Rethymno

The old town is adorned with Venetian and renaissance architecture and monuments. Top favorite is a walk in the old harbor and local restaurants.

A picture showing a part of the old port of Rethymno.
photo: Miltof / CC BY 2.0

Rethymno Things to Do

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.
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.
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.
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.
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...

Rethymno Attractions

#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.

#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.

#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.

Rethymno Why visit?

  • A town since the 5th century BC.
  • Its ancient name was Rithymna.
  • Its ancient patrons were Appolo and Athena, and today St Barbara.

Rethymno Festivals

Rethymno Renaissance Festival

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

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.

Rethymno Museums

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.

Rethymno Day Trips

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

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