Guide to Rethymnon

Rethymnon is a vibrant tourist resort on the north coast of Crete about an hour’s drive from Heraklion. The city has a long history dating back to Mycenean times. Roman, Venetian and Turkish occupation have left the city a delightful place where attractive Venetian houses with wooden balconies and painted shutters sit alongside Turkish buildings with an exotic air. During the second world war, Rethymniots took an active part in Fascist resistance and in the last 25 years it has become a popular tourist area.

The city has an old aristocratic appearance with several 16th century buildings, arched doorways, stone staircases, Roman and Byzantine remains sit around the Venetian harbour and narrow cobbled streets. The Venetian Loggia is an elegant building which used to be a 16th century Venetian gentlemen’s club, the Rimondi fountain which dominates Plantanos square was built in 1626, and the Neratzes mosque is now a modern day music conservatory.

The Fortezza castle dominates the town. Built in 1590, this Venetian fortress was built to protect the town from pirate raids and from the Turks. It housed canons and weapons, was home to Venetian councilors and the town’s Rector back then, but today has the municipal theatre ‘Erofili’ and an outdoor theatre which hosts many of the performances of the Renaissance festival which takes place each summer. There is a Folklore and history museum which includes textile and basket weaving as well as embroidery and lace costumes, ceramics and historical photographs. There is also an Archaeological museum which is opposite the fortress and has numerous artifacts including clay figurines, bronze vessels and jewellery. The municipal gardens are a tranquil place to take a pause in the shade, and various activities are organized there annually including the wine festival at the beginning of July where you can sample some of the local brew.

Nightlife here is rich and varied, so there is something to please every pallet. The pubs and bars of the old city and on the harbour are lively, whereas the small bars right on the beach tend to be more relaxed. Numerous fresh fish tavernas line the harbour and have good reputations for providing good quality, simply presented food. They are a popular place to enjoy the company of friends as the sun sets over the water. There are many other tavernas and restaurants outside the city which are in equally attractive settings.

Shopping ranges from the small boutiques with attractive designer merchandise to the souvenir and tourist shops cluttered with gifts for you to take home.

The wide beach begins in the town centre and stretches for 20km to the east along the coast. A white stretch of clean white sand, the beach is extremely popular in the summer months with tourists and locals alike. The sand shelves gently into the sea, making it popular with families and there are a number of water sports available for enthusiasts, including water skiing, wind surfing and sea parachuting. There are also opportunities to go diving locally and some interesting dive sites to discover.

Villas to go recommended beaches near Rethymnon

Réthymnon - A long sandy beach that stretches for over 20 kilometers. Popular with holidaymakers throughout the summer season, it has a good range of facilities including lively beach bars and several tavernas. Weather flags here display the safety of the waters, and if the weather is windy you will be advised to stay out of the sea.

Georgioúpoli - A well established resort with a huge sweep of beach which stretches for several kilometers to the east. Be aware that there are strong currents beyond the causeway where swimming conditions can be dangerous. Pedaloes and canoes are available for hire to explore the river and its birdlife, crabs and turtles.

Almyrida – White sand shelves gently into shallow water making it a popular place to take young children.

Plakias –An attractive grey sand bay on the south west coast which is popular with windsurfers.

Take time to go…

Visit Rethymnon’s Renaissance Festival in July/August for folk music and traditional Greek dramas or try the Wine Festival in the public gardens – a riot of music, dancing and sampling the local brew!

Cruise along the western coastline on a pirate ship – view caves, fish and take a swim. Or go in search of dolphins… stopping for a spot of lunch along the way. Cruises depart from Rethymnon harbour.

Take in a shore-side taverna at Rethymnon’s Venetian harbour and feast on freshly caught fish, the finest Mediterranean vegetables and locally produced wine while the sun goes down.

Further afield...

To King Minos’ Palace at Knossos where Theseus found his way through the labyrinth to slay The Minotaur, a legendary beast half-man and half-bull.

Take a horse-drawn carriage around the old town of Chania – the prettiest on the island – and soak up the historic architecture and archaeological sites.

Take a hike around the island – visit the famous Samaria Gorge and take in the breathtaking scenery, or try one of the other numerous gorges on the island.