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.
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 used to be the meeting place of the noble people of the town to discuss economic and political issues.
Rethymno Tours by Locals
Cruising into the port at Rethymno? A local guide is waiting to take you away from the crowds, on a private tour of Rethymno.
Find the perfect itinerary below, or design your own Rethymno tour and experience the best of the region with a friendly and knowledgeable ToursByLocals guide.
Excellent choice Tours by locals. There are 7 tours in Rethymno-Crete.
The fortezza is built on a hill called Paleokastro (meaning "Old Castle"), which was the site of ancient Rethymno's acropolis.
The Fortezza of Rethymno has an irregular plan, and its walls have a total length of 1,307 m (4,288 ft).
Rethymno “inner” harbour
is busy with life along the quayside’s many tavernas. The “inner” harbour is for small fishing boats (Kaikia’s) and pleasure craft are only moored at the quayside.
A restored 13th century lighthouse
is a familiar sight in Rethymno, standing on the breakwater. It's not a working lighthouse anymore. The overall height of the lighthouse tower is 9 meters.
Taverna with the Lighthouse in the background
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.
Rimondi Fountain
a seventeenth century Venetian creation.
The fountains lion head spouts splash water down to a marble bowl. Rimondi Fountain is located in one of the liveliest areas, Platia Petihaki in Rethymno.
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).
Rethymno Beaches
Rethymno town beach is next to the harbour area in the middle of town, a popular bay formed sandy bech. Follow the town beach to the north east side of Rethymno along the beach its a long stretch built up resort areas with many hotels, apartments and tavernas.
Town beach towards Kampos beach
Kampos beach close to 9km east of Rethymno
Activities in the neighbourhood
Arkadia Monastery is within 22km - 23km from Rethymno, located on a plateau, approximately 500 meters above sea level. The monastery is quite large with high walls surrounding the monastery.
Visit Arkadia Monastery
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