Discover Rethymno
Rethymno combines rarely united features: the old town’s charm and history, with proximity to a long sandy beach.
Although it is the third largest town in Crete, Rethimnon never feels like a city as Chania and Heraklion do. Instead, it has a provincial air; it’s a place that moves slowly, a very romantic plade and the most important preserves much of its Venetian and Turkish appearance.
Explore one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece, and search for your fairy-tale romance in Rethymno. Venetian fortification works mingle harmonically with orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths which create a magical atmosphere, reminiscence of the city’s turbulent –yet glorious– past.
You can enjoy arriving by ferry and be “there” close to the centre of the Old Town, just a 5 minute walk away (newly built harbours on many Greek islands are now far from the center, removing the romance of arriving IN the place you are visiting!).
What to do in Rethymno
Landmarks from many eras
At the Neratzi Mosque (music conservatory), you’ll mark its sky-high minaret (built in 1890) as the meeting point. The New Square is ringed by grand homes, the Catholic Church of St Francis, an Ottoman mausoleum and an Ottoman school. At Platanos Square, you’ll pass bustling restaurants and cafes and arrive at the famous Rimondi Fountain, constructed in 1626. The renowned Makri Steno (long alley) that leads from the National Park to the Fortezza, with its Venetian homes and marble fountains, is one of the most beautiful streets in Rethymno.
The Venetian port and lighthouse
Along Nearchou Road you’ll get to the picturesque Venetian harbour with its restored lighthouse, which was built between 1830–40. Behind the port is the 16th-century Venetian Loggia. Rethymno will surprise you with the beauty, sights and attractions you’ll encounter along all of its streets.
Rethymno’s tropical beach
The largest beach on the island — 12km — stretches along the east side of the city, from Rethymno to Skaleta. You’ll take advantage of the water sports in the Adelianos Kampos and enjoy a quiet swim in the rocky coves of the Pegianos Kampos. All along the beach you’ll find beach bars with umbrellas and lounge chairs, shops and hotels.
A luxury stay in the Mediterranean
In Rethymno’s old town, Venetian buildings with sea views have been converted into elegant boutique hotels. Alternatively, you can opt for large and luxurious, all-inclusive resorts with pools, restaurants and bungalows in lush gardens outside the town.
Cretan cuisine: authentic flavours, accompanied by raki
In Rethymno, you’ll enjoy culinary treats inspired by Crete’s flavourful cuisine and traditions. Restaurants in Venetian buildings with beautiful gardens, rakadika where you’ll complement meze with the local schnapps-like drink raki, and quaint little tavernas. Rest assured that all Cretan dishes are prepared using fresh, local produce.
Rethymno’s convenient aspect is that it is nearly equidistant from both main airports, Chania and Heraklion — meaning many more flight options (you can fly into either airport, whichever suits you).
How to get in Rethymno
Ferries sail into Rethymno from Athens port (Pireas) daily. The ferries are overnight sailings, take a cabin for comfortable travel. See ferry schedules.
By ferry you can travel overnight from Athens (Piraeus port) and arrive in the centre of Rethymno — well, you will only have a few hundred metres/yards to go to reach your centuries old building, your hotel in the historic old town. See ferry schedules.
By car, we strongly recommend approaching Rethymno along the coast taking the western-most exit from the New National Road at Atsipopoulo/Rethymno — this gets you directly to the port and the old town. There are frequent buses connecting Rethymno with other towns and villages. See bus schedules.
Parking in town: At the port (limited), near the marina at the ferry landing (large). The old town streets are kept for pedestrians only and cars will always need to be parked away from your hotel if you stay within the area.
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website.
How to get around
Because Crete is the largest and the most popular island in Greece that hosts millions of visitors from around the world each year, be prepared and rent a car Rethymno Port so you can get around easily to any and all the destinations you desire. Avoid the hassle of waiting for a bus or taxi that will delay you from enjoying your time on the island. You can easily rent a car Crete from one of the well-known rent a car agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. With your rent a car Rethymno you will be able to explore and discover all the natural beauty that this gorgeous island offers.
Your visit to Crete will be an experience that will remain in your heart forever with unforgettable memories that you will treasure!
