Rethymno is a picturesque town in the northern Crete that successfully blends history, culture, traditions and natural beauty. It is world famous for its Venetian architecture that is visible all over the town and creates a lively atmosphere and of course as a Cretan town, for its stunning beaches and the natural landscapes that are breathtaking.
Rethymno Beach is stretched all over the town’s coastline with its golden sands and clear-blue waters making it the perfect spot for water sports, swimming and sunbathing. You can either rent a paddleboard or sea kayak and wander through the Mediterranean waters or just relax and enjoy the beaches’ amenities that are full of sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes and restaurants. You cannot miss visiting Preveli Palm Forest, which is 35 kilometers south of Rethymno, a unique natural attraction with lush greenery. You can explore the forest through its hiking scenic trails or just take a refreshing dip in the Kourtaliotiko river that meets the sea. Another natural wander you should definitely visit is the Kotsifou Gorge, located near the Plakias village. You can either follow the trails through the gorge that are foul of wildflower and small chapels or just observe the diverse flora and fauna like rare plant species and birds of prey.
Wandering through the city you can see the Fortezza of Rethymno, a Venetian fortress built in the 16th century, offering stunning views of the city by the sea. The fortress has bastions, ancient buildings including a church and a mosque and impressive ramparts. Inside the fortress are usually hosted events and festivals making it a lively attraction for its visitors. The Old Town of Rethymno is also full of historic buildings and squares affected by the Venetians and later by the Ottomans. You may consider strolling around the Venetian Harbor or visit the Rimondi Fountain which is also affected by the Venetians and is located in the center of the Old Town, featuring carvings and lion-head spouts. The well-known Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, that is housed in a Turkish prison, hosts a large collection artifacts and relics from the Neolithic periods to the Roman ones such as the Minoan poetry and tools of the everyday life in the ancient Crete. The museum also hosts regularly events with the purpose to explore all aspects of the Cretan history. Moving from history to culture, you should visit the Neratze Mosque and Minaret with its impressive architecture and elegant dome and arches. Like all archaeological venues, you can also attend music performances in the building, as it has excellent acoustic. Around the old town, you can discover many local art galleries that have exhibits both of local and international artists, presenting their life work through photographs, paintings or sculptures. You can also participate in art classes and workshops, obtaining insights of the creative process. Also in the Old Town, there is the Municipal Garden, an oasis that helps you escape from the bustle of the city. You can enjoy a leisure day relaxing in the shades of the trees or attend cultural events and festivities that are held there. If you have children, you can visit the playground of the garden, which is an ideal spot for the families.
Rethymno city is a mixture of history, natural beauty and diverse culture. The city provides a variety of unforgettable experiences through the Cretan essence. We encourage you to visit Rethymno and create lasting memories during the discovery of all the experiences this city has to offer.
