Rethymno a delightful town
Rethymno
with its lovely old part and historical town
Just walk or stroll along its narrow streets to feel part of the history from bygone times, with medieval architecture created by many various masters but none more than the Venetians especially the “inner” harbour, originally created by the Venetians.
Rethymno is fairly compact with most sights, amenities and accommodation wedged between the old town and the Venetian harbour.
A restored 13th century lighthouse is a familiar sight standing on the breakwater. It's not a working lighthouse anymore. The overall height of the lighthouse tower is 9 meters.
Harbour Taverna with views to the Lighthouse
The “inner” harbour is for small fishing boats (Kaikia’s) and pleasure craft are only moored at the quayside.
Inner Haebour
Busy life along the quayside’s many fish and seafood tavernas (prices more expensive for tavernas with harbour sea views )
Greek Gyros Fast food served in a smaller establishment or at “hole in the wall” or food stalls premises. Most common Gyros seasoned and tender chicken meat wrapped in warm pita bread
Venetian Fortress
-
Rethymno view
The fortezza is built on a hill called Paleokastro (meaning "Old Castle"), which was the site of ancient Rethymno's acropolis.escription goes here
-
Venetia Fortress walls
The Fortezza has an irregular plan, (allegedly like a star) and its walls have a total length just over 1.300m with three gates,
-
One of the Three Gates
Inside the fort there are several barracks, a church, a hospital..The Main Gate is located between the bastions of St. Nicholas and St. Nicholas,
More Venetian Fortezza
The remaining walls of the Venetian Fortezza (Fortress) are believed to be part of one of the largest Venetian castles ever built. Rebuilt by the Turkish invaders and was at one time a prison. The archaeological museum (housed in the Venetian Loggia) opposite the entrance to the fortress is worth a visit.
The Venetian Loggia
The Venetian Loggia used to be the meeting place of the noble people of the town to discuss economic and political issues.
Rethymno Town Center
It’s regarded by many (especially the visitors) to be the area between the Venetian Loggia and the Rimondi Fountain, with streets of shops, restaurants, bars and cafenion.
Venetian Rimondi fountain where water spouts from three lions’ heads into three basins within Corinthian columns. Built in 1626 by city rector Alvise Rimondi. More or less straight up from the fountain a line of cafenion, tavernas lead into the market street - Ethnikis Andistatis. Up through the market area the old city ends at the gate Porta Guora (the only surviving remnant of the old city walls).
Next to Rimondi Fountain
Family owned. Traditional Cretan food
Cafe Galero and Akri Taverna images from one of my earlier visits to Rethymno 2014 and they are still open
Othonos Taverna good traditional menu include vegetarian dishes. Try prawn Risotto. Friendly and good service.
Raki ba Raki A Great restaurant, where you will always find delicious food, good wine and service with a smile. Great Salads. A cluster of beautifully renovated Venetian dwellings in Rethymno’s old town Avli comprises of a Great restaurant, luxurious suites, an enticing wine cellar and a traditional products shop.)
Pigadi Restaurante Wonderful menu combine recipes from the traditional, Mediterranean and International cuisine. Welcoming atmosphere.
La Boheme Restaurante Located in a garden patio in an old Venetian mansion. Local and Mediterranean menu. Nice selection of local wine included on the wine list. Friendly and welcoming staff.
Lemonokipos is a Greek word for lemon-tree garden.) Utside eating under the lemon tree - great, Relaxing ambience nice staff. Try any Lamb dishes.
Hatziparaskos Link to Article by Greek Reporter. Bakery old town Rethymno. A must visit.
Metropolis Bar Just around the corner from Fortezza. Classy decoration of stone and wood create a warm atmosphere. Karaoke and Latin nights, Lively.
Chaplins Pub-Bar-Caf Ideal place if you love rock music. Nice drinks. Located along the town beach road Eleftheriou Venizelou, Close to Bonobou Cocktail bar and Fraoules primarily a nightclub and a cocktail bar Featuring an abundance of themed nights.
Stay in Style
There are many places to stay in Rethymno. within easy walking distance to the Rethymno attractions.
City areas around the Rimondi Fountain and the museums, close to Fortezza, Inner harbour area and Rethymno seafront.
Images by Palazzino de Corina with Pool and patio seating.
Pepi Boutique Hotel pool terrace
Casa Maistra internal bedroom image
Fortezza Hotel 3 star Hotel. Ideal location to explore Rethymno and Crete. Hotel Fortezza is located only 100m from the old port, the archaeological sites like the Fortezza, the Minaret and the Rimondi fountain. 300m to the beach. Nice rooms, plenty of hotel facilities like pool, free WiFi.
Casa Maistra Resedence apartments. All are fitted with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box, Free WiFi and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, slippers and a hair dryer. Some have a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views.
Pepi Boutique Hotel adults only boutique hotel. The property comprises of 13 rooms, 3 Maisonettes and 2 Suites which surround a beautiful garden and a small outdoor swimming pool. Air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, Free WiFi, safety deposit box, private bathroom with a shower, slippers and a hair dryer. Some units feature a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain views.
Leo Hotel 15th century building, 3-star hotel is within Walking distance to the Venetian port and inner harbour, Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The main beach approximately 1.1km. Non-smoking air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower.
Avli Luxury lounge suites/apartments, located close to the Venetian Fortezza and Fortezza Hotel. Lounge Apartments with a garden, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Concierge service and a tour desk, free WiFi throughout the property. Room service, an ATM and currency exchange. All units come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Certain rooms include a balcony, and every room has a coffee machine.
In no particular order.
Only Rethymno city accommodation, easy walking distance to all attractions and entertainment, Boutique style accommodation. Here's my pick of the most attractive stylish places to stay in Rethymno.