Where to Stay in Rethymno: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
Spending a holiday in Rethymno is a fantastic idea. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in Greece and one of the best places to stay in Crete.
Rethymno is home to an outstanding Old Town full of historic churches, mosques, fountains, and houses. There’s even an impressive fortress with spectacular views.
You’ll also find modern neighborhoods and Crete’s nicest urban beach. Rethymno is a university city, so the energy is young and vibrant. You’ll love it there!
The Old Town (Palea Poli)
Rethymno’s Old Town is one of a kind. Wandering through its cobbled streets, you’ll soak up its long and rich history. Many empires have ruled the city, and you can see that in the variety of architectural styles.
Most of Rethymno’s main sights are here: the Neratze Mosque, the Rimondi Fountain, the Archaeological Museum, and the imposing Fortezza. The city’s best restaurants and bars are here too.
Stay in the Old Town if you’re into history and culture. Many hotels in the neighborhood are historic mansions, some with fascinating pasts. If you’re spending a few days in the city, this is the place to be.
We Recommend These Hotels in the Old Town:
Hamam Oriental Suites
We wanted to stay at Hamam Oriental Suites ever since we heard about it a few years ago. It’s an actual Turkish bath from the 17th century! The hotel has six fully refurbished suites, including one with the original dome and ceramic tiles.
Civitas Suites Hotel
Another Old Town hotel we absolutely love is Civitas Suites Hotel. Located directly on the seafront, it offers tastefully decorated rooms in a neoclassical building. Some rooms have a living room, while others come with a balcony.
By the Beach
No major city in Crete has such a wonderful urban beach as Rethymno. The beach starts just east of the Old Town and stretches all the way to Skaleta village, 12 km (7.5 miles) away.
It’s a wide strip of golden sand with calm seas and crystal-clear water. Parts of the beach are public, while others are occupied by beach bars and restaurants. There’s also a small green area at the western end.
The biggest hotels in Rethymno are located along the beach. Many offer balconies with sea views and sunbeds with umbrellas. Stay here if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach.
We Recommend These Hotels by the Beach:
Poseidon Hotel
Poseidon Hotel is our top choice. It’s one of the most affordable beachfront hotels with its own beach bar. The rooms are comfortable and include a balcony. The service is professional and friendly.
Kriti Beach Hotel
If you want to splurge a bit, this is the place. Kriti Beach Hotel is one of the best luxury options in town. Their modern rooms have balconies, and the hotel features a gym, spa, and outdoor pool.
The New Town
When we talk about the New Town of Rethymno, we refer to the neighborhood south of the Old Town and southwest of the beach. It starts at the Municipal Garden and ends near the forest by National Road 90.
The New Town is much less touristy than the other two areas. It’s more local, making it a great place to meet residents and eat at authentic restaurants.
If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, stay in this area. Hotels are reasonably priced, and you’ll be just a short walk from both the Old Town and the beach. Most private apartments are also located here.
We Recommend These Hotels in the New Town:
Kipos Hotel
If you want to stay just outside the Old Town, Kipos Hotel is the best choice. Located right across from the Municipal Garden, it’s a modern hotel with beautifully designed rooms.
The City Hotel & Suites
If you’re looking to stay a bit off the beaten path, book a room at The City Hotel & Suites. It’s a chic hotel with a pool and balconies. Some rooms even overlook the historic Veli Pasha Mosque. A minimum stay of two nights is required.
How Long to Stay in Rethymno
If you’re visiting Rethymno off-season or if sightseeing is your main goal, two to three days in the city will be enough to cover the highlights and get a feel for its charm.
If you want to spend most of your time at the beach, a week or more is a great idea. The beach is lovely, and you can swim from late May to early October.
That said, we recommend adding an extra day or two for a day trip. The 16th-century Arkadi Monastery is one of the most impressive religious sites in Greece. Plus, there are some incredible beaches not far from Rethymno: Preveli, Plakias, and Bali, to name just a few.
