Where is Rethymno Crete? Open left menu city of Rethymno. Main attractions of Rethymno

Between the White Mountains and Psiloriti (Ida) lies the resort region of Rethymno, synonymous with the incomparable beauty of rocky landscapes, beautiful beaches, melodies of the Cretan lyre, legendary caves, historical monasteries, traditional villages and luxury resorts.

An important natural resource of the district is, above all, Mount Psiloritis, which dominates the eastern part of Crete, its highest mountain region. The changing landscapes will delight nature lovers and others: fertile valleys alternate with colorful rocky landscapes and a rugged coastline of sandy beaches. Green ravines and small rivers that go far into the mountains, protected areas and about forty gorges complete the picturesque picture.

City of Rethymnon

The city of Rethymnon is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece: Venetian fortifications blend harmoniously with Orthodox and Catholic churches, delightful Venetian residences, arches and cobbled streets.

Discover the city's past with a tour of the historic center of Rethymno: descend from Arkadiou Street and follow the signs for the "cultural route", crossing the historical center from east to west. Here you can admire the unique monuments of Hani Pattaku and the House of Drandaki, both excellent examples of Venetian architecture, as well as the Kara Musa Pasha Mosque. Once you step onto Tsouderon Street, head towards the western part of the city.

On the way to the Church of St. Francis and the Turkish School, pay attention to the beautiful door at number 12 of Tsouderon Street. Make a short stop at the 1st Primary School Square with its magnificent monuments. Go to st. Vernard, where the local history museum and the Ghazi Hussein mosque are located. At the intersection of the street. Nikiforos Fokas and Koroneus you will find the impressive Church of Our Lady of Angels.

Fortezza – The Venetian fortress on the hill of Paleokastro, with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and the city, is undoubtedly the symbol of Rethymno. The exemplary preserved buildings of Fortezza (Arsenal with arched openings, Episcopal Palace, Agios Theodoros Trichinas, Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, Erofili Theater) transport visitors back to the Venetian era. Finish your tour of Rethymnon with a leisurely stroll through the old Venetian port, enjoying views of Fortezza while relaxing in a café or tavern by the sea.

If you go to Crete in summer for a holiday in Rethymno, do not miss two very important cultural events: the famous "Renaissance Festival" where you are invited to become actors, co-producers and time travelers through music and theatrical performances. Almost all performances take place at the Teatro Erofili in Fortezza.

Another interesting event is "Wine Festival" which welcomes producers, lovers of good wine and fine cuisine to a festival of traditions, gastronomy, wine tasting and entertainment in which all the inhabitants of Crete take part.

More details

Sights and excursions

The beauty of the natural wonders of Rethymnon is amazing, take a few days of your holiday in Crete to devote them to interesting excursions and getting to know the region, you will not regret it!

Lagoon Prevelis

in the place where the Megalos Potamos (Kourtaliotis) River flows into the Libyan Sea and ends at the Kourtaliot Gorge, there is the unsurpassed beauty of the Prevelis Lagoon and Finikas Beach. To get here you need to follow the road leading to the Prevelis Monastery. The path leading to the left from the monastery will lead you to a sandy beach with numerous palm trees, to an unexpected tropical paradise for the Mediterranean! The river flowing into the sea, lush vegetation and heavenly colors of the beach were appreciated by hippies in the 70s of the last century, who chose this place as their refuge.

Nida Plateau

79 km southeast of the city of Rethymnon, on Psiloritis, is the world famous Nida plateau. On the plateau, thanks to all the necessary infrastructure, you can practice skiing in winter.

Argyroupolis

a picturesque traditional mountain village in a wooded area, built on the ruins of the ancient city of Lappa. There are mineral springs, small waterfalls and centuries-old trees, as well as uniquely beautiful caves and a small chapel.

Canyons

The district's mountain ranges of unique beauty cross: Kourtaliot Gorge (3 km) leads to the famous Prevelis Lagoon; Kotsifos Gorge starts from the village of Kanevos and reaches the village of Sellia; Patsos Gorge in the area of ​​Amarios; Prasianos Canyon leads to Platanias Beach, east of the city of Rethymnon; Arkadios Gorge and other gorges.

Caves

The mountains surrounding Rethymno are full of impressive caves. The most important are Geranios, Simonelli (west of Rethymno), Agios Antonios in the diocese of Amarios, Melidonios, Svendoni Tripa and Mushri Sison (near Zonian). The cave of Ideon Andron, where Zeus is said to have grown up, was an important place of worship in ancient times, both in the Minoan and Roman periods.

Important archaeological finds discovered at the site show that the region flourished from the early Stone Age until the early Christian period.

Archaeological sites

Among the archaeological sites, the ancient Elevferna, inhabited since the 8th century BC, and the ancient burial grounds of Armenus with more than 350 graves stand out. Religious monuments such as the stone chapel of Psiloritis, historical monasteries and ancient Christian basilicas will enrich your holiday in Crete in the Rethymnon region. Of great historical importance is the Arkadi Monastery (15th century), overlooking the gorge of the same name and the Prevelis Monastery. A real trip back in time will be an excursion to traditional villages such as Adel, Anogia, Garazo, Rustika and Khromomonastiri, where life flows at its calm pace... Here you can taste excellent local delicacies (roasted lamb with tomatoes, noodles with snails and herbs ), which are always accompanied by the Cretan drink raki!

The climate in Rethymno is temperate Mediterranean with long, warm summers and abundant rainfall in winter. The average air temperature in Rethymnon in summer is + 29C, water + 27C. In winter, the temperature does not drop below + 14C.

Seaside holidays and beaches

Visit Rethymnon in summer to enjoy the sun and sea on the resort's beautiful beaches. Both the northern and southern coasts of Rethymnon prefecture are famous for their sandy beaches.

• Beach of Rethymnon- an organized sandy beach 20 km long, stretching to the east of the city.
• Panormos located in the coastal village of the same name (20 km east of Rethymnon), and is one of the best organized beaches with excellent infrastructure.
• Bali beach is located in the seaside village of Bali (34 km east of Rethymno). Choose any of the nearby islands of the bay of the same name to appreciate the charms of these places.
• Plakias. The tourist resort of Plakias (40 km south of Rethymno) is famous for its amazing beach, which offers endless opportunities for water sports enthusiasts.
• Agia Galini Beach located 58 km south of Rethymno, it has an exemplary tourist infrastructure and beaches with crystal clear waters, as well as well-hidden nearby islands.
• Prevelis beach. A resort of exceptional natural beauty, with palm trees, small lagoons where the Great River flows, and white sand. Finikas, otherwise known as Prevelis Beach, is located 40 km south of Rethymno town.

It's no secret that the most popular tourist destination between April and the end of September is Greece. Rethymnon (the more correct name is Rethymnon) occupies not the least position among the country's attractions. And why? Yes, thanks to the wonderful beaches. The golden strip of sand stretches for thirteen kilometers. And this is only the city municipal beach! And there are others. The coastline in the resort of Rethymnon is unique in that it is diverse. Landscapes change like in a kaleidoscope. Do you miss the wide sandy beaches like in Bulgaria? Or do you dream of small coves hidden from prying eyes that God himself created for lovers? Do you want to feel like, if not Adam and Eve, then at least Robinson Crusoe on a deserted and wild shore? Or do you want European service, so that the sand is sifted with a rake, and there are sunbeds and awnings at the water's edge? All this can be found in one rather small resort. But what doesn’t happen here is crowding. In this article we will look at the best beaches in Rethymno. Reviews mention that some tourists vacationing at other resorts in the northern part of Crete (for example, Chania), nevertheless, went there every day. In addition to describing the beaches and their infrastructure, we will give some practical tips that we hope will be useful to you.

Where is the resort of Rethymno located and how to get there

This city is located in the northern part of the island of Crete (Greece). It is equally in demand by both lovers of excursions and connoisseurs of a relaxing (or fun) beach holiday. The city center is a real museum under the sky. Magnificent Byzantine heritage, medieval Orthodox churches, Catholic churches, Turkish mosques - all this fits into the narrow streets of ancient Rethymnon. The city has long expanded its borders along the sea and included nearby coastal villages in its orbit, which have turned from fishing villages into resort villages. Rethymnon is well located on the island in relation to others. It is not far from Heraklion, to the Balos lagoon, and the springs of Agriroupoli. But the main treasure of the resort is the wonderful beaches of Rethymno. Reviews call Crete the island beloved of God. Everything here is of the highest standard: wines, cuisine, historical and cultural attractions, picturesque nature. And, of course, the beaches. And in this area, Rethymno can deservedly be called the capital of Crete. Where can you go to sunbathe and swim at this resort?

Weather in Rethymno

Before we begin our review of the resort’s beaches, let’s first decide when and in what period to go there. The northern coast of Crete, where Rethymno is located, lies in a climate zone that is comfortable for a vacationer from Russia. The rest of Greece, especially the mainland, is too dry and has large temperature differences between seasons. The island of Crete has a Mediterranean climate. This means that almost all of the annual precipitation falls in winter. The temperature in January rarely drops below +10 degrees. In summer, the weather in Rethymno pleases beachgoers with cloudless skies, plenty of sun and a warm, calm sea. The air temperature in the shade even in September reaches twenty-nine degrees. But the heat on the beach is not felt; the effect of the fresh sea breeze is felt. At the end of summer the water warms up to twenty-seven degrees. All of the above leads to a rather long swimming season. The first tourists settle down on beach chairs already in April. But not everyone decides to swim. The deep Mediterranean Sea is warming slowly. Already in May, the beach season is in full swing. And it continues until the end of September. By the way, the first month of autumn is considered the most successful for relaxation. In October, resort hotels begin their discount season in hopes of catching the last tourists. But don’t expect super-low prices: Crete, due to its rich historical heritage, is in demand all year round.

Rethymno city beach

We are accustomed to the fact that the coast, which is located within the boundaries of a populated area, is crowded with people, and therefore its cleanliness leaves much to be desired. This is the situation in the Russian resorts of the Black and Azov Seas. But this is Greece! Rethymnon (municipal beach) has been awarded the Blue Flag several times. And not only for the facilities, service and developed infrastructure. When presenting this high award, environmental safety is at the forefront. The main city beach of the resort, which is called “Rethymnon”, begins immediately behind the historical landmark, the Venetian port. A wide strip of golden sand stretches for as much as thirteen kilometers. Naturally, there are a lot of people in the center of the resort. But since the Rethymnon beach is so vast, this is not noticeable at all. There are rescue towers evenly along the entire length, there are showers and changing cabins. Young people love to come here because there is so much fun on the water on this beach. And at the same time it is very clean here. Absolutely clear water rolls over. Ecological cleanliness is evidenced by the fact that Caretta turtles lay eggs on the beach. So if you see a place fenced off with ropes, know that this is masonry that is protected by law. The city beach is also popular in the evening. After all, the Eleftherios Venizelos embankment runs along it - a party place in the city.

Coombes

This beach will appeal to those who want to sunbathe against the backdrop of historical sights and architectural beauty. From here you can see the Fortezza fortress-museum, which, by the way, tourist reviews recommend visiting (a ticket costs three euros). The sandy beach of Koumbes is located two kilometers from the center of Rethymnon. It is not much inferior in length to the city one. It is loved by vacationers with small children because of the gentle slope into the sea and the absence of waves. And besides, it is quite close to the resort of Rethymnon. How to get to Coombes? The walk will take you a maximum of half an hour. You can get to the beach by city bus. And for the truly lazy, there is the opportunity to rent accommodation in Coombes (apart-hotels and hotels). This beach is equipped like the city one. But toilets and showers here are paid (fifty cents). Coombes is renowned as a place for water based entertainment. There is a marine sports center here. Along the Coombes waterfront, holidaymakers will find many taverns serving delicious Greek cuisine. Lunch for two with wine will cost thirty euros. There are also sports and children's playgrounds, and outdoor exercise equipment.

Bali

We mentioned that there are also rocky beaches of Rethymno (Crete). Reviews characterize this coast as wild. Bali (like its namesake island) will appeal to couples and lovers of a secluded, relaxed holiday alone with nature. The beach is located thirty kilometers east of Rethymnon. You can’t travel every day, tourists complain. But regular buses run regularly, and the view is worth the money spent on the road. The four coves that make up Bali Beach are nestled between high coastal cliffs. They noticeably dampen the wind, which is always fresh on the northern coast of Crete. And the sea waves are less noticeable here. Actually, Bali is a small village. It, like any resort, has taverns, restaurants, shops, and housing for rent. But there are immeasurably fewer tourists there compared to Rethymnon. That's why reviews call it a place for secluded relaxation. By the way, they will satisfy lovers of both pebbles and soft sand. These beaches are not that wild. There are awnings, sun loungers, umbrellas. In one of the four bays there is a pier from which you can go on a boat trip on a tourist boat, stylized as a pirate galley. But what is important is that there is no noise or motorized types of water entertainment here.

Gerani Beach (Crete)

Most holidaymakers leaving Rethymnon in search of a place in the sun and crystal clear waters head east. Just a little further from the city, it’s as if you find yourself in another world: the sandy beach gives way to majestic rocky cliffs, and behind them stretches a fertile valley full of fragrant greenery. But Gerani is located west of Rethymnon. The beach is separated from the city center by only six kilometers, which can be easily covered by a regular bus for a euro and sixty cents. What are the reasons to come to Gerani? Snorkelers recognize only this one. Rocks protrude far into the water and are home to a variety of Mediterranean wildlife. This circumstance requires vacationers to take a certain amount of caution. To avoid unbearable pain from a sea urchin injection, it is better to purchase Geraniums, which will equally please lovers of sand and pebbles. A river flowing into the sea divides the beach into two halves. One of them, western, is sandy, the other is pebble. Reviews note that in Gerani, beach chairs and umbrellas are slightly cheaper than in Rethymno (six euros versus seven). Reviews recommend having lunch at a typical Greek tavern nearby. Tourists are also advised to visit the Church of Panagia Kamarianis. Geraniums are not for small children. The depth begins immediately from the shore.

Beach at Adelianos Kambos

This resort village is the largest eastern satellite of Rethymno. And, reviews suggest, the most popular. Adelianos Kambos is separated from Rethymnon by seven and a half kilometers. You don't have to wait for a special regular bus to get there. You can use routes further east, for example, No. 20 (to Panormo). The bus stops near the beach. The coast is lined with umbrellas and sun loungers (a set will cost five euros per day), there are changing cabins, showers and toilets. Characterizing the beaches

In the west of the island of Crete, between the cities of Heraklion and Chania, there is a charming city Rethymno (Rethymno, Ρέθυμνο (Greek), Rethymno (English)) with its unique architecture, narrow streets, carved window frames, Venetian portals, the old port and the majestic Fortezza fortress on the waterfront. Interestingly, from year to year there are heated debates about which city is more beautiful, Chania or Rethymnon. But, in our opinion, this is still a wrong comparison, because Rethymnon has its own character, its own history, architecture, its own charm and uniqueness.

Rethymno is no less popular among tourists. Every year, thousands of poets, artists, photographers and romantics seek and find their muse and inspiration in Rethymnon. And the city itself, following new trends, is constantly developing, becoming a modern metropolis. But at the same time, Rethymno preserves its history, reverently treating architecture, customs and traditions, thanks to which it retains all the features of a true Cretan city.

City Rethymnon (Rethymno) located 78 km from the capital of Crete - Heraklion, and 60 km east of Chania. The main attraction of the city is undoubtedly the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, which has been perfectly preserved to this day. The fortress offers stunning views of the endless sea, the city of Rethymnon and the mighty Ida mountain range.

The historical part of the city is almost completely closed to cars and is a pedestrian zone where you can walk for hours admiring the beauty of the architecture,

Or you can stop at one of the many cafes and enjoy the leisurely life of Rethymnon.

The variety of shops here is amazing. One gets the feeling that Rethymno has everything, from simple souvenirs to clothing from the world's leading brands. The city is home to the largest university on the island of Crete. And in the summer, Rethymno is famous for its festivals, which take place here with enviable frequency.

Attractions Rethymnon

As already mentioned, the main attraction of the city is the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, built in 1573-1590. Fortezza was conceived as a kind of center for the fight against pirates and consisted of four bastions and three Flashes.

On the territory of the fortress there were warehouses, a house of advisers, the Bishop's Palace, the rector's house, barracks for the garrison, various reservoirs, churches and an open theater. After the capture of the fortress by the Turks in 1645, a large domed mosque was erected on its territory.

The fortezza in Rethymno turned out to be so massive that there is an opinion that it is the largest fortress ever built by the Venetians. When walking around the territory of the Venetian fortress, it is worth taking a hat, because the entire space here is open. Opposite the main gate of Fortezza is located Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, which would have been founded back in 1887. The museum is housed in a building built by the Turks to protect the main gate of the fortress, and contains exhibits from the Early Minoan, Middle Minoan, Late Minoan, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras.

Among the museum's exhibits are such finds as the famous statuette of the Goddess from Pankalochori, a bronze statue of a youth, double axes, clay larnacas with intricate patterns, seals from Monastiraki, Roman lamps, a helmet of the late Minoan era, gold jewelry, a statue of Aphrodite, figurines found in Axos and Melidoni, sculptures, coins and fine ceramics. No less popular Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Rethymno, located in a 17th-century Venetian mansion on Vernadou Street.

The museum displays weaving tools, embroidery, costumes, lace, ceramic and metal products. All museum exhibitions are divided into themes and are located on two floors of a building notable for its own architecture. Also worth a visit in Rethymno Rimondi Fountain 1626, consisting of three mouths in the form of lions' heads, from which water flows into three reservoirs, above which four columns with flutes rise. The words LIBERALITATIS and FONTES are written on the top of the fountain. The fountain is located on Platanou Square.

Rimondi Fountain

Not far from the Venetian port is Loggia XVI century, in which all the most important economic and political issues were resolved.

In Rethymno you can see other equally interesting sights and places, including: Guora Gate, Veli Pasha Mosque, Kara Musa Pasha, Neradze, Erofili Theater, Church Museum, Cathedral Center for Contemporary Art, city Pinakothek with an exhibition of works by Lefteris Kanakakis .

Walking through the streets of Rethymnon, it is impossible not to notice that many houses are still decorated with various portals from the Renaissance era. But the most romantic atmosphere reigns in Venetian port of Rethymno- a favorite vacation spot for both locals and tourists.

This is a place of contrasts. On one side there are noisy cafes, and on the other side of the embankment fishermen calmly sort out their fishing gear. Ancient Venetian houses here coexist with the modern life of the city. And finally, you should definitely visit Rethymnon in the evening, when the city is transformed, lit up with a thousand lights, night bars, discos and incredible nightlife that boils until the morning.

Of course, these are not all the attractions of Rethymnon; moreover, there are so many interesting things in the vicinity of this beautiful Mediterranean city. And, in principle, you can rent a car and go on an exciting journey on your own, as we do quite often, or you can book an exciting excursion, on which a guide, by the way, from among the local residents, will share with us secrets and interesting facts about in one place or another, will tell you about secrets and riddles, show places that we ourselves might have missed. Some excursions in the vicinity of Rethymno can be found here (active form):

History of Rethymnon

Finds made in the Rethymnon area indicate that a settlement existed on this site already in Neolithic times and the Late Minoan period. No one can say with certainty about the exact location of the ancient city of Rithymna (that’s what the city was called before its modern name). But some archaeological finds in the area of ​​Arkadiou Street and Venetian records indicate that Rithymna did exist on the site of modern Rethymno. And the found coins dated back to the 4th-3rd centuries. BC, confirm not only the existence of the ancient city of Rithymna, but also its significance among other cities. It is also assumed that long before the Venetians built the fortress (Fortezza), earlier fortifications existed on the hill.

It is not for nothing that the hill received the name Paleokastro from the Venetians - the old fortress. This theory is confirmed by Magagnatto’s drawing, which depicts fortified buildings called Castrum Retemi, located between the port and the Paleokastro hill. Castrum Retemi was formed during the second Byzantine period, when a group of houses was surrounded by a wall. At that time, it began to represent the prototype of a fortified city, which, with the arrival of the Venetians on the island after 1204, received the name Castel Vecchione. Since 1537, the idea of ​​fortifying the city has appeared in Rethymnon.

The reason for this was the weakening of the Venetian position in the east after the fall of Constantinople in the middle of the 15th century. The construction of the city walls was completed in 1570, and already in 1571 they were destroyed by the Turks, and the city was plundered and burned. This served as a powerful incentive for the construction of a fortress on the Paleokastro hill. The construction plan for Fortezza was already implemented in 1573, when construction of the fortress began. Initially, it was planned that the fortress should be polygonal with many bastions and wide walls made with a slope, and it was planned to build houses on its territory. But the plans were partially destined to come true, because... The complexity of the terrain did not allow the construction of the fortress in the form in which it was originally conceived. As a result, Fortezza received fewer bastions, and its territory was very limited, so the construction of houses inside the walls had to be abandoned. But the built fortress was ready to become a refuge for the city residents in case of danger. This is what happened in 1646, after the attack on the city by Turkish troops. Residents of the city were forced to take refuge from the Turkish invaders within the walls of the fortress. But due to the large number of wounded and the lack of ammunition and food, the situation of the besieged was so dire that the commandant was forced to begin negotiations on the surrender of the fortress and the city to the enemy. The conditions under which Rethymno was ceded to the Turks turned out to be very lenient for the city’s residents. Anyone could leave the captured city and go to Khandak, and those who wished to stay in Rethymnon found themselves obliged to pay tribute to the Sultan. The Fortezza fortress fell to the Turks on November 13, 1646. From this moment on, the architecture of the city begins to change, mosques and minarets are built. Turkish culture is being imposed on the residents, which could not but cause discontent among the local population, who strongly supported the anti-Turkish uprisings breaking out on the island.

And only after the island of Crete gained independence and joined Greece in 1913, Rethymnon began a period of restoration. In 1923, the famous Greek-Turkish exchange took place. But in 1941, Rethymno, along with other cities on the island of Crete, again became a center of resistance, now against fascist troops. And, despite all the heroism of the local residents who desperately fought the invaders, the fascist troops manage to capture Rethymno. After the liberation of Greece from the Germans, the island of Crete, along with all of Greece, experienced a civil war, and the rise to power of the “Junta of Black Colonels” in 1967. During these years, Rethymnon, along with the whole of Crete, begins to feel the first timid steps of tourism coming to the island.

Very soon, tourism on the island begins to develop at an unprecedented pace. The first hotels are being built in the city and its surroundings, beaches are being equipped and infrastructure is being created. The city is constantly developing, acquiring its unique appearance, which has survived to this day.

Region Rethymno rich in archaeological areas, monasteries and other attractions. In particular, the Arkadi Monastery and the Arkadi Gorge, the Psilorit region with its customs and traditions, the villages of Axos and Anogia, the Idea Cave, the Preveli Monastery and many other wonderful villages and attractions of the Rethymno region are of particular interest. The Rethymno region is also famous for its long, many-kilometer sandy beach. This beach starts right in the center of Rethymnon and goes for many kilometers along the coast of the region. It is worth noting that all the beaches of Rethymno are well equipped and annually win the Blue Flag of Europe for their exceptional cleanliness and arrangement.

Weather in Rethymno is determined by the Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and fairly warm winters. Average summer temperatures can range from 25°C to 32°C. In winter, the air rarely cools below 10-12°C. The sea water temperature in the Rethymno area in summer can fluctuate between 22-27°C, while in winter the sea can cool down to 15-17°C. It is worth noting that the weather in coastal Rethymnon differs from the weather in mountainous Rethymno, where temperatures in winter can reach negative levels, and due to heavy snowfalls roads can even be blocked. In general, the weather in Rethymnon is not very different from the weather in other cities on the northern coast of Crete.

Hotels and apartments in Rethymnon:

Let us seem not entirely original, since we say this in almost all notes about the cities of Crete, however, we ourselves often do this, and we sincerely believe that cities like Rethymnon are definitely worthy of staying here at least for the night and get to know this place even closer, immerse yourself in the local flavor, literally feel with every cell the incredible atmosphere of Rethymno, for which this romantic city is so loved. Moreover, the choice of hotels here is truly huge:

Rethymnon hotels in the Hotellook search engine

(in the search you need to type: Rethymnon Greece)

The northern coast of the resort town of Rethymnon is an endless sandy beach, along which all kinds of bars, restaurants and hotels are lined. The resort is famous for its rich nature and monuments of Venetian times, so a holiday in Rethymnon is ideal for those who prefer a relaxing time on the beach, because wonderful clean sandy beaches are located directly in the city itself. For lovers of active recreation and excursion programs, the resort town of Rethymno will also have entertainment - near the city there are the Arkadi Monastery and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Archaeological Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art.

is the administrative center of the region of the same name in Crete with a well-developed infrastructure, with a population of 20,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two parts - old and new. The old part of the resort town of Rethymnon will interest history buffs with its narrow streets, interesting landscapes and ancient buildings. Holidays in Rethymno are popular not only in summer - thousands of tourists come here in February to attend the bright and enchanting festival.The resort town of Rethymno also comes alive in early autumn, when the wine festival begins here.

Video from Rethymnon

During a tour to Rethymno, tourists can not only enjoy a beach holiday, but also stroll along the beautiful city promenade and appreciate the various attractions of Rethymno. One of the main attractions of Rethymnon is the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, which was built in 1573-1590. Fortress...

Rethymno: tours and activities

Excursions and activities in Rethymnon will allow you to learn the rich history of the city and feel its unusual atmosphere from the era of the Venetian rule of Crete.

You should begin your acquaintance with the city by visiting its surroundings, for example, by visiting the city park and zoological garden. In July, a wine festival is held in the park, and at the end of June the Klidon rite is celebrated. The next point on the city tour will be the Square of the Four Martyrs, which is located east of Kouturioti Street, on the square there is a church of the same name. Next, the excursion leads to the Veli Pasha Mosque; it is believed that the mosque was built on the ruins of the Latin temple of St. Onuphrius.

A wonderful excursion with the route “Rethymnon - Fodele - Preveli Monastery - Beach” will cost an adult tourist from 50 euros, its duration is 8 hours. The tour begins with an overview of the city itself, which includes a visit to the Rimondi Fountain, the Fortezza fortress, the Archaeological Museum and the 16th-century Loggia. Next stop is the village of Fodele. Here tourists are invited to visit the El Greco house-museum and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Panagia. Then the bus with tourists goes to the Preveli Monastery. The excursion ends with a trip to the palm beach. You can visit this excursion by bus, accompanied by a guide, or on your own, by renting a car.

You can take a tour with a route through the gorge to southern Crete, crossing Crete from north to south and back along the ring. With this excursion, tourists get acquainted with all the main attractions of Rethymno - the Courtallot (singing) gorge, the church of the hermit monk St. Nicholas of Courtallot, a natural waterfall from the springs, the Perveli monastery and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This excursion also leads to the village and village of Rethymnon - Plakias and Argyroupoli. The tour ends at the only freshwater lake, Kournas. The cost of this group excursion will be 75 euros, entrance to the monastery and lunch are paid separately.

With an excursion to Rethymnon, you should definitely visit the Venetian port, which played an important role in the development of the city, and the Loggia - a rectangular building of the Venetian era with 3 arches, built in the 16th century and perfectly preserved to this day.

The museums of Rethymnon should not be ignored. The archaeological museum has collected collections of church attributes, household items, jewelry and artifacts, and thousands of tourists visit it on excursions. The open-air Museum of Folklore and History, which displays beautiful buildings and craft shops, will tell visitors about the cultural history of Rethymnon. There are a huge number of group excursions and various events in Rethymnon; you can also visit interesting places in the city on your own on regular buses.

History of Rethymnon

The modern resort town of Rethymno was built on the site of the independent ancient city of Rithymno, which existed in the 4th-3rd centuries. before. AD The city was very significant in those days: it had its own self-government and minted its own coin, on one side of which the head of Apollo or Athena was depicted...

Climate in Rethymnon

The climate in Rethymno is moderately Mediterranean, subtropical, in summer the average air temperature is +28 degrees, and in winter the air temperature rises to +16°C. The climate in Rethymno will delight lovers of bright sunshine - it is sunny here 300 days a year. At the same time, winter in Rethymno is mild and short, with an average temperature of +16°C. Reviews of Rethymnon, lovers of the hot sun are worth going and lying on the beaches of this Cretan resort.

Rethymnon: entertainment and active recreation

Holidays in Rethymnon will also appeal to lovers of active pastimes and sports. Diving is popular here, and there are two specialized centers near Rethymnon: Paradise Diving Center and Evergreen Diving Center.

The city is located in a mountainous area, so one of the popular activities for active tourists is mountain walking and cycling. For thrill-seekers, mountaineering or mountain hiking is suitable, which is so loved by tourists who come here.

The city's beaches are also suitable for an active holiday in Rethymnon - here you can go surfing or swimming, as well as play beach volleyball or do yoga. Center Dr. Fish provides various wellness services and gives vacationers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy their holiday in Rethymno.

From the airports of Heraklion and Chania and back you can get to Rethymno by bus, the trip will take about 2 hours, or by taxi, the travel time will be 1 hour. Buses run from 05:00 - 06:00 in the morning until 21:00-22:00 in the evening with an interval of 1.5-2 hours. The schedule must be checked at the departure station; the fare will be 12-20 euros.

It will be convenient to travel around Rethymnon along the tourist route on a sightseeing bus with a selected group and a guide. You can travel around Rethymno independently either by rented car or by public transport.

Car rental in Rethymno will cost from 30 euros per day, while the cost of gasoline is paid separately.

Regular buses from Rethymno to other resorts usually run according to a schedule, which can be found at bus stops and at ticket offices. The cost of a bus ticket for short distances ranges from 3 to 5 euros, depending on the direction of travel. By the way, the ticket is paid at special ticket offices near public transport stops.

The charming city of Rethymno is lost on the island of Crete between Heraklion and Chania. Its unique architecture, romantic narrow streets, carved window frames, Venetian portals and the ancient port, along with the majestic Fortezza fortress on the waterfront, attract tourists from all over the world...

Rethymno - the most picturesque city of Crete

Every year thousands of artists, poets, and photographers come here for inspiration, and the city, following the latest trends, is constantly developing, turning into a modern metropolis. However, the tourism industry has not hidden the appearance of an ancient city that carefully preserves its unique history.

The Old City is a kind of open-air museum. Exquisite medieval architecture, magnificent Venetian-style churches, Catholic churches and mosques, incredible fountains harmoniously combine with rural landscapes and untouched nature. It is noteworthy that the historical center of the city is closed to cars; numerous tourists wander around the pedestrian zone, admiring the unique beauty and enjoying the leisurely life of Rethymnon.

Although for many Rethymno is a place for exciting adventures, the surrounding resort villages are very quiet and secluded - an excellent choice for a family holiday. Endless sandy beaches give way to fertile valleys, and majestic cliffs can be seen far on the horizon - every day spent here, you will discover the city from a new side...

From the history of the city of Rethymno

Judging by the finds made in the Rethymno area, it can be judged that a settlement existed here in Neolithic times and the Late Minoan period. As for the exact location of the city of Rithymno, unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to determine it.

However, archaeological finds on Arkadiou Street, along with Venetian records, indicate that Rithymno existed on the site of the modern city. If we turn to the found coins dating back to the 4th-3rd centuries. BC, then we can confirm not only the existence of the ancient city of Rithymna, but also its importance among other cities. It had its own self-government, the head of Apollo or Athena was depicted on the coins, on the other hand there were maritime symbols indicating trade relations with the Mediterranean.

Later, at the end of the 3rd century BC. Rethymnon began to fade, turning into a small village. In 1210, the city flourished due to the onset of the period of Venetian domination. The Venetians built walls around the city, the port of Mandraki, and the Fortezza fortress to protect against surprise attacks. In 1307, the city of Rethymnon became the third largest city on the island.

During the time of Turkish rule, the city continued to flourish, at which time the coastline was gradually developed. To build a beautiful mosque on the square, Neraj even had to demolish part of the city. Everyone could leave the captured city by going to Khandak. However, Turkish culture was imposed on the rest of the residents, which caused discontent among the local population.

Only after the island gained independence, joining Greece in 1913, did Rethymno begin to recover. However, already in 1941, Rethymno again became a center of resistance. After the liberation of Greece from the Germans, the island experienced a civil war; after joining NATO in 1952, tourism finally began to develop here. Later, the first hotels were built and beaches were equipped. Rethymnon blossoms, acquiring its unique appearance, which has survived to this day...

Attractions Rethymnon

One of the main attractions of Rethymno is, of course, the Venetian fortress (Fortezza), which has been perfectly preserved to this day. From here you can enjoy incomparable views of the endless sea, the city and the Ida mountain range. The building, built in 1573-1590, was conceived as a center for the fight against pirates; the fortress included four bastions, in addition, it consisted of three Flashes.

On the territory there were warehouses, along with a house of advisers, a house of the rector, the Bishop's Palace, barracks for the garrison, churches and an open theater. After the capture of the fortress by the Turks, a large domed mosque was built here. It is believed that this is the largest fortress ever built by the Venetians. Today anyone can walk around the fortress territory. Tourists are attracted by this place with its advantageous location - this is where the most wonderful shots are taken!

Opposite the main gate of Fortezza is a building with an amazing history - the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, founded in 1887. There are exhibits from the Early Minoan, Middle Minoan, Late Minoan, Archaic, Geometric, Classical, and Roman eras. Among the exhibits are the following: the famous statuette of the Goddess from Pankalochori along with a bronze statue of a youth, double axes, a seal from Monastiraki, a helmet from the late Minoan era, fine ceramics, etc. One of the most valuable exhibits is considered to be a stele depicting a warrior (6th century BC), as well as a female terracotta figurine from Axos (530 BC), and marble sarcophagi. Entrance costs 3 euros.

The Historical and Ethnographic Museum, located in a 17th-century Venetian mansion, introduces tourists to embroidery tools, ceramic and metal products, weapons, stone products, etc. (more than 5000 exhibits). All exhibitions are located on several floors. Here everyone can get to know better the life, culture, and traditions of the island’s inhabitants.

If we talk about the documentary part of the museum’s exhibition, we will add that it consists of ancient maps along with rare photographs. There is also a so-called special hall dedicated to the island's agriculture. Tourists are interested not only in the exhibition compositions, but also in the museum building itself, which is an outstanding monument of Venetian architecture.

If you want to explore the underground life of the island, look into its “heart”, then go to the Idea Cave, located in the mountains of the island at an altitude of 1500 m. The plot of the ancient Greek myth about Zeus is connected with this cave - a mother hid her son underground, saving him from a bloodthirsty father. In ancient times, worship ceremonies were held here; modern archaeologists have recovered the following finds: jewelry, household utensils, etc. Currently, the exhibits are being demonstrated at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Despite the fact that an abandoned road leads to the cave, visitors can walk down along wooden walkways and convenient stairs, however, there is no additional lighting. Entrance to the cave costs 5 euros.

An amazing architectural monument dating back to the 16th century, the Venetian Loggia is a small, elegant structure with three arched facades that attracts tourists from all over the world. The front façade serves as the entrance, while the rear façade is blank; on the western façade there are several medieval gargoyles.

Initially, this structure was erected for the purpose of meetings and recreation for the city’s nobility. However, later, after a minaret was added to the loggia during Ottoman rule, it turned into a mosque. Subsequently, the building was returned to secular status, and the superstructures were mercilessly destroyed.

Without a doubt, the Rimondi Fountain is also worth a visit in Rethymnon, which includes three mouths made in the form of lion heads, from which water flows into several reservoirs. Columns with flutes, in turn, rise powerfully above the reservoirs. The famous fountain is located on Platanou Square. Interestingly, according to ancient legends, an older fountain from 1588 was previously located here. At that time, fountains were worth their weight in gold, as they provided the population with drinking water.

Despite the fact that after the capture of the city by the Turks, the fountain was surrounded by a wall and the dome was completed, the innovations could not be preserved. But to this day, in its center there is the governor’s coat of arms and the inscription in Latin - “Generous Source”. Next to the functioning fountain, the doors of the cafeteria are open for tourists.

The real national shrine of the island is the Arkadi Monastery, it was here that the monks, besieged by the Turks, were forced to blow up the gunpowder along with them. Of interest is not only the memorial, but also a small church built in the 16th century in honor of St. Constantine, along with a museum in memory of the defenders of the Orthodox faith. The monastery is located 23 km from Rethymno, in the mountains. As for the area, the territory of the complex occupies 5200 sq.m. Currently, the most beautiful gardens have been planted here, where it is so pleasant to walk and take great pictures!

Did you know that the monastery played a significant role in the history of the island?! It was here that in the 19th century the revolutionary headquarters for the liberation of Crete from the rule of the Ottoman Empire was formed!

The visiting card of the city - the lighthouse in the Venetian harbor, which defines the end of the port and the beginning of the beaches, has a curious history, which is associated with the eternal dispute: who built this structure. And this is still unknown. Perhaps it was the Venetians who built the Venetian harbor, or the Turks, or perhaps, most likely, the Egyptians built it.

The Neratzes Mosque was previously a church; by the will of Ghazi Hussein, who captured the island, it was turned into a mosque. The reconstructed building received three domes and a minaret of impressive height with several stone balconies intended for prayers. After Crete was liberated, the mosque was again converted into a Christian church, however, it was not intended to be used for worship. Currently there is a conservatory here.

An incredibly beautiful monument, built in 1540-1570, is the Guora Gate. They were the main entrance to the city, in addition, they were part of the defensive wall, leading to the central part of the medieval quarters, where the main public buildings were located. During the Turkish rule, a minaret was added to the Guora Gate, however, the structure and sculptural decoration have not survived to this day. Today the gate represents the only surviving fragment of the fortress line.

Preveli is a place that attracts travelers, a monastery founded in 1594. It is located right next to the Kurtalion River, which, according to legend, arose in the place where St. Nicholas struck the ground with his staff. The building is divided into 2 parts. Kato Preveli is consecrated in honor of John the Baptist, and is currently a tourist area. As for the new part, Piso Preveli, built after the Second World War, is dedicated to St. John the Theologian; tourists are not allowed to enter here. This monument, symbolizing the struggle for independence, also served as a shelter for soldiers. Currently, the monastery houses a miraculous cross, which, according to eyewitnesses, heals eye diseases; in addition, there is a museum displaying ancient church utensils, etc.

Of course, there are many other attractions here; in order to get to know each of them, you should first of all carefully develop a route.

Shops in Rethymno

Shops in the city are found at every step; there is everything you need, from souvenirs to designer clothes from leading fashion designers, to real estate. In addition, here you will find many supermarkets where you can buy any thing, be it clothes or groceries.

Solido Street is a real paradise for shopaholics; it is the shopping artery of the city. Here you can find any item, even the most demanding customers will be satisfied. Of course, you should bring from Crete, first of all, olive oil, which is sold everywhere - you just need to learn how to choose it correctly.

Things to do in Rethymno

Everyone will find entertainment to their liking in Rethymno. For example, you can go to the diving centers - Paradise and Evergreen, recharge your batteries there and get an indescribable experience for life. The local beaches have all the conditions for surfers; in addition, you can practice other beach sports here.

Special cycling tours are suitable for cyclists, and you can also get a thrill by going on a mountain hike. The water park will appeal to families with children; WaterCity, Limnoupolis and Star Beach are located closest to the city. Many hotels in Rethymno have SPA centers; in combination with wellness treatments, they will give you new strength!

Rethymno also has everything necessary for true connoisseurs of nightlife. You definitely won’t get bored in the Fortezza club and Metropolis nightclubs, as well as in the rock cafe located in the city center. Due to the proximity to the sea, everyone can go out to breathe the sea air and gain new strength for the subsequent fun. The music here is varied: R&B, rock, pop, house.

During Maslenitsa, the city hosts the famous Rethymnos Carnival with songs, dances and costume shows, although another celebration traditionally attracts the attention of many tourists - the July wine festival, held in the city garden.

At the end of July, the Renaissance Festival takes place in Rethymnon, which lasts until August. This grand event includes a cultural program and other entertainment related to the Renaissance. Many of them are organized at the Fortezza Theater.

On November 8, Cretans celebrate a national holiday in honor of the anniversary of the “Explosion of the Arcadia Monastery.” On this day, tourists will also enjoy an interesting cultural and entertainment program.

Restaurants in Rethymno

The streets of Rethymno are filled with mouth-watering aromas that exude hearty dishes to suit every taste. As elsewhere in Crete, the portions are very generous, while the cost is minimal. If you prefer to eat on a budget, then it is better to focus on establishments located away from the embankment. At the same time, you will not lose at all in the quality of the dishes; it’s all about the favorable location.

Excellent restaurants, for example, are located on the streets of the old town. At the same time, the prices here are quite reasonable. Visit the popular national cuisine restaurant Pigadi, one of the ten best gastronomic establishments on the island. There is a relaxed atmosphere here; in the evenings the place is almost always completely packed.

The world of Greek cuisine cannot be explored by having lunch in just one cafe; you should enjoy new dishes day after day - fruits, vegetables, olive oil, seafood, cheeses and sweets - this is the basis of Greek cuisine!

For lovers of oriental cuisine, the Noodle Bar restaurant will be a real find, where you can enjoy exquisite Chinese food. As for the Pagliaccio restaurant, connoisseurs of Italian cuisine should go here.
The Castelvecchio restaurant is one of the most popular establishments in the city; it serves Mediterranean and Greek cuisine; try moussaka, stifado or other national dishes, and you will certainly become a regular customer! Don’t forget about the traditional Greek salad, which is prepared in a special way in each establishment.
The average check for a set lunch is 15 euros. You can enjoy home-made drinks by paying about 10 euros more. Leaving a tip is not at all necessary, but highly recommended (10% of the order amount).

Around the city of Rethymnon there are many sandy beaches where all conditions are created for a comfortable stay for tourists. It is noteworthy that the coast of Rethymno is considered one of the best on the island.

Rethymno Beach is a city beach where a lot of people usually gather. The place is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas along with changing cabins, toilets, showers. In addition, you can dine here and also rent accommodation.

Agios Pavlos is located in the south of the Rethymnon region, we are talking about a quiet bay with an azure sea. There are not only numerous taverns, but also small hotels and parking. Anyone can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as equipment for water sports.
Gerani is located 6 km from the town of Rethymnon. It is also equipped with everything you need for a great holiday; you can spend the night in hotels nearby. Be carefull! Here you can find sea urchins.
Coombes is located 3 km from the city, there are changing cabins, showers, sun loungers and umbrellas, and it is possible to rent apartments. Due to the wide coastline and proximity to the city, the beach is very popular among tourists.
Piyanos Kambos with small pebbles is located further, 9 km from the city, but there are many hotels here, and the undoubted advantage of this place is the almost constant absence of people.
Adelianos Kambos is located 7.5 km from Rethymno, it is equipped with everything you need - umbrellas and sun loungers, changing cabins and toilets. Due to the numerous beach bars, it is usually crowded here; this place is especially popular among young people.

How to get to the city of Rethymno?

You can sail to Rethymno from Athens by ferry; buses run from many major cities of the island; there is no airport in the city. You can fly to Chania or Heraklion, which have their own airports, and then drive to Rethymnon. The journey from both cities is approximately the same - about two hours by bus, the interval between buses is 2 hours, but by car you can get there in an hour.

Rethymnon is a city of contrasts; of course, in order to learn its history, you should stay here for at least 3 days. During this time, you will be able to visit noisy cafes and secluded beaches, as well as visit the picturesque embankment, where diligent fishermen are sorting out their gear, feel the atmosphere of nightlife in one of the popular clubs, of course, enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the city, and appreciate all of it. attractions!

useful links

Hotels in Rethymnon: booking and reviews

Hotels on Crete: reviews and booking