The 8 things to do in Rethymnon

Visit Rethymnon: what are the best things to do and see in this city, considered one of the most beautiful in Greece?

Located on the north side of Crete, between Heraklion and La Canée , Réthymnon is a city to discover without further delay. It is the third largest city on Crete Island, and for some, one of the most beautiful! Its rich history, its strong cultural identity, its contrasting landscapes, its varied gastronomy and its many activities attract many visitors every year.

You will be charmed by its timeless charm as soon as you arrive, for the duration of your stay, which promises to be exceptional! Ancient snowshoes, water sports, museums, trekking or stuffing on sandy beaches... You are told everything you need to do and see in this city in the wake of paradise!

1. Old town

Coming to visit Réthymnon, is equivalent to a must-see passage in the old city. Indeed, its colourful streets are full of must-see sites.

Venetian loggia

This majestic rectangular building, decorated with semi-circular arches, was built in the middle of the sixteenth century. This former place of entertainment and meeting for the Venetian nobility is not to be missed if you will visit Rethymnon.

The Rimondi fountain

What are you looking for in Rethymnon? Come and admire this beautiful public fountain made of limestone. It is certainly one of the city’s most photographed monuments. The water flows through the mouth of three heads of lions carved in the stone.

It is located on the place Petychakis , in the old town, and bears the name of the Venetian governor of Rethymnon in place during his construction in 1926, Alvise Rimondi.

The old port and its lighthouse

The old Venetian port is a very pleasant place where it makes good to stroll if you are going to visit Rethymnon. It houses some fishing boats and other tourist boats. These offer tours and excursions to other ports of Crete.

Its numerous terraces of bars and restaurants make it a very lively place in high season. The Egyptian lighthouse built in the 1830s, a true emblem of the city, stands proudly in the middle of the port.

The church of Agios Frangiskos

The church of Agios Frangiskos, with its wooden roof, is one of the most beautiful monuments to see in Réthymnon. Located next to the place Mikrasiaton , it was built in the 1500s, and housed at the time the monastery of the Franciscan monks. It was rebuilt and carefully renovated in 1971.

The Fortezza, the Venetian fortress

If there is something unique not to be missed by visiting Réthymnon, it is the Fortezza. Dating from the 17th century, this fortress with an area of almost 1,400 m2 is located at the very end of the old town, on the hill of Paleokastro .

Today, only the walls of this Venetian building are still visible, but you can easily imagine its original size by seeing it. In addition, it offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea absolutely breathtaking.

The Guora Gate

This impressive door is visible in the street Ethnikis Antistatis . Built between 1540 and 1580, it allowed the time to enter the city’s enclosure.

The church of “La Dame des Anges”

The church of “La Dame des Anges”, also called locally Mikri Panagia , is located in the old city, at the intersection of Nikiforos Fokas Street and of Street Thessalonikis . Built during the Venetian occupation, this immaculate white building is of great beauty.

The Neratzé Mosque

Are you still wondering what to do in Rethymnon? Don't miss discovering this mosque, the imposing minaret. Once the Venetian church of Santa Maria, it was converted to a mosque in the 17th century, to become the largest mosque in the city.

2. Museums

Passionate and amateur, know that the city is full of museums. Among the must-see museums in Rethymnon, you will find the Archaeological Museum , located in front of the entrance of the citadel. The magnificent archaeological pieces that he holds are displayed in a chronological order.

The Contemporary Art Museum Crete is located just below, and offers an exhibition space of about 1,000 m2. 300 million years are recorded Paleontological Museum , who will delight fossil lovers. I mean, Historical and Folk Museum , housed in a Venetian building, perfectly represents the unique rural and urban life of the 17th century Cretans.

3. The church of the Four Martyrs

This church dates back to 1975, followed by two other churches demolished in the past. As its name suggests, it is dedicated to the four local martyrs: Angelis , Manouil , Georgios and Nikolaos . Martyd in 1824, they were recognized as holy patrons of the city by local society. A small must-see jewel to be discovered in Réthymnon.

4. The Municipal Garden

Located in the heart of the city, it is a place where it makes a good family stroll if you come to visit Rethymnon. The municipal garden holds rare plant species, for the greatest pleasure of plant and nature lovers.

It is also a place where it is pleasant to walk or exercise, and an ideal playground for children. Finally, it is also the scene of many cultural events.

5. The beaches

A holiday without a bit of farniente on a beach, it wouldn’t be a real holiday, would it? So if you're still looking for what to do in Réthymnon, know that the city has a main beach, where it's good to relax. The latter extends over 20 kilometres , along a beautiful walk. In particular, it passes through villages Perivolia , Sfakaki , Platanes , Adelianos Kampos and Skaleta .

On the west side of the city you will find Episkopi Beach , along with many bars and restaurants, where it is good to take a gourmet break at the end of the day. Sport lovers, this is where you will find your happiness!

Of course you will find other beaches around Rethymnon, like that of Panormo 20 km, or Bali 34 km away.

6. Kara Musa Pasha Mosque

Meeting at the intersection of Arkadiou streets and Ugo , to discover the mosque Kara Moussa Pacha, not to miss if you are going to visit Rethymnon. Before being converted to a mosque, it was the first Venetian monastery, named Agia Varvara. You will discover in this magnificent building a beautiful exhibition of Byzantine antique objects.

7. Around Rethymnon

The surroundings of Rethymnon have many treasures, that it would be a shame to miss! So, if you’re visiting Réthymnon, don’t hesitate to leave the city and travel a few kilometers, to discover :

• the village of Armeni, 4.5 km away, famous for its graveyard and tombs minoennes ;
• the cave of Gerani and its beautiful stalactites, at 6 km;
• the village of Adèle8 km to discover its beautiful and long beach;
• the sublime beach of Preveli35 km away.

8. A boat ride to Santorini

From the old port of Rethymnon, embark for an unforgettable trip to Santorini! We have to count about 2:30 to reach the island, by fast boat. Once on site, let yourself be charmed by this romantic island, in blue and white colours.

How to go to Rethymnon?

You come to visit Rethymnon and ask yourself how to get there? Here's our advice!

By plane

To visit Rethymnon, the simplest since France is to fly. You will have the choice between arriving at the Heraklion International Airport or at the La Canée Airport. Several companies offer direct flights from France to these two cities. Count about 3:30 travel since Paris . To get the best rates according to your dates, go to our favorite flight comparison, Ulysses .

Both airports are located approximately 1h Rethymnon Road. You can reach your holiday place by bus, which is the most economical solution, by taxi, or by car hire, which you can rent directly from the airport.

By ferry

There are many private shipping companies operating between Athens and Rethymnon. Most often, journeys are made night , with a departure around 9 p.m. and one arrival in the morning 6h .

If you are on an island nearby and want to visit Rethymnon, many trips are also available from Mykonos , Santorini , Naxos , Paros or Ios .

Where to stay in Rethymnon?

If you choose to visit Rethymnon, then have no fear to stay! Indeed, this pretty tourist town offers a very wide choice of accommodation. Whether you are rather small boutique-hotel or great luxury hotel, tight or unlimited budget, heart of town or sea view, Venetian style house or rather Turkish... In short, whatever your desire, you will find your happiness undoubtedly.

And to find the best prices, do not hesitate to search for a Compare hotels online. Also think about Airbnb , where you can find exceptional accommodations, and feel like home.

You now have all the information in your pocket to visit Rethymnon and not miss a miette! All you have to do is prepare your suitcases!