Long years of Venetian and Ottoman domination have shaped this fascinating historic center. Rethymno (also called Rethymnon and Rethymno), after Heraklion (the capital) and Chania, is one of the most popular destinations on the island of Crete. It is located along the northern coast of the island of Crete, right between the two cities mentioned above, and boasts a very interesting historical scenery, combined with unparalleled scenic beauty.
Its numerous, sandy and beautiful beaches that extend for over 22 km to Panormo with hotels and resorts behind, are one of the reasons for the great tourist flow that characterizes this citadel, which lies between the imposing bastions of its fortress and twinkle of the Mediterranean sea. What to say? Rethymno is one of the most beautiful cities on the island of Crete. Its Turkish-Venetian neighborhood is a collection of narrow streets full of flowers, picturesque houses with wooden balconies and decorated with bougainvillea colors and a few minarets here and there.
This small citadel obviously does not offer the same amount of attractions as the cities of Heraklion or Chania can offer. Not because of a quality issue or because in Rethymno something is missing, but for the simple fact that the extension of the territory is much lower and, consequently, the attractions cannot be so varied. But we are convinced that Rethymno in his small way will give you magical sensations and this is enough! Everyone always likes it! If you are heading from Heraklion to Chania or vice versa, take the opportunity to stop and take the trip off a bit: Rethymno not only will you enjoy it very much ... but will remain among the most beautiful memories of your holiday on the island of Crete!
How to get to Rethymno?
Rethymno is located on the northern coast, just halfway between Heraklion and Chania and to reach it by car, it is sufficient to travel along the National Road (the main road of the island of Crete). Rethymno is 1 hour from Heraklion, 1 hour from Chania, 1 hour and a half from Malia / Hersonissos, 2 hours from Elounda and 2 and a half hours from Ierapetra.
For those who do not have a rental car, there is an alternative bus that leaves from the main cities of the island of Crete: from Chania you will find one every hour, the ticket costs € 6.20 each way and the approximate duration of the journey is 1 hour or from Heraklion always one every hour, the ticket costs € 7.60 and the duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What to visit in Rethymno?
The area of the old city offers the Venetian charm of the past, between architecture and history you can almost feel the touch of the Italian imprint. Here you will find souvenir shops and characteristic taverns.
Rethymno is a riot of narrow streets with souvenir shops, shops that produce typical local products, restaurants with tables set against the walls on one side and the passage of tourists on the other, cafeterias and pastry shops that churn out delicious desserts at all hours ... all in a context with pink bougainvillea everywhere, giving a joyful and relaxing look to everything around you. Now let's see specifically what you can't miss.
Rimondi Fountain in Rethymno
The beautiful Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 and used as a source to satisfy the needs of the whole city. It is located in the Platanou square and still today, as in the past, the water gushes from the heads of the lions that majestically dominate this marvelous work and the water ends its run in tanks delimited by Corinthian columns. Above the central basin you can see the Rimondi family crest.
Rethymno fortress
A strong masterpiece is the Rethymno Fortress. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century on the Palaikastro hill, next to the historic center.
With its pentagonal plan (or "star" if you prefer) and 1300 meters perimeter, the Fortress was built on the site of the citadel of ancient Rithimna and the Temple of Artemis way back in 1573.
With its 4 bastions (San Luca, Sant'Elia, San Paolo, San Nicola), it represented a safe place for the whole city. Inside there were churches, barracks, hospitals and storage facilities. The main gate was and is a large gallery, which allowed the easy passage of wagons, weapons and men.
At the entrance, where today various exhibitions and cultural events are held, the armory was at the time.
Once you reach the bastion of Sant'Elia, you can admire one of the many tanks in the castle. Inside the "Erofili" theater, it hosts important events every summer. Near the central square of the Fortress there is the beautiful mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, famous for its huge dome (originally it was instead a Christian church).
Next to it is the Church of Santa Caterina.
Walking here and there you can also visit some houses and parts of what is left of the governor's house.
As you can imagine we are talking about really huge spaces and to give you an even better idea of its majesty, know that in case of emergency, the Fortress would be able to accommodate all the inhabitants of today's city of Rethymno, where today 32,000 people live there permanently ).
The Fortress then fell into the hands of the Turks in 1645 and it is rumored that it was due to the absence of a moat (unlike the other fortresses on the island that were certainly safer and stronger in defense) and the outbreak of cholera in the population.
The fortress can be visited every day of the week at the following times:
from June to September 8.00 - 19.15
from October to May 10.00 - 17.00
The ticket costs € 4 for adults, € 3 for children and over 65
Rethymno Archaeological Museum
Initially located in a precarious location of the Venetian prison in front of the main entrance of the Fortress and then moved in May 2016 to the former church of San Francesco (built by the Venetians), the Archaeological Museum exhibits several treasures found in the area of Rethymno, dating back to Neolithic and Roman periods. All the findings are subdivided in chronological order and among these we find jewelry, tools of daily use, statues of the Neolithic period, ceramics of the late Minoan period, sarcophagi and coins of various ages. Among these stand out for their value: a chalice dating back to 4500 years ago, the statue of a Minoan goddess, a bronze lamp and the miniature of a donkey from the Hellenistic period.
The Archaeological Museum is open every day of the week (except Monday) at the following times: 10.00 - 18.00
Tickets cost € 2 for adults and € 1 for children and over 65
Venetian Port of Rethymno
The Venetian Port of Rethymno is a must see. Here at the port everything swarms with scents and colors. Perfumes that come from the number of restaurants that fill the tables of their guests with very fresh and very appetizing fish. Colors of the sunset that from this point is really amazing. We recommend taking a walk along the harbor walls, past the fishing boats and arriving at the lighthouse, built in the nineteenth century, and which, like all lighthouses, is the landmark of an entire city.
Rethymno Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art was founded in 1992 and has a collection of oil paintings and watercolors by the local artist Lefteris Kanakakis, with a time span ranging from 1950 to the present day.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is open every day of the week (Thursday admission is free) at the following times: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm from Tuesday to Friday and 10.00 am - 3.00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
The ticket costs € 3 for adults and € 1.5 for children and over 65 and FREE for students
Church of Agios Spyridon of Rethymno
The small church of Agios Spyridon is a Byzantine church set in the rocky wall below the Fortress and it will be for its vivid colors that are inside or for its position, which emanates a particular charm on all its visitors. The colorful icons, the bird-shaped chandeliers, the sound of the waves in the background, shoes, sandals and slippers stuck in the cracks of the rock (left by the faithful and ask for graces), make this place full of strong energy.
Shopping in Rethymno
Well yes! Everyone in Rethymno always likes shopping because doing it in the flowery streets, the narrow streets as if you were in a small village and smells all around, it's definitely relaxing!
The historic center of Rethymno with its cobbled streets and closed to traffic are the best destination for a relaxing walk among souvenir shops and small pearls that is really worth visiting, as they are craft shops where all the knowledge of the Cretans is in the hands of these artists, who have not succumbed to great trade and have chosen to keep themselves strongly anchored to their origins.
Let's see some of them of particular importance:
Spantis: its owner John Spantidakis works raw leather to create high quality leather goods such as bags, wallets and belts. With the various colors, there is an explosion of beauty combined with the scent of leather and we are sure that with great difficulty you will leave the shop empty-handed. If you are intrigued, start to discover his creations here: you will be pleasantly surprised.
Wood Art: its owner Niko Siragas uses an ancient Minoan turning technique to work and create wooden items. Internationally renowned artist and teacher creates objects and vases, with a uniqueness that will leave you stunned. Also for this shop we leave you the site to find out more .
Spanoioakis: here we are faced with the strong desire to keep anchored to a tradition that is unfortunately going to disappear throughout Greece: the Cretan tradition of Koulouri (embroidered bread). The baker Spanoioakis, following the teachings of his grandfather, carries on the tradition of loaves and donuts finely decorated with specific decorations for every occasion to celebrate and what better opportunity to taste these typical delicacies?
Baklavas and Kataifi: here you will find yourself in front of one of the last masters left in all of Greece to work with filo pastry. Yorgos together with his wife runs this delightful shop where the many visitors remain with their eyes focused on that ball that flies in the air before turning into fine dough and very sweet Baklavàs (pastry filled with walnuts and honey) and Kataìfi (phyllo pasta roll with honey and nuts).
Nightlife in Rethymno
The lively city of Rethymno offers a good variety of bars and nightclubs to spend nights of pure entertainment by getting everyone to agree. Let us not forget that Rethymno is a city that remains alive all year round thanks to its university which makes it alive and young. Most of the rooms are concentrated at Eleftheriou Venizelou, near the Rimondi Fountain and in Plateia Petihaki.
Let's find out where the night turns on until dawn!
The Fortress Lighthouse Bar located near the port, is one of the historic clubs of Rethymno, with Greek and international music. The club does not open before 1.00 and is frequented by young Cretans and tourists.
The Ice Club is an exclusive bar-club that attracts a large number of young locals and tourists, especially at the weekend, with loud music, theme nights, live shows and excellent djs.
The Living Room Lounge Cafe is an always crowded lounge bar, located on the beach of Rethymno, a great starting point for the nightlife of Rethymno: ideal for sipping a drink and socializing.
Another of the many places in Rethymno is the evocative Ali Vafi, which is located inside a historic building with two domes, which once housed the Venetian cavalry. It boasts a magnificent garden that hosts concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events throughout the year. This café bar is popular with students and offers refreshing cocktails, snacks and hookahs.
At this point nothing is missing .. or maybe something is! ... Get to Rethymno and discover it in every little detail! Don't miss it and let it be included among the things you really can't miss during your holiday in Crete!