Crete’s third largest city, Rethymnon, is a great holiday destination for those looking for a mixture of old and new, stylish and traditional or city and beach. Situated in between the island’s two main airports of Heraklion and Chania, Rethymnon is a great base to explore the Northern coast of Crete. With plenty of culture and a 12km beach to relax on, Rethymnon will steal your heart and leave you wanting more.
As you drive into Rethymnon or sail in from elsewhere, the fortress that dominates Rethymnon’s skyline is one of the first things you will see. Wander around the coastal road to the “Fortezza” or really get into the history and take a tour of this old Rethymnon landmark. If you’re not into culture though, Rethymnon’s 12km long beach provides enough space to relax and the shops along the promenade are a great place for locally made souvenirs.
Over the years, Rethymnon has been influenced by Venetian and Turkish empires which can be seen in the beautiful architecture around the city. The harbour is an ideal place to see the colourful Venetian style buildings and soak up the character of the city. Rimondi fountain, just inland from the harbour, is also a remnant from Rethymnon’s Venetian past and offers cool fresh water to those passing by.
If you’re spending a day down by the harbour in Rethymnon, you’ll not be short of somewhere to eat and drink. There are plenty of independent cafes if you need a good coffee to start your day and fresh seafood restaurants dotted around the port serve as a great place to eat lunch while overlooking the ocean. Alternatively, if you’re down by the beach, there are many snack bars and restaurants lining the promenade!
3 hrs
(from London)
Euro
Greek
GMT +2
Around €3
€20-€25
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