiet swim in the rocky coves. There are beach bars along the beach with umbrellas-sunbeds, shops, and hotels.
Museums with history
During your vacation in Rethymno, it is worth a visit to the Paleontological Museum, inside the mosque of Veli Pasha with information about the paleontological history of Crete up to 300,000,000 years ago.
Also, in the Historical Folklore Museum, in an exceptional Venetian mansion of the 17th century and the Archaeological Museum, opposite the entrance of Fortezza, in the old prisons of the city.
By the water, at sunset
As the sun goes down, walk by the sea on Kefalogianni Street, under the walls, to the Prefecture Square and the old neighborhood of Toumbe. In the background, the White Mountains are painted in shades of pink and purple. The sunset in Rethymno is an experience that will be unforgettable.
We look forward to hosting you as our Guests!