Rethymno Crete: 8 highlights of the beautiful city

On the northwest coast of Crete, between Heraklion and Chania, lies the third largest city on the island with about 32,500 inhabitants. Rethymno, also known as Rethymnon, has retained its original character to this day thanks to its historic old town and picturesque old harbour with a lighthouse.

Numerous buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman periods bear witness to an eventful past and today form an interesting architectural mix that can be discovered on a tour.

Enclosed we take you through the charming alleys of the Old Town and show you our eight highlights of Rethymno.

#1 Fortezza: City panorama from the Kastro

In the north of the old town is the Venetian fortress Fortezza, from which we start our tour. You can park your vehicle directly below the Kastro in paid parking spaces and then walk directly to the entrance via Katehaki Street.

Through the large castle gate you get inside the fortress. Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the 16th century in an exposed position on the Paleokastro hill. The Acropolis of the ancient city of Rithymna was once located here.

On the spacious grounds, in addition to the massive fortress walls and their bastions, you can see the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque on the highest point of the castle. You will also pass an armoury, an open-air theatre and the chapel of Agios Theodoros on a walking tour.

To the east of the fortress you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city of Rethymno. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere at the Fortezza Kastro is very atmospheric.

• Opening hours Fortezza Rethymo: daily 8 a.m. – 7:15 p.m., 5 € admission

#2 Old Venetian Harbor and Lighthouse

From the Fortezza fortress we continue our city tour north along the coastal road. Arriving at the old Venetian harbor, we walk directly over a narrow footbridge to the Lighthouse of Rethymno, the city’s landmark.

With a height of about 9 m, it is the second largest lighthouse on Crete and was built in 1830 in Ottoman times under Egyptian occupation. From here you have a beautiful view of the harbor pier with its colorful fishing boats and pastel-colored houses in the background.

The rather high-priced taverns directly at the harbor specialize in fish and seafood and sometimes advertise a little more intrusively for guests. Directly behind the harbour begins the long promenade El. Venizelou, where cheaper restaurants and bars have settled.

From the old harbour you walk along the Eleftheria Venizelou waterfront through a magnificent palm tree avenue (Marina Beach Park) to the city beach of Rethymno. There is a Miami vibe in the Cretan air at this place.

The first beach at the harbour may not be entered in summer, as the endangered sea turtle Caretta Caretta temporarily lays its eggs here. There is also an Archelon kiosk on site, which cares for the sea turtles Caretta caretta (Look: Zakynthos turtles) for animal welfare purposes.

#3 Rimondi fountain in the alleys of the old town

Behind the old harbour we make our way over the Arkadiou Street into the labyrinth of alleys of the old town, which is largely completely traffic-calmed.

At the Venetian Loggia, which today houses a replica museum for ancient finds, we turn into Paleologou Street. The lively alley leads past numerous shops to the Meli ice cream parlor.

We pass some buildings from the Ottoman period, notable for their striking architecture, on the way to Platano Square, where we find the Rimondi fountain.

The old Fountain was built in 1626 by the Venetian mayor Rimondi. It features Venetian lion heads, Corinthian columns and water basins and was used to supply the town’s residents with water.

Later, the Ottomans covered the fountain with a dome, but it is no longer preserved. It doesn’t bubble out of the fountain every day, but the Rimondi Fountain is a nice photo motif even without water.

Via the alley Arambatzoglou with its many jewelry shops and boutiques we reach the heart of the old town and after a few meters we suddenly stand in front of a bright white church.

The Angelon Church, also Lady of the Angels or Mikri Panagia, is a real eye-catcher in the historic sea of houses. The Orthodox church is dedicated to the Mother of God and was built in Venetian times around the 16th century. It has since been converted into a mosque under Ottoman occupation.

#4 Filo pastry: Sweet bites from Rethymno

Not far from the Angelon Church, in Emmanoil Vernardoy Alley, is the Handmade Traditional Philo Workshop of the Hatziparakos family situated.

In the old Venetian bakery, the finest dishes like Baklava (pastries pickled in honey) and kataifi (pastries made from dough threads), are still made by hand in the traditional way. The basis of the sweet appetizers is the so-called filo pastry, a wafer-thin puff pastry.

Father Giorgos is almost 90 years old and the last master in the production of filo pastry. He sits tirelessly at his nostalgic baking machines and produces the dough threads.

If you’re lucky and come at the right time, you can witness him toss the wafer-thin filo pastry like a balloon onto a large table to dry. His son Paraskevas helps in the production and sale of the sweet pieces, which can be purchased locally.

#5 Neratze Mosque and Mikrasiaton Square

We continue our tour southeast of the filo pastry workshop into the picturesque maze of alleys of the old town. Numerous photo motifs await you in the midst of flower-covered house facades. After a few minutes we reach Mikrasiaton Square with its massive Neratze Mosque.

The Mikrasiaton Square is the largest square in the historic center of Rethymno and housed the refugees from Asia Minor during the time of the population exchange of 1923. A monument commemorates the fateful event.

The church on the square with its three domes changed its religious affiliation several times. The Catholic church of Santa Maria was constructed in Venetian times (13th–17th centuries).

In the 17th century, the Ottomans converted the church into a mosque and added the minaret around 1890, which is still preserved today. The Neratze Mosque is now used for events and is unfortunately not accessible to visitors.

#6 Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

To the south of Mikrasiaton Square, you will reach the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno through an old city gate. In one room, finds from the area around Rethymno from Neolithic to Roman times are exhibited.

The small museum is particularly worth a visit for history enthusiasts who are also exploring the region’s archaeological sites, such as the Minoan cemetery of Armeni, ancient Eleftherna, and Lappa (Argyroupolis).

• Opening hours Museum Rethymno: Wed-Mon 9 am-5 pm, 5 € admission

Shopping in Rethymno

We continue our city tour to the south. Along Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, numerous shops and boutiques invite you to shop. Lovers of Greek leather sandals should stopp at “Klimatsakis Sandals”. Since 1970, stylish sandals and other leather goods have been manufactured here at fair prices.

If you have an appetite for a snack after all that wandering through the pretty shops, then just take a look at the Family bakery »earth flavors« (Gaia’s Gefseis), it is only a few meters further south. From sandwiches to filled dumplings to pizza corners, there are all kinds of delicious appetizers on the go.

#7 Lyre sounds in the city park

Through the old Fortress gate Porta Guora we leave the old town and reach the city park of Rethymno via the small Platia »Tessaron Martiron« including the oversized church (Church Of Four Martyrs). The new town starts behind it.

Friends of Cretan sounds and hobby musicians can visit the small Lyre Manufactory of the Papalexakis family. The ancient lyre has existed since 8,000 BC, today the Cretan lyre is considered the national instrument. Their psychedelic sounds are very distinctive. The rustic workshop is located just a few meters west of the Platia.

All musical instruments from lyre to bouzouki are handmade by Nikos and his family. A small bouzouki is available from as little as €120. A little south of the city park there is even a Lyra Museum (Cretan Lyra Workshop – Stagakis), which offers a deeper insight into Cretan music culture.

The Municipal Park of Rethymno with its numerous seating areas invites you to take a short breather on your tour. Café Le Jardin, right next to the park’s fountain, is a wonderful place to linger. For the little ones, there is also a nice playground in the green area to romp around.

#8 Swimming break at Rethymno Beach

East of the center, just behind the marina, is Rethymno Beach, which is one of the most popular Crete Beaches. The 13 km long city beach is fine sand, very wide and rarely overcrowded even in the high season due to its spaciousness.

There are numerous beach bars and taverns on site that provide umbrellas and sunbeds. Due to its shallow shore area, Rethymnon Beach is also suitable for families with small children.

Other beautiful beaches near Rethymno

Platanes Beach

Wide sandy-pebble beach about 5 km from Rethymno. Some beach bars and beach restaurants offer umbrellas and loungers. In the places that are not operated, there is sometimes some seaweed.

Gerani Beach

Beach of colorful pebbles in front of a striking rocky cliff, about 10 minutes west of Rethymno. Popular with Greek seniors, as small fish nibble on their feet. Above the beach there is a St. Mary’s Church and a restaurant.

Episkopi Beach

Long mostly unoperated sandy beach, but made of pebbles by the sea. Popular with locals. The shore area drops deeply. In some sections, bars and beach taverns rent umbrellas. Our recommendation: Kantina Summer!

Guided tours in Rethymnon

Since Rethymno is quite centrally located between Chania and Heraklion and the distances to the south of Crete are short, numerous tours are offered in and around Rethymno. Highlights are excursions to Preveli or Matala, as well as a sailing or catamaran trips along the coast of Rethymno. On GetYourGuide* you can find out about the excursions and book directly if necessary:

➲ To the excursion to Preveli*

➲ To the catamaran trip incl. lunch*

➲ To the excursion to Spili and Matala*

Rethymno Round Trip by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The 90-minute hop-on hop-off bus ride is a great way to explore more of Rethymno and the hinterland without having to drive a rental car. Magnificent views of the bay of Rethymnon open up again and again.

With the red buses from Retyhmno you can reach many highlights of the surrounding area (including Myli Gorge and Agia Irini Monastery). A total of 13 stops will be served. The ticket stalls are distributed throughout the city centre. More information about the Rethymno Hop On Hop Off buses are available here: CityTour

#7 Hotels & restaurants in Rethymno

As soon as the many day tourists have left the city, peace returns to the alleys. In the many bars and restaurants you can end the evening comfortably. If you spend a few days in Rethymno, you may succumb to the charm of the third largest city.

East of the city are the suburbs of Perivolia, Missiria and Platanes. Numerous hotels of all price ranges have settled on the beautiful sandy beach, and in between there are beach bars, restaurants and shops for daily needs. These holiday resorts near Rethymno are ideal for a Crete beach holiday.

Where to stay in Rethymnon City

Rimondi Boutique Hotel

Probably the most famous hotel of Rethymno in the heart of the old town. Elegant rooms, friendly staff and a lovingly designed courtyard with a small pool. Cheap offers and booking on Booking.com*:

➲ To book from Rimondi Boutique Hotel*

Casa Moazzo Suites & Apartments

Aparthotel with spacious rooms in a quiet old town alley. Warm hosts and rich breakfast at good value for money.

➲ Book Casa Moazzo Suites (Booking.com)*

Ikones Seafront Luxury Suites

Modern and stylish complex with spacious suites above the waterfront of Perivolia. Extensive service and fantastic views of the sea.

➲ To book Ikones Seafront (Holidaycheck)*

Grecotel Creta Palace

Exceptional 5-star hotel on the seafront about 5 km outside the city in the resort of Platanes. Beautiful pool area and palm tree lined grounds. More information and booking via Holidaycheck*:

➲ Book Grecotel Creta Palace*

Restaurant recommendations for Rethymno

Rethymno has a wide range of traditional Greek taverns and international restaurants. At the Venetian harbor, some restaurant owners are quite intrusive and the prices are very high. It is advisable to check the reviews on TripAdvisor or Google in advance, otherwise you could fall into a bad tourist trap in Rethymno.

Barrio The Neighbourhood Cafe

Cozy café near the city park. Delicious breakfast creations, as well as burgers and salads. Extremely friendly staff and great value for money.

Hasika

Fine dining restaurant on Agia Varvaras street. Original draped dishes and delicious flavors. Open kitchen and good selection of Cretan wines.

Raki Ba Raki

Stylishly furnished modern mezedopoleio in the heart of the old town. You sit comfortably along the alley. Creative Mediterranean cuisine, friendly but restrained service.

Nyn & Aei

Cozy tavern in the Trane Bouniali alley. Traditional home cooking at very fair prices. Different meze plates make the selection easier. Warm hostess!

#9 Places of interest in the region

The region of Rethymno is among Chania and Heraklion, one of the most popular holiday regions of Crete. In the hinterland you can expect some Crete highlights that you should not miss.

In one of the traditional mountain villages such as Maroulas, Chromonastiri, Roustika or Goulediana, it’s worth stopping off at one of the rustic taverns. Here you can enjoy tasty Greek cuisine far away from the tourist crowds.

Myli Gorge Hike (Mill Valley)

The Myli Gorge, also known as the “Valley of the Mills” or Mill Valley of Crete, is located about 7 km south of Rethymno. Several entrances to the gorge allow hiking for almost every age group or fitness level. You can start a short hike above the Myle café snack bar.

The charm of the Myli Gorge lies in the lush green nature and the numerous old water mills (Greek: Neromyli). In between, you will always come across small chapels and caves. After the hike, it is worth taking a detour to the quaint village of Chromonastiri (tip: To Lemonaki Mou Café) above the gorge.

Visit to Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi is considered by the Cretans to be the most important monastery on the island and the holy place is one of the most popular Crete Attractions, too. In 1866, many people tragically lost their lives here, blowing themselves up in the powder magazine out of fear of the Ottomans.

The monastery is open daily, the main church and individual cells can be entered. Arkadi is well connected to the ancient site of Eleftherna and the pottery village of Margarites.

Margarites in particular, with its pretty ceramic shops (recommendation: Kerameion), is worthwhile for those looking for an original island souvenir.

Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni

Just 10 minutes from Rethymno is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete: the Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni. Visiting the more than 200 graves embedded in an oak forest, which date back to the 13th century BC, is an enjoyable experience. There are also numerous information boards providing details about the site.

The highlight is the royal tomb, which you descend into several metres underground. The finds from the burial chambers are exhibited in the museums of Rethymno and Chania.

Excursion to Argiroupoli (Ancient Lappa)

A trip to the mountain village of Argiroupoli should not be missed during a stay near Rethymno. The water-rich village, which is well worth seeing, offers several sights. This was once the location of the important ancient city of Lappa, which existed until Byzantine times.

You can explore some of the remains, including impressive rock tombs, east of Argyroupoli (Ancient Lappa). At the course of the river there is a huge plane tree in an idyllic grove; a true place of power that is often the scene of events of all kinds.

On the western outskirts of the village you can convince yourself of the abundance of water in the region, here it bubbles out of the mountain several times (Green Oasis). One spring even rises in a rock chapel.

After sightseeing in the area, it’s worth taking a break and strolling through Argyroupoli. Ancient building elements such as marble columns were incorporated into several buildings.

Delicious coffee and a delicious avocado shake are available at the Bistro Cafe by Dimitris. High-quality products (especially care and cosmetics) made from avocados from the island of Crete, can be found next door in the Lappa Avocado Shop. If you want, you can also join a guided quad or jeep safari in the hinterland of Rethymno and visit Argyroupoli, bookable via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the organized quad tour*

#10 Arrival by rental car and bus

You can easily reach Rethymno by rental car via the Island Highway of Crete. Coming from Heraklion, take the Kapetan Giorgi exit (suburb of Missiria) and follow Marko Portaliou street for the last 10 minutes to the city center. In the morning, heavy traffic is to be expected here.

Distances to Rethymno

› Chania – Rethymno: 64 km (1 h)

› Heraklion – Rethymno: 80 km (1.5 h)

› Ag. Nikolaos – Rethymno 140 km (2 h)

› Ierapetra – Rethymno: 175 km (2.5 h)

› Sitia – Rethymno: 205 km (3 h)

Alternatively, you can take the exit at the junction to Agia Galini. Then you can enter the city from the north, where a great view of Rethymno awaits you. If you are travelling from Chania, you can turn off in the suburb of Panorama at the LIDL to the city centre (Kentro). You can book a suitable vehicle for exploring Rethymno and the surrounding area via Discover Cars*:

➲ Book your rental car here*

What is the parking situation in Rethymnon?

The traffic situation in Rethymno is not quite as chaotic as in Chania or Heraklion. Numerous one-way streets and a fairly extensive road network usually prevent traffic chaos. Free parking places near the old town are numerous, including at the harbour (Port Parking).

The old town is only accessible to delivery traffic. Around the Fortezza Kastro, a road leads around the city center. Free municipal parking is rare, but private parking is quite cheap (from €1.70/hour). You can find all the places via the Google search query “Rethymno Parking”.

Is there a public bus to Rethymno?

The bus station of Rethymno (Central Bus Station of Rethymno) is located in the east of the city, about 5 minutes from the city park and the old town. The bus company KTEL Chania-Rethymno reliably connects the two cities and the surrounding towns.

Holidaymakers from the east of Crete have to change trains in Heraklion and then continue with KTEL Irakleio to Rethymno. The journey time from Heraklion by bus is a little less than two hours.

→ Current bus timetables and routes can be viewed at: KTEL Chania-Rethymno

More articles and numerous travel tips about the island of Crete can be found here:

• Island of Crete – Guidebook
• Crete Resorts
• Crete Highlights
• Best Crete Hotels
• Crete Excursions

FAQ about Rethymnon Town

Which town is more beautiful, Chania or Rethymnon?

Both towns in Crete have their charm. Chania is larger, livelier, and has the more impressive harbor, but it is also more chaotic and has more traffic. Rethymno is smaller, more authentic, more relaxed, and has a better traffic situation. Chania is more impressive for a one or two-day visit, while Rethymno is much more comfortable for a longer stay. We particularly like the quiet atmosphere in Rethymno after sunset, when the day trippers have left.

Does Rethymno have a beach?

Yes, Rethymno Beach is miles long, sandy, very wide, and well organized. The further east you go, the quieter the beach becomes. The shore is shallow, making it ideal for families. There are numerous beach bars and taverns, as well as umbrellas and sun loungers. Please note: the first section of the beach at the harbor is off-limits, as Caretta turtles lay their eggs here.

What are the must-see sights in Rethymno?

Worth seeing are the Venetian fortress Fortezza with its panoramic view of the city, the old Venetian harbor with its lighthouse, the Rimondi fountain with three lion heads, the Neratze Mosque, and the sleepy alleys of the old town. You should definitely try the filo pastry sweets. In the evening, it’s worth taking a stroll through the palm-lined avenue of Marina Beach Park.

How far is Rethymno from the airport?

It is 80 km (1.5 hours) from Heraklion Airport via the island highway and 64 km (1 hour) from Chania Airport. Rethymno is therefore fairly centrally located between the two cities and airports on the north coast. The bus journey from Heraklion takes just under two hours, and slightly less from Chania. The bus connections with the KTEL companies are reliable and inexpensive.

Where can you park in Rethymno?

There are numerous parking spaces near the old town, including at the harbor (Port Parking) and around the Fortezza. The old town itself is only accessible to delivery vehicles. Free municipal parking spaces are rare. Private parking spaces cost from €1.70 per hour. You can find them by entering “Rethymno Parking” in Google Maps. It’s best to check the reviews beforehand for prices. The traffic situation is not as chaotic as in Chania or Heraklion.

What excursions are worth taking from Rethymno?

We recommend the Myli Gorge (mill valley with old water mills, seven kilometers south), Arkadi Monastery (the most important monastery in Crete), Argyroupoli with ancient ruins and springs, the Late Minoan cemetery Armeni (200 graves, including an accessible royal tomb!), and the pottery village Margarites. Trips to Preveli (45 minutes) or Matala (one and a half hours) are also popular. The region around Rethymno is therefore very suitable for day trips.

How many days should you plan for Rethymno?

One to two days are enough for the old town of Rethymnon, but three to four days are better if you also want to visit the beach and take trips into the hinterland. If you are staying in one of the suburbs such as Perivolia, Missiria, or Platanes on the beach, five to seven days are ideal for combining a beach vacation with culture and excursions. An overnight stay in the old town is definitely worthwhile for couples, as the evening atmosphere is magical and the crowds are long gone.

Bookmark this post on Pinterest!