Ретимно

In Rethymno, there is no airport. The nearest ones are located in Heraklion (81 km) and Chania (71 km). You can get to the city in several ways:

• From Chania Airport to Rethymno: Take a bus to Chania Bus Station and then transfer to a bus to Rethymno. The ticket will cost around 6 euros, and the journey time is just over an hour with stops.
• From Heraklion Airport to Rethymno: Take a bus to Heraklion Bus Station and then transfer to a bus to Rethymno.

Rethymno is connected by bus service to the resort towns of Crete. Wherever you are vacationing, you can easily reach Rethymno at any time and spend a day or two there.

If you want to save time and avoid transfers, it is better to reach Rethymno from the airport by renting a car. You can also pre-book a transfer - the car will be waiting at the terminal exit.

The city is divided into a new (modern) part and a historical part. Rethymno is quite a large city in terms of area, and you can get around it by city buses. However, if you are only interested in the historical part, neither a bus nor private transport will be needed. Just grab a map and set off to explore the picturesque Old Town, where treasures await at every turn.

In the Old Town, there are signs indicating the nearest landmarks. It's hard to get lost: in the worst case scenario, you can ask locals to show you the direction to the Rethymno port and navigate based on it. It is in the harbor where the streets of the Old Town converge.

In the center of Rethymno, there are many car and bicycle rental companies in case you want to explore the nearby areas.

Having heard about the beauty of the city, travelers come to Rethymno primarily for its history. And even 2-3 days will be not enough to see all its riches. All the most interesting things in Rethymno are concentrated in the Old Town. Dominating over it is the Fortezza Fortress. Finding it is easy: just walk along the waterfront, besides the fortress is visible from different points of the city.

The fortress was built during Venetian times on the hill of Paleokastro, on the site of older fortifications. In the 16th century, 100,000 Cretans were involved in its construction, but in the 17th century, the fortress was eventually captured by the Turks. Today, it is possible to climb to the top of the fortress - from there, a truly mesmerizing view of the sea and the entire city opens up.

The Fortress area is home to many historical buildings: a mosque, a bastion, several chapels, and a museum exhibition. Every summer, the fortress becomes a venue for cultural events.

From the fortress Fortezza to the center of Old Rethymno - only 5-10 minutes on foot. Here is the attraction - Rimondi Fountain, another symbol of the Venetian era. It was built in 1626. The fountain is adorned with heads from which water flows, columns, the Venetian coat of arms, and inscriptions. Cozy open-air cafes operate around the Rimondi fountain.

Not far from the fountain is the Venetian Loggia of the 16th century. Previously, it was a meeting place for noble citizens. Economic and political issues were discussed in the Loggia, and entertainment events were held. After the arrival of the Turks, the building was converted into a mosque. Today, inside there is a souvenir shop of the Archaeological Museum.

By the way, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is also worth visiting. Its findings date back to the period from the Late Neolithic to the Roman period. Helmets, ceramics, jewelry, statuettes, marble statues, architectural elements of temples - all of this has formed an extensive exhibition. Antiquities were found in various corners of the Rethymno region.

One of the most interesting museums in Rethymno is dedicated to the Cretan lyre and the history of the island's main musical instrument. It is located in a workshop. Visitors to the Cretan Lyre Museum can not only see instruments of different types and shapes but also play one of them.

The symbol of Rethymno is the 1830 lighthouse. It can be seen on souvenirs and is just as popular as the Chania lighthouse. The structure reaches a height of 9 m and looks especially impressive in the evening when the lighting is turned on.

In the surroundings of Rethymno, there is no shortage of interesting places to visit, just as in the city itself. Here are some places you can reach within 10-20 minutes:

• Agia Irini Monastery - located 4.5 km from Rethymno. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete and has possibly existed since the 13th century. The monastery houses the miraculous icon of Saint Irini, the relics of Saint Euphemia and Saint Irini. Nearby is a cave that was a monastic hermitage as far back as the 6th century.
• Mili Gorge - a natural oasis located 4 km from Rethymno. In the middle of the gorge is the village of the same name with ruins of ancient mills. Nearby are cave chapels and churches.
• Lake Kournas - the only freshwater lake in Crete, located 23 km from Rethymno. Visitors come here to swim, ride catamarans, feed ducks, climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views, and then have a meal at one of the local taverns.

Rethymno Beach - another attraction of the city. It stretches from the eastern part of the Old Town for several kilometers, merging with the beaches of the nearby resorts: Missiria, Platanias, Adelianos Kampos. On the spacious coast of Rethymno, there are beach bars, cafes, water activities.

Rethymno is one of the liveliest cities in Greece. During the day, you can try almost all water sports here, and at night - stay up late, enjoying your leisure time in taverns and bars.

Active recreation

At the municipal beach of Rethymno, you can spend time not only sunbathing and swimming. Here, yoga classes are held on the sand, there are volleyball courts and gym facilities with a view of the sea. Diving centers operate on the beach, offering special programs for advanced and beginner divers. Dives are organized in small groups.

The water entertainment centers in Rethymno will not let you get bored. You can try parasailing, rent a catamaran or a boat, or go water skiing. Many centers have been operating in the city for 20-30 years and offer special prices for groups and families.

In Rethymno, there are companies that organize one-day tours on small yachts. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax on remote beaches, go fishing, snorkeling, and simply enjoy the expanses of the sea.

For those who understand "active recreation" as actively immersing themselves in the local culture, there are master classes in Rethymno on preparing traditional Cretan dishes and creating ceramic products.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Rethymno has no equal. You can find numerous stores here, both in the modern part where shopping galleries are located, and in the Old Town. In Rethymno, you can buy anything your heart desires: from shoes and clothing from famous brands to traditional souvenirs.

Local stores offer a wide selection of leather and ceramic products from Cretan artisans, natural cosmetics made locally, tableware made from olive wood, jewelry, olive oil, and textiles.

For children

Choosing Rethymno for a family trip is a great decision. There are plenty of options to have a good time with your child and not get bored here. Here are just a few ideas:

• Climb to the top of the Fortress of Fortezza, experiencing an exciting journey into the distant past.
• Rent bicycles for the whole family and ride along the kilometers-long promenade of Rethymno.
• Buy a ticket for the Rethymno City Tour excursion bus and see many sights in a short time.
• Embark on a themed cruise on a ship styled as a pirate vessel.
• Spend time in the recently renovated Municipal Garden. Here, there is a playground and an area with endemic plants of Crete.
• Spend the whole day at the beach - the beach in Rethymno is sandy and clean: just what you need for a family vacation.

Nightlife

Those who crave vibrant experiences after the sun sets simply must appreciate the nighttime in Rethymno. In the evening, numerous clubs and bars in the city center open their doors. The entertainment program is not limited to parties. Often, these establishments host theatrical performances and live shows by Cretan musicians.

Many people especially want to spend the evening in one of the restaurants in the harbor of Rethymno. Here you can enjoy not only local cuisine, but also views of the night city and the lighthouse.

Excursions

Rethymno is a convenient starting point for traveling in all directions of Crete. The city is located in the middle of the island, so the choice of excursions here is wide. From Rethymno, you can visit Chania, Heraklion, the southern (Libyan) coast of the island, Lake Kournas, the Arkadi Monastery, the Samaria Gorge, and the Knossos Palace. You can also take a sea cruise to the island of Santorini, reach the beach of Elafonissi, or the paradise bay of Balos.

Hotels in Rethymno are divided into several categories: there are rental apartments, hostels, cozy boutique hotels in the heart of the Old Town, as well as large seaside hotels just steps away from the sea (both budget and luxurious five-star options).

If you want to enjoy resort life, it's better to stay near the beach. But if history is more to your liking, then city hotels are the way to go, especially since you can reach the shore in just a few minutes.

The price range for accommodation in Rethymno is as wide as the selection of hotels. The minimum price per night is 25 euros, with more expensive options ranging from 44 to 164 euros.

By the way, many hotels in Rethymno are not just a place to stay overnight, but real historical landmarks. They operate in ancient buildings built 100-300 years ago.

In Rethymno, the flavors of Mediterranean, Greek, Cretan, and Eastern cuisines come together, reflecting the rich gastronomic history of the island. The variety of dishes and drinks on the menu is truly impressive. Here are the most popular choices among Rethymno's guests:

• Dakos appetizer made with barley rusk, feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, olive oil, and Cretan herbs.
• Moussaka and Horiatiki salad - Greek classics.
• Spanakopita pie made with filo pastry and spinach.
• Seafood and fish grilled to perfection.
• Apaki pork smoked with mountain herbs.
• Lamb with artichokes and wild greens.
• Traditional drink tsikoudia and Cretan wine, of which the islanders are very proud.

In Rethymno, there are many diverse taverns where you can eat deliciously and be warmly welcomed. That is why getting acquainted with local cuisine is an important aspect of cultural immersion. In addition to traditional establishments, Rethymno also has ice cream cafes, fine dining restaurants, fast food cafes, bakeries, pizzerias, and pastry shops.

• Arriving in Rethymno early in the morning means seeing the Old Town empty. It's an opportunity to calmly wander through the ancient streets, examining the details of local architecture. After all, Rethymno is a city of colorful doors, windows, and inner courtyards. Around 9:00, cafes open, while shops "come to life" closer to 11:00.
• If you want to climb up to the Fortezza fortress, you should prepare: wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, water, and sunscreen - the fortress square is impressive, and the area is exposed to the sun.
• The highest prices for souvenirs are near popular attractions. If you want to save money, it's better to visit several shops and look at the goods before overpaying.
• Rethymno is worth visiting during one of its festivals. For example, in February, a large carnival is held here, and in the autumn, a wine festival.
• Rethymno is famous for its impressive sunsets. So, there's no need to rush and leave the city before the sun sets. The best place to watch the sunsets is the beach or benches along the promenade.