Rethymno is located in the central part of Crete. Full of cultural wealth and natural beauties, the biggest centers of the island have nothing to be jealous about.
Between the Cretan and the Libyan Sea, get ready to meet a paradise of contrasts, traditions and history!
Starting from the enchanting old town of Rethymnon, with the imposing Venetian Fortress and the port, you will be lost in time and will wander for hours in the cobbled alleys with the old houses and the infinite monuments that testify to the history of the city.
The Minarets, the Venetian Lodzia, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, the Church of St. Francis and the Guora Gate are some of them. While it is definitely worth visiting the museums of the area.
Shops, cafes by the sea and restaurants with wonderful Cretan flavors complete an unforgettable holiday experience in the picturesque old town of Rethymnon that is full of life!
But if you want to discover the hidden beauty of the prefecture of Rethymno then take a walk inland passing through Amari with the church of Agia Anna where frescoes of 1225 and the historic Monastery of Asomaton founded in the 13th century are kept.
In Anogia, the traditional village of Rethymno with its important history, as it was one of the places of worship of the Minoans, you will also find the imposing cave Ideon Andron! Other caves in the area are Sfendoni in Zoniana and Melidoni Cave in Geropotamos.
On the idyllic beaches of Rethymnon you can enjoy the warmth of the sun next to the clear blue waters. Preveli is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The golden sand that is surrounded by a palm forest reminds of a tropical setting with waterfalls that end in the sea and pristine nature that captures even the most demanding! Swimming also in Plakias, Agia Galini and the beaches of Agios Pavlos with the dunes that create small coves.
Activities
Rethymno is suitable for cycling lovers as it has an excellent network of cycling routes.
By road or mountain bike he discovered the unique landscapes of incomparable natural beauty, wonderful beaches, traditional villages and admired the gorges and caves of the area.
If you are a nature lover then get to know the rare flora and fauna of Rethymno in the “River Dam”, in the valley of Amari, go down to the Patsou Gorge with running water, waterfalls and imposing vegetation and observe the ancient offerings that hang from the rocks.
If you love hiking we suggest you cross the Gorge of the Mills.
Tall plane trees, age-old ivy, rivers and ruined houses and a restored watermill will impress and reward you!
Sights
In the Old Town of Rethymnon you will find the Venetian Castle (Fortetsa) of 1573. Navigate through the walls with the bastions, the three imposing gates and the Ibrahim Han Mosque.
A landmark of the Old Town is the Nerandzes Mosque with its tall minaret overlooking the city.
Rethymno has some of the most important museums of Crete such as the Historical and Folk Art Museum in a small Venetian house and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon with the impressive collection of ancient finds from excavations in the area.
If you want to discover more about the archaeological heritage of Rethymnon then do not forget to visit the ancient Eleftherna which is considered one of the ten most impressive excavations in the world.
There you will find a modern newly established Archaeological Museum with findings from the excavations of the ancient city.
The Monastery of Arkadi is a symbol for the struggle of the Cretans for freedom.
Visit the monastery and learn more about its shocking history and the self-sacrifice of the Cretan fighters!
As in all of Crete in Rethymnon you will find excellent gastronomy based on the pure ingredients and products of the Cretan land.
Virgin olive oil accompanies almost all the dishes while it is worth trying the local recipes such as snails boubouristos, apaki, lamb “tsigriasto” or “antikristo” and the festive “gamopilafo”.
Do not forget to taste the local cheeses such as mizithra, gruyere and the unique Cretan “stakovoutyro”.
Accompany your meal with the “intoxicating” Cretan raki that will be generously offered to you all over the island as a sign of hospitality and close your meal with homemade sweet cheese pies, xerotigana with honey and other traditional dishes!
