Rethymno

Rethymno, the third-largest city in Crete, is known for its Venetian-Ottoman old town, the imposing Fortezza fortress, and long sandy beaches. In the city, you can explore narrow cobblestone streets, visit museums showcasing Cretan history, and enjoy local cuisine. The surrounding area offers opportunities to visit mountain villages and historic monasteries.

Exploring Rethymno's Old Town

As you walk through Rethymno's old town, you'll find yourself in a network of narrow streets flanked by Venetian and Ottoman buildings. Look out for ornate doorways and wooden balconies as you make your way to small squares where you can sit at a café. Stop by the Rimondi Fountain, constructed in 1626, where water still flows from its three lion-head spouts. Near the fountain, you'll see the Loggia, a well-preserved Venetian building now housing shops and cafes.

The Fortezza Fortress

The 16th-century Fortezza fortress stands prominently on Rethymno's skyline. Venetian builders constructed this massive structure to defend against Ottoman attacks. You can walk along the fortress walls for views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Inside, you'll discover remnants of buildings from different historical periods, including a mosque that was originally a Venetian cathedral.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

East of the old town, you'll find a 12-kilometer stretch of sandy beach. Hotels, restaurants, and beach bars line this area, where you can sunbathe and swim. For a calmer beach experience, drive about 30 kilometers south to Plakias Beach. This crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and has clear, still waters that are good for snorkeling.

Museums and Cultural Sites

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, located in a former Venetian church, to see artifacts dating from the Neolithic to Roman periods. At the Historical and Folk Art Museum, you can learn about traditional Cretan life through exhibits of textiles, pottery, and agricultural tools. The Contemporary Art Museum of Crete displays works by Greek and international artists.

Cretan Cuisine in Rethymno

Try local Cretan dishes at Rethymno's restaurants. Sample specialties like dakos (barley rusk topped with tomato and cheese), kalitsounia (cheese or herb pies), and grilled meats. For a traditional taverna meal, go to Alana Restaurant in the old town, where they prepare dishes using local ingredients. Remember to taste raki, the local spirit often served after meals.

Day Trips from Rethymno

Rethymno's central location on Crete makes it a good base for exploring the island. You can visit the Arkadi Monastery, about 23 kilometers southeast of the city, which played a significant role in Crete's resistance against Ottoman rule. If you enjoy hiking, consider the challenging trail through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons, located about a two-hour drive from Rethymno.

Getting to Rethymno

While Rethymno doesn't have an airport, you can fly into Chania (60 km west) or Heraklion (80 km east) and take a bus or taxi to the city. Regular bus services connect Rethymno to these cities and other parts of Crete. If you're traveling by sea, ferries from Piraeus (Athens) arrive at Souda port near Chania, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Rethymno.