Rethymno

Rethymno combines rarely united features: the old town’s charm and history, with proximity to a long sandy beach…

The Prefecture of Rethymno is the heart of the island of Crete and is one of the most beautiful places in Greece,with endless beaches, caves, gorges and unique flora and fauna.
Rethymno awaits you with clear blue seas and Mount Psiloritis, surrounded by traces of a civilizations that date back 4,500 years.
Rethymno is one of the most well preserved Renaissance cities in Greece.
The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine churches and monasteries. The Hellenic-Roman remains and the small Venetian harbour with their narrow streets transport you back in time.
The city’s Venetian citadel, the Fortezza is one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. Other monuments include the Neratze mosque (the Municipal Odeon Arts Centre), the Great Gate, Piazza Rimondi (Rimondi square) and the Venetian Loggia (hosting the information office of the Ministry of Culture).
The new municipality of Rethymno was formed in 2011 by the local government reform, with the merger of the following 4 former municipalities : Arkadi, Lappa, Nikiforos Fokas and Rethymno.
Municipality Facts:
  • Area: 397,5 km square
  • Population: 54,900

Municipality Main Tourist Attractions:

  • The Old Town of Rethymno
  • Sacred Monastery of Arkadi
  • Preveli Monastery & Beach
  • The Venetian Fortezza
  • Agia Galini Beach
  • Argiroupoli
  • Kournas Lake

THE OLD TOWN OF RETHYMNO

THE OLD TOWN OF RETHYMNO

A walk through the alleys of the old town is like traveling backwards in time…

VENETIAN FORTEZZA

VENETIAN FORTEZZA

It is visible from every corner of the town and offers panoramic views of Rethymnon…

THE ARKADI MONASTERY

THE ARKADI MONASTERY

It is a place of special historical interest, symbolyzing the Cretan liberation…

KOURNAS LAKE

KOURNAS LAKE

A beautiful landscape, lying in a valley among the hills…

ARGIROUPOLIS WATERFALLS

ARGIROUPOLIS WATERFALLS

The natural springs and lush vegetation makes a very pleasant walk through its streets…

PREVELI MONASTERY & BEACH

PREVELI MONASTERY & BEACH

Surrounded by palm trees and rich vegetation, Preveli is one of the most attractive places in Crete…

AGIA GALINI BEACH

ELAFONISSI BEACH

An old charming and picturesque fishing village, with pebble beach …