Rethymno, located in a charming region of the island of Crete. With its charming old town, beautiful beaches and rich history, it attracts tourists. The centre of Rethymno is a picturesque old town, full of narrow streets and colourful buildings in Venetian and Ottoman style. You will find many local shops with folk art.
Also worth seeing is the Venetian port with its impressive fortress that once defended the city. For sun and beach lovers, Rethymno offers many beautiful places. Whether you prefer long stretches of golden sand or hidden coves surrounded by cliffs, the coast of Rethymno has a lot to offer. Including great places to sunbathe, swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy water sports.
Rethymno has many attractions to offer. Arkadi Monastery impresses with its architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Preveli Monastery, situated on a hill above the Libyan Sea, impresses with its mystical frescoes and breathtaking views.
The city offers many natural attractions: You can hike through the majestic Samaria Gorge, one of the longest and most spectacular in Europe, and admire its dramatic cliffs and untouched landscapes. You can also visit the mystical Melidoni Cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, or go to the idyllic Lake Kournas.
Rethymno Beach
In Rethymno you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of an endless sandy beach that meets on one side the blue see and on the other the enchanting view of the city. The beach of Rethymno is 12 km long, it starts from the historical city center and extends to the Eastern part of the isle reaching Scaleta. Rethymno beach has fine-grained brilliant light brown sand. Where you can walk barefoot and feel how soft and beautiful it is.
Old Venetian Harbour
The old Egyptian lighthouse stands at the end of a preserved stone sea wall, dominating the area. The 9-meter-high lighthouse, which decorates the old pier in the Venetian Harbor, was built in the 1830s, when Crete was ruled by Egypt.
Venetian Fortress
The mosque was named after Admiral Kara Mustafa Pasha, the commander of the Ottoman fleet during the conquest of Rethymno. The complex, which was renovated in 2006, now houses the Byzantine Antiquities Department, but it is not accessible.
Rimondi Fountain
The fountain was built and named after the Rector (commander) of Rethymno, A. Rimandi and was located in the heart of the city, on today’s Petichaki Square. It consists of three troughs, from which water flows respectively into three lion-head-shaped taps. Four ribbed columns topped with Corinthian capitals support a Latin inscription, while behind the fountain is a small reservoir that supplies water to the taps. Later, during the Turkish occupation, a hemispherical dome was added over the fountain.
Guora gate
The Great Gate (Porta Guora, Megali Porta). It’s one of the few remaining bits of the city’s old fortifications, and it leads into the charming old town. It was named after the governor at the time, Rettore J. Guoro. It is at the start of Antistaseos Street, so it is a great place to start exploring the city.
Venetian Loggia
The Venetian Loggia in Rethimno is one of the best preserved monuments of Renaissance architecture in the city. It was once the place where the local aristocracy met – with an obligatory glass of wine. These meetings were used to discuss current political and financial issues affecting the city.
Neradje Mosque in Rethymno
The Neradje Mosque is one of the most impressive sights in Rethymno Town. Its minaret was built in 1890, and the building also consists of three semicircular domes, presenting elements from the Renaissance and Ottoman architectural styles. Some restoration works have revealed Venetian graves on the floor.
Mosque of Kara Musa Pasha
The Kara Moussa Pasha Mosque in Rethymno is situated at the location where, during the Venetian occupation, the Monastery of Agia Varvara operated. The mosque was named after the admiral of the Turkish forces that occupied Rethymno in 1646.
The mosque follows the Ottoman architectural style known as ‘çeşme’. Adjacent to the main building is the minaret, and within the courtyard, there is a fountain and a monument where the mosque’s founder is buried.
Arkadi Monastery
Nestled in the heart of Crete, Arkadi Monastery stands as a symbol of the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Located approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Rethymnon, this stunning Greek Orthodox monastery is not only an architectural marvel but also a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the Cretan people throughout history. With its breathtaking views, fascinating history, and serene atmosphere, Arkadi Monastery is a must-visit.
Church Of Four Martyrs
The Church of the Four Martyrs, a hidden gem in Rethymno, captivates visitors with its profound beauty and rich history. This charming church, dedicated to the Four Martyrs of the Christian faith, features a stunning façade adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes that narrate biblical stories. The church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural landmarkl.
Church of Our Lady of the Angels
The church of Our Lady of the Angels (“Kyria ton Angelon”). It was built by the Dominican Friars at the end of the Venetian period and dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
The Ottomans converted it into a mosque with the addition of a mihrab (prayer niche) and a minaret. From 1917 onwards it has been a Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels. Locals of Rethymnon also call it the “Mikri Panagia” (Little Virgin Mary), to distinguish it from the main Cathedral of the Panagia.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
The temporary exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is housed in the catholicon of the monastery of Agios Fragiskos (St. Francis), a monument of the 16th century. It hosts characteristic antiquities from various sites around the Prefecture of Rethymno dating back to a period spanning from the Paleolithic era to the times of the Venetian occupation. They shed light upon the fascinating archaeological wealth of the region.
Municipal Garden
This is a beautiful botanical garden with lots of mature specimens that are well tended and labeled. Dappled shade. A lovely calm place to relax. The buzzing of the insects high up in the tree canopy is amazing! The garden has wide, level paths and benches. There is a cafe in the middle that is not wheelchair accessible.
