{"id":54001,"date":"2025-09-15T11:32:25","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T09:32:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=54001"},"modified":"2026-09-04T15:35:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T13:35:46","slug":"rethymno-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/rethymno-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"Rethymno Crete: 10 Tips for the Old Town and Venetian Harbour"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the northwest coast of Crete, between Heraklion and Chania, lies the third largest city on the island with about 32,500 inhabitants. Rethymno<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Rethymno or Chania? For years, the two towns have argued over the title of Crete’s most beautiful town. If you found Chania too hectic, you’ll feel more at home in Rethymno.
\nTom & Ella<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Rethymo
Welcome to Rethymno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Enclosed we take you through the charming alleys of the Old Town<\/strong> and show you our eight highlights of Rethymno.<\/p>\n

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#1 Fortezza: City panorama from the Kastro<\/h2>\n

In the north of the old town is the Venetian fortress Fortezza<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong> was once located here.<\/p>\n

\"Fortezza
View from the Fortezza Fortress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the spacious grounds, in addition to the massive fortress walls and their bastions, you can see the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Sultan
Inside the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n