Best Rethymno Things to Do, Attractions & Festivals

The exterior front side and main entrance of the main church of the Monastery of Arkadi.

distant ≈ 21.5km

#1

Monastery of Arkadi

In 1866, besieged citizens and fighters here set their gunpowder reserves on fire taking their own lives and many of their besiegers.

The guiding path inside the Sfendoni Cave of Zoniana in Crete.

photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0

distant ≈ 47.4km

#2

Sfendoni Cave

Zoniana

This UNESCO geopark cave with all its stalactites and stalagmites will take you for a moment in a magic underworld.

A beautiful natural Mediterranean landscape with bushes and a few trees at Imbros Gorge, Crete.

photo: Aivin Gast / CC BY-SA 4.0

distant ≈ 42.8km

needs caution

#3

Imbros Gorge

A gorge with goats, fantastic views, and peacefulness. Bring good shoes and get prepared - it's about 3 hours long. Two taverns on the finish line.

The inner yard and the buildings of the Piso Moni in Preveli on the island of Crete.

photo: Ghmyrtle at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

distant ≈ 33.3km

#4

Piso Preveli Monastery

Visiting Kourtaliotis Gorge, the palm forest, and this monastery can be combined in one tour. Enjoy the icons' collection and the spectacular views.

A panoramic picture of the interior of the Melidoni Cave on the island of Crete.

photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0

distant ≈ 32.2km

#5

Melidoni (Gerontospilios) Cave

Visit this Minoan place of worship for 30' of awe and quietness, and to cool off from the hot day outside. But this cave has a horrific history...

The Lighthouse of Rethymno at the old port of Rethymno with a part of the city in the background.

photo: Pavel Špindler / CC BY 3.0

#1

Lighthouse of Rethymno

Constructed in 1830 by Egyptians, who were briefly given control over the island by the Ottomans, this lighthouse is 9 meters tall.

A part of the Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno including the coastal cafeterias and restaurants.

photo: Ioannis Nerantzis / CC BY 2.0

#2

Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno

Founded by Venetians in the 13th century, it is together with the lighthouse a much-photographed spot. The walk is full of beautiful images.

The well-preserved walls of the fortification of the Citadel (Castle) Fortezza in Rethymno.

photo: Ania Mendrek / CC BY-ND 2.0

#3

Venetian Castle Fortezza

Founded by the Venetians in 1573, it stands atop a hill. It has magnificent panoramic views and music nights under the stars.

Actors on the stage during a performance of the Renaissance Festival of Rethymno on Crete.

photo: Municipality of Rethymno

Rethymno Renaissance Festival

Annual festival with events hosted in Fortezza of Rethymno, dedicated to Renaissance and the spiritual influence of the Venetian rule.

photo: Ρεθεμνιώτικο Καρναβάλι

Rethymno Carnival

It takes place between February and March since 1901 and fills the street with joy and and sorts of weird creatures and fun-loving people.

A larnax (a container for human remains) from the Minoan Period is an artifact of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.

photo: Zde / CC BY-SA 4.0

#1

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

Housed in the Venetian church of St Francis, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno hosts nearly 1000 artifacts from Stone Age to 17th AD.

The house of the famous Greek singer Nikos Ksilouris in the village of Anogia on the island of Crete.

photo: Helentr / CC BY-SA 3.0

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distant ≈ 52.8km

Anogia Town

Rethymno

Anogia people are known across Greece for their uncompromising character and hospitality. The house of Cretan singer Xilouris is here.

Rethymno

Rethymno Things to Do