Places to Visit and Things to Do in Rethymno
Of all of the things to do in Crete, a trip to Rethymno is mandatory. I went with my parents a couple of years ago. The city’s architecture, vibe, history and beaches blew our minds, so I came back with my husband.
Rethymno is kind of in the middle of Crete, on its northern shore. Far smaller than Heraklion or Chania, it’s got an Old Town with tones of historic buildings, and a new town, built along a long stretch of beach.
I’ve prepared this post to entice you to visit Rethymno. To me, it’s one of the prettiest towns in Greece. Thus, I’m convinced you will have the time of your life and will come back many times!
Explore the Old Town on Foot
Due to its location, Rethymno has been inhabited for millennia. However, the city’s golden period began with the Venetian Empire. Believe you me, its Old Town is one of the best preserved in Europe.
Take a leisurely walk and admire a plethora of 16th Century buildings, arches, stone gates, aisles, and palaces. Evidently, there are plenty of Byzantine buildings too. After the Venetians, the Ottomans ruled the city.
Buildings from that period dot the city, including two mosques. Rethymno then became Greek. Walk around the Old Town without a plan and you will see and feel these layers of history.
Mingle with the locals at the Rimondi Fountain
Governor Rimondi built this fountain in 1626, using ancient Hellenic pillars. Today, the fountain is where locals come to socialize. The atmosphere is lively, and very Greek.
The fountain is in the center of the Venetian Old Town, on a small square. Look out for the Venetian lions and the Corinthian capitols. During the day, I usually have ice cream at Meli in the corner.
There’s a frozen Greek yogurt place pretty close. At night, I couldn’t resist the cocktails in Hunky Funky Bar. You can also eat in two restaurants directly on the street. Every place on the plaza is top notch!
Admire the Views from the Fortezza
The Venetian Fortress sits proudly on a hill overlooking the coast, in the tip of the Old Town. The 16th Century Fortezza is a sight to behold.
You can access the massive fortress by foot. It’s a short lovely walk. Trust me, though there are trees, it can be too hot during the day, so go in the afternoon. Besides, you will enjoy a killer sunset.
The fortress offers epic views of the sea and the city. Look out for the Ottoman mosque. There are all types of shows and concerts all year round in the fortress, so ask in your hotel.
Visit the Neratze Mosque
The Ottomans built Neratze Mosque over a former Orthodox Church as soon as they conquered the city. However, its elaborate minaret is from 1890. The massive temple is in great shape and gorgeous!
It’s on Mikrasiaton Square, the biggest in the center. Today, the mosque is used for music concerts. We once attended a classical quartet and enjoyed perfect acoustics.
Don’t rush, and hang with the locals on the square. Look out for the Candy Shop mural and the Ottoman high school. The other mosque in the Old Town is Kara Musa Pasha. You can pet the cats that inhabit the ruins!
Relax in the Municipal Garden
The Municipal Garden is the best place to escape the heat. Since it’s full of trees, the temperature is far lower than in the rest of the city.
Besides, the onsite cafe offers cool drinks, and delicious food under the trees. If you have kids, they will love the park’s playground, while you admire the plants from all over the world.
The Cretan Wine Festival happens here for a week every July. You get to taste wine from all over the country. My favorite bookstore is in front of the park. Klapsinakis has tones of books and a very helpful staff.
Visit a Museum or Two
I’m a bit of a museum nerd, so I visit as many as I can wherever I am. Rethymno has two fantastic museums you simply can’t miss.
The Archaeological Museum is inside a former Venetian church. Go inside and prepare to be dazzled. My personal favorites were the artifacts from the Minoan civilization nearby.
A well preserved Venetian Palace from the 17th Century houses the Folk Museum. The building itself is fascinating. When you see the collection inside, you’ll fully understand how magnificent Cretan culture is.
Have Lunch or Dinner in the Venetian Harbor
Tavernas and restaurants of all types line Rethymno’s streets. However, the ones overlooking the Venetian Harbor will satisfy the most demanding foodies. I’m talking about the restaurants on the tiny marina at the eastern entrance of the Old Town.
Rethymno’s Lightouse is on the tip of the bay. The Egyptians built it during their short occupation of the city in 1830. The views from there will leave you speechless.
My parents and I had the most delicious seafood lunch in Zefyros directly on the port. For cocktails, we went to Nafpigio. The bar caters to locals, has great music, and the best drinks the city.
Spend Some Time on the Beach
Rethymno has the best urban beach in all of Crete. You can walk along the coast for over an hour! The sandy beach has it all, including bars, restaurants, and hotels.
As you will notice, this part of town is new. Most hotels here have their own umbrellas. You can rent one at a beach club, eat at a restaurant with free umbrellas, or use the public section of the beach.
I’m a swimmer, and loved swimming in the calm waters of Rethymno. My parents would rest on a lounge while sipping beer and admiring the views every late afternoon after touring the city. Perfection!
Go on a Day Trip
If you have enough time, go on a day trip to Arkadi Monastery. The Venetian Baroque Temple is splendid and seeped in culture. Another fantastic destination is Preveli Beach.
Its right across from Rethymno, but on the southern coast of Crete. The trip there goes through Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a natural paradise with springs, caves, and massive boulders.
Preveli Beach and its jaw dropping palm tree forest is at the mouth of Kourtaliotis River. The locals used Preveli Monastery to fight during the Greek War of Independence. You can walk from there to the beach. I also suggest visiting the incredible Bali Beach.
Where to Stay in Rethymno
The best places to stay in Rethymno are in the Old Town and on the coast. We spent two nights in the Hamam Oriental Suites. It’s an original Ottoman hammam with fabulous domes and rooms.
Since I was paying, I stayed with my parents at the wonderful Poseidon Hotel. We booked two sea view rooms and had a fantastic time. They’ve got complimentary sunbeds with umbrellas and the best staff ever!
When my hubby and I went, he booked an uber luxurious sea view room at the Nautilux Rethymno. It was worth every penny.
