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Discover the beauties of Rethymno

The Venetian port, the Fortezza, the old town. Everything in Rethymno is overflowing with history, beauty and traditions.

The fortress sits like a crown above the enchanting old town of Rethymno. It's like using a time machine and travel back to the era of Venetian rule. Get on top of the fortress and listen to the echo of the sea. Stroll along the Venetian harbour with its old lighthouse and explore the old town's winding streets, where ornate archways decorate the houses. Visit the old mosque with its minarets and stroll along with the countless shops, restaurants and cafes. As one of Greece's most luxurious holiday resorts, the hospitable Rethymno welcomes its guests with a high quality of service and exceptional Cretan delicacies. In the east of the city stretches the longest beach in Crete with 12 km. Holiday dreams come true here in Rethymno.

The city & the old town

The Neratzi Mosque is located in the middle of the old town. The sky-high minaret from 1890 is a good starting point for a stroll into town. The Neue Platz is surrounded by large mansions, the Catholic church, a mausoleum and a school from Ottoman times. On Platanos Square, between plenty of restaurants and cafés, lies the impressive Rimondi fountain from 1626. The long "Makri Steno" path leads through unique Venetian houses and marble fountains to the fortress. Nearchou Street leads to the charming Venetian harbour with the restored old lighthouse constructed between 1830 and 1840. Behind the port is the Venetian loggia from the 16th century. Rethymno will surprise you with its beauty and attractions. In Rethymno's old town, many old Venetian mansions with sea views have been converted into elegant boutique hotels. Alternatively, you can spend your vacation outside the city in large luxury hotels, all-inclusive hotels with pools, restaurants and beautiful gardens. It would be best if you also visited the beautiful museums. The paleontological museum, located in the old Veli Pasha mosque, is worth a visit. Finds over 300 million years old that were excavated in Crete are exhibited here. Also, take time to visit the Folklore Museum, located in a 17th-century mansion. The archaeological museum opposite the main gate of the fortress is also worth seeing.

The Natural & Historical Heritage of the Region

Except for the old town and the Venetian harbour, the mainland offers a lot of beautiful natural and historical monuments. From ancient to modern history, the region of Rethymno is revealing its most hidden gems. Anogia village and the Mylopotamos province, the cave of Zeus in Nida plateau, the ancient city of Eleftherna, Margarites village, Arkadi historical monastery are only a few of the beauties you can discover through organized tours or a self-guiding drive. Certainly, Rethymno will not disappoint you.

Rethymno's Tropical Beaches

The longest beach on the island of Crete (12 km) extends east from Rethymno to Skaleta. Take advantage of the water sports in Adelianos Kampos and relax in the rocky bays of Pigianos Kampos. Hotels, shops, beach bars, parasols and sun loungers are available along the entire beach. Rethymno's southern coast hosts some of the most incredible, pure and exotic beaches of the island. Agios Pavlos, with its vast sand-hills, is a place that will truly amaze you. The beaches of Ligres and Pahia Ammos by Kerames are some other gems of the region. But you will find some of the marvellous turquoise waters at the shores of Plakias like Ammoudi, Souda, Skinaria and Damnoni. Another brilliant beach is Rodakino, not far away from Plakias, and one of the unique beaches of the region is Kalypso. A real natural miracle surrounded by an utterly unique environment.

Last but not least, the King. The best beach in Rethymno is undoubtedly the beach of Preveli with its palm forest and the river. Preveli is a perfect example of a paradise on earth. A place you can explore and discover its countless beauties.

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Best Season:All Year
Popular Location: Old Town, Eleftherna, Margarites, Arkadi

Available tours in Rethymno Prefecture

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