AI generatedRethymno
Greece · Crete · 10 m
Short description of Rethymno
Rethymno (Ρέθυμνο) is a port city on the north coast of Crete, midway between Chania and Heraklion. Its old town is a dense mix of Venetian and Ottoman heritage. Narrow lanes lead past Venetian doorways, wooden Ottoman balconies, fountains and minarets. Above it all rises the Fortezza, a large Venetian fortress of the 16th century on a headland by the sea.
In the old town stand the Rimondi Fountain, the Venetian Loggia and the Neratze Mosque with its tall minaret. The small Venetian harbour with its lighthouse is lined with fish tavernas, and a long sandy beach stretches east of the town. The Archaeological Museum and the Historical and Folklore Museum present the region's past. Inland lies Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of the Cretan struggle for freedom. Beyond it are the pottery village of Margarites, Ancient Eleutherna with its museum and the Melidoni Cave. To the south, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge leads towards Preveli Beach and its palm grove.
A campus of the University of Crete gives the town a lively, young feel. Rethymno is known for Cretan cooking, raki and rakomelo. It is reached by road from the airports of Chania and Heraklion.
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Recommended length of stay
Travel seasons at a glance
Best time to visit: April – June or September – October
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All highlights and sightsBeta
- Rethymno Venetian-Ottoman Old Town
- Fortezza of Rethymno
- Rethymno Old Harbour & Lighthouse
- Rethymno Beach & promenade
- Arkadi Monastery(Day trip)
- Preveli Beach & palm forest(Day trip)
- Rimondi Fountain
- Neratze Mosque
- Kourtaliotiko Gorge(Day trip)
- Melidoni Cave(Day trip)
- Loggia of Rethymno
- Margarites pottery village(Day trip)
- Rethymno Municipal Garden
- Ancient Eleutherna(Day trip)
- Museum of Ancient Eleutherna(Day trip)
- Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
- Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno
- Cretan cuisine
- Rakomelo & raki tasting