The city of Rethymno has given us traces of human presence from 1600 BC (Late Minoan III) to the Byzantine period. The presence and the past, live mainly through the Renaissance and Medieval features of the city.
Rethymno’s timeless attractions, verdant landscapes, city architecture, museums, archaeological sites, endless sandy beaches and nearby escapes to nearby villages will reward their cruise visitors with a rich cultural yet relaxed experience. Not only is Rethymno is historically rich but it host many local carnivals and sustainable festivals for foodies and revelers alike.
Cultural pride and natural beauty, Rethymno offers the best of both.
Wandering through the historic center. The Rethymno Historic Center is a multicultural, bustling, colorful and well preserved center. Rethymno is steeped in history and tradition and has been inhabited since 1600 B.C. You can trace the steps of influence from Turkish, Arabic and Venetian dominance giving this unique its obvious cultural influences. Stroll along Rethymno’s narrow streets and discover our roots as you enjoy historical re-enactments.
The Venetian ‘’Fortezza’’ fortress is located on the west side of the city on the "Paleokastro" hill. The fortress is built in 1573-1580 by the Venetians in order to protect the city. It houses the temple of Saint Nicolo, and remains of buildings where exhibitions are now hosted.
The Rimondi Fountain is at Sq. Titou Petihaki, and is founded in 1626 by the city's Rector A. Rimondi original town water source; it was located in the center of the Venetian city. Today the fountain still springs water through the three lion heads.
Loggia is at Konstantinos Palaiologos St. and it was built during the 16th century by Michel Snamicheli, it was an eminent building of the city centre and a meeting point for the nobles. Today loggia hosts a market of archeological art copies.
The Mosque "Neratzes", during the Venetian times was a church dedicated to the Mary of Augustans. The Church turned in 1657 to mosque named "Neratze". Today the Mosque "Neratzes" is hosting the city conservatoire. It is located at Emmanouil Vernadou.
The church of Agios Francescos is located near the Mosque “Neratzes”, one of the most important monuments of Rethymno with a unique and impressive architecture. It was the main temple of the Monastery of the Francesca Order. From 2016 the archeological museum of Rethymno is hosted at Saint Francesco Church.
The old harbor and the lighthouse is one of the most picturesque sights of Rethymno and a must visit spot for everyone. This lonely lighthouse is of the Ottoman period. The founder was Mehmet Allie, governor of Crete 1830- 1840 and founder of the Farouk family of Egypt. Stripped away of its old use, today it stands at the entrance of the old port as a proud reminder of simpler times.
Municipal garden. It is located in the center of the city full of oranges, pines and palm trees. Embrace spiritual detoxification and family bonding through experiencing shared activities in the natural beauty of the garden and multitude of recreational opportunities at an array of a new playground with several playing activities specially designed to be friendly for children with special needs.
Mikrasiaton square located at the heart of the city's historical center is surrounded by valuable monuments and beautiful buildings and cultural centers. Its multicultural atmosphere is its best feature and gives the opportunity for meeting people from all over the world whether they are visitors or permanent residents of Rethymno.
Iroon Politechniou Square as well as Agnostou Stratioti Square are bustling meeting points.
MUSEUMS
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. Located in the center of Rethymnon, it is housed in the Venetian church of Saint Francis. The exhibits present the history of the Prefecture from the Neolithic to the Roman period. They are exhibited in chronological order and by excavation site.
Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno. Ηe exhibition spaces cover five halls and present items of traditional handicraft work and folklore art.
Paleontological Museum of Rethymno. The Museum operates inside the restored Veli Pasha Mosque or Mastaba Mosque and gives the visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with an important part of the evolution on Crete and the geological and paleontological changes during the past 300 million years.
Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete. It is based in the old historic town. It is housed in a Venetian building. It has a permanent collection of approximately 500 works of contemporary Greek artists, which covers a wide range of the contemporary Greek art world from 1950 to date.
Ecclesiastical Museum of Rethymno. It is located in the city center. The exhibition of the Museum includes liturgical objects, vestments, icons, Gospels, crosses, lavabos, bells and other religious objects for about 180 years. All these objects were located in churches before and were used by the priests.
ARCHΑEOLOGICAL SITES
Eleutherna is located on approximately thirty km of Rethymnon, of Mount Ida, at 380 m. above sea level. Important archaeological finds give the picture of the ancient city, mainly from the geometric to the pre-Byzantine times.
Ideon Andron. 20 km N. of Anogia on the Nida Plateau in Psiloritis, is the sacred cave of Idios Andros. Here, according to mythology, Rea hid Zeus's infant to save him from Cronus. Worship items, statues and bronze shields were found here.
MONASTERIES
Arkadi Monastery 1210 A.D. The history of the monastery goes back to Byzantine times, but also played an all-important role in the fight against the Turks in 1866. It is considered one of Europe's Monuments to Freedom.
TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS
Cretan olive oil and oil based cosmetics, local red wine , tsikoudia, graviera and other traditional cretan cheeses, the beneficial cretan herbs, as well as the retro traditional handmade needlework.
GASTRONOMY
In every corner of the historic center, visitors will find restaurants where they can taste the traditional tsikoudia with a variety of appetizers exclusively with traditional products such as: marathon pies, prawns, boiled spaghetti, goat's goat etc.
BEACHES
Retymno, Agia Galini, Bali, Preveli, Panormos, Plakia, Rodakino, Triopetra, Platania.
Maroulas. Traditional village with unique architecture, 10 km from the city of Rethymnon.
Atsipopoulo. The village is about 7 km outside of Rethymnon. A big part of the area is covered with a unique Cretan oak forest.
Lake Preveli is about 40 km from the town of Rethymnon. The lake is protected because of its special natural beauty with naturally formed small basins at the base of the falls in the heart of the river.
The plateau of Nida is one of the largest in Crete, located at an altitude of 1400 meters, in the heart of the Psiloritis Mountain.
The Gorge of Kourtaliotis is located 22 km from the town of Rethymno and has a length of 3 km. It is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Rethymnon.
