Guidebook - Rethymno
Αξιοθέατα
The old town of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance. Lying in the heart of modern Rethymnon, it combines the oriental features of the Turkish period with Renaissance-style Venetian architecture.
After the Venetian conquest of Crete (1204), the town of Rethymnon was built according to the rules of Venetian architecture. The original craftsmen were Venetians, but these later were replaced by Cretan murari, Venetian-trained master builders.
The layout of Rethymnon is directly linked to the sea, with the main Venetian street, the Ruga Maistra (today's coastal Venizelou Avenue) running parallel to the sea. The opposite is true of Heraklion and Hania, where the town is closed to the sea for reasons of defence and the main street is at right angles to the coast.
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town
36 Emmanoil VernardoyThe old town of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance. Lying in the heart of modern Rethymnon, it combines the oriental features of the Turkish period with Renaissance-style Venetian architecture.
After the Venetian conquest of Crete (1204), the town of Rethymnon was built according to the rules of Venetian architecture. The original craftsmen were Venetians, but these later were replaced by Cretan murari, Venetian-trained master builders.
The layout of Rethymnon is directly linked to the sea, with the main Venetian street, the Ruga Maistra (today's coastal Venizelou Avenue) running parallel to the sea. The opposite is true of Heraklion and Hania, where the town is closed to the sea for reasons of defence and the main street is at right angles to the coast.
The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymnon was founded in 1974 and is housed in a Venetian building in Rethymnon (17th century) that is a wonderful sample of urban residence of the last phase of the Venetian occupation of Crete, in Renaissance.
The museum's collections include more than 5000 items categorized in sections (weaving, embroidery, pottery, basketry, traditional farming, metal work and traditional jobs).
It also has a rich historical collection of personal belongings of the most important Greek prime minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, items from Cretan Revolutions and their flags, weapons, coins, stamps and other historical documents, mainly from the period of the Cretan State (1898-1913).
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Folklore Museum
The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymnon was founded in 1974 and is housed in a Venetian building in Rethymnon (17th century) that is a wonderful sample of urban residence of the last phase of the Venetian occupation of Crete, in Renaissance.
The museum's collections include more than 5000 items categorized in sections (weaving, embroidery, pottery, basketry, traditional farming, metal work and traditional jobs).
It also has a rich historical collection of personal belongings of the most important Greek prime minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, items from Cretan Revolutions and their flags, weapons, coins, stamps and other historical documents, mainly from the period of the Cretan State (1898-1913).
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete It is based in the heart of the old old town of Rethymnon, below the Venetian wall of Rethymnon castle. It is housed in a Venetian building that operated, in the early 20th century until the 70s, as a soap factory and is now a modern museum covering about 1000 sq.m.
The museum hosts a permanent collection of approximately 500 works of contemporary Greek artists, which cover a wide range of the contemporary Greek art from 1950 to date. The collection includes adequate samples of art of the second half of the 20th century, from abstraction and geometry to neo-expressionism, new representation arts, minimalism, object in space, sculpture and combined sculpture and painting, installations in space and settings, conceptual art, photography, computer processed works of art, etc.
224 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Contemporary Art Museum of Crete
32 ΜεσολογγίουThe Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete It is based in the heart of the old old town of Rethymnon, below the Venetian wall of Rethymnon castle. It is housed in a Venetian building that operated, in the early 20th century until the 70s, as a soap factory and is now a modern museum covering about 1000 sq.m.
The museum hosts a permanent collection of approximately 500 works of contemporary Greek artists, which cover a wide range of the contemporary Greek art from 1950 to date. The collection includes adequate samples of art of the second half of the 20th century, from abstraction and geometry to neo-expressionism, new representation arts, minimalism, object in space, sculpture and combined sculpture and painting, installations in space and settings, conceptual art, photography, computer processed works of art, etc.
Fortezza fort dominates the hill Palekastro beside the old town of Rethymnon and is one of the biggest fortresses of the Venetian Era. It has been built on the site of the citadel of ancient Rithimna and the Temple of Artemis Rokkea. The grand pentagonal fort was built in the 1573 and has perimeter 1300m long. Along the walls you will find four bastions (St. Luke, St. Elijah, St. Paul, St. Nicholas).
The fort is so large that it could host and protect the entire population of the town. Inside the fort there are several barracks, a church, a hospital and some storage rooms. The Main Gate is located between the bastions of St. Nicholas and St. Nicholas, because access to the city from there was easier. The main gate is a large gallery, which allows the easy passage of wagons and weaponry. By the entrance you meet the armory, which is a large two-storey building with arches in the interior, which now hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Walking towards the bastion of St. Elias, you will see one of the many tanks of the castle, used for collecting water from the roofs. There is also the theater “Erofili”, hosting events every summer. Moreover, near the central square of the fort, stands the beautiful mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, which was originally Christian. Close to it, you see the modern church of St. Catherine. Additionally, there are few remains of the governor’s house and many smaller houses. You can even see the house of one of two consultants and the warehouses near the north walls, which are located on a very high altitute.
541 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castillo de Fortezza
Fortezza fort dominates the hill Palekastro beside the old town of Rethymnon and is one of the biggest fortresses of the Venetian Era. It has been built on the site of the citadel of ancient Rithimna and the Temple of Artemis Rokkea. The grand pentagonal fort was built in the 1573 and has perimeter 1300m long. Along the walls you will find four bastions (St. Luke, St. Elijah, St. Paul, St. Nicholas).
The fort is so large that it could host and protect the entire population of the town. Inside the fort there are several barracks, a church, a hospital and some storage rooms. The Main Gate is located between the bastions of St. Nicholas and St. Nicholas, because access to the city from there was easier. The main gate is a large gallery, which allows the easy passage of wagons and weaponry. By the entrance you meet the armory, which is a large two-storey building with arches in the interior, which now hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Walking towards the bastion of St. Elias, you will see one of the many tanks of the castle, used for collecting water from the roofs. There is also the theater “Erofili”, hosting events every summer. Moreover, near the central square of the fort, stands the beautiful mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, which was originally Christian. Close to it, you see the modern church of St. Catherine. Additionally, there are few remains of the governor’s house and many smaller houses. You can even see the house of one of two consultants and the warehouses near the north walls, which are located on a very high altitute.
The Venetian Harbor of Rethymnon, next to the modern harbor of the city, with the Egyptian lighthouse of Rethymnon is one of the most picturesque areas of the Old Town of Rethymnon. It first operated in the Byzantine period (after 961), but flourished during the Venetian Times. The Venetians in the 14th century started major projects to face the problem of siltation, which holds till today. It is one of the most striking sceneries you can see in the town of Rethymnon and you can combine it with eating at one of the several seaside taverns.
270 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old venetian harbour
The Venetian Harbor of Rethymnon, next to the modern harbor of the city, with the Egyptian lighthouse of Rethymnon is one of the most picturesque areas of the Old Town of Rethymnon. It first operated in the Byzantine period (after 961), but flourished during the Venetian Times. The Venetians in the 14th century started major projects to face the problem of siltation, which holds till today. It is one of the most striking sceneries you can see in the town of Rethymnon and you can combine it with eating at one of the several seaside taverns.
The Neratze Mosque in Rethymno, also known as Gazi Hussein Mosque, is found close to Petichaki square. Initially it was a Venetian church dedicated to Santa Maria and later on, it became an Augustinian Monastery. However, when the Turks dominated the town in 1657, their leader, Gazi Hussein Pasha, turned it into a mosque.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Neratze Mosque
2 Emmanoil VernardoyThe Neratze Mosque in Rethymno, also known as Gazi Hussein Mosque, is found close to Petichaki square. Initially it was a Venetian church dedicated to Santa Maria and later on, it became an Augustinian Monastery. However, when the Turks dominated the town in 1657, their leader, Gazi Hussein Pasha, turned it into a mosque.
Beaches
The beach of Preveli is located 35km south of Rethymnon and 12km east of Plakias at the exit of the Kourtaliotiko gorge where the river Megas Potamos meets the sea. Along the river there is a large forest of the rare Cretan date palm Phoenix theophrasti. This gives the area a unique, almost tropical look and has certainly contributed to making this beach very famous and popular despite its remoteness. You can walk in the palm forest (but camping is strictly prohibited) and bathe in the river if you wish.
Many of the visitors to Preveli beach will also come to the area to visit the famous Preveli monastery.
416 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa de Preveli
The beach of Preveli is located 35km south of Rethymnon and 12km east of Plakias at the exit of the Kourtaliotiko gorge where the river Megas Potamos meets the sea. Along the river there is a large forest of the rare Cretan date palm Phoenix theophrasti. This gives the area a unique, almost tropical look and has certainly contributed to making this beach very famous and popular despite its remoteness. You can walk in the palm forest (but camping is strictly prohibited) and bathe in the river if you wish.
Many of the visitors to Preveli beach will also come to the area to visit the famous Preveli monastery.
Kalypso beach is located on south of Rethymno between Plakias village and Preveli beach. Kalypso is very impressive to say the least as it is surrounded by high rocks. The small port was used as shelter by pirates about 300 years ago.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kalypso Beach
Kalypso beach is located on south of Rethymno between Plakias village and Preveli beach. Kalypso is very impressive to say the least as it is surrounded by high rocks. The small port was used as shelter by pirates about 300 years ago.
West of Ammoudi starts a dirt road that leads to Damnoni and passes next to towering cliffs and imposing rocks. Just 200m west of Ammoudi, along the dirt road, you will find a parking plateau that has unrestricted view to Damnoni. Right there, on your left hand, you will see a spectacular miniature sandy beach, with turquoise waters and a characteristic rock in the sea. The beach is shaped between two little oblong rocks. The beach is named Klisidi and is an ideal choice when no people are there (quite rare in peak seasons).
Klisidi Beach
West of Ammoudi starts a dirt road that leads to Damnoni and passes next to towering cliffs and imposing rocks. Just 200m west of Ammoudi, along the dirt road, you will find a parking plateau that has unrestricted view to Damnoni. Right there, on your left hand, you will see a spectacular miniature sandy beach, with turquoise waters and a characteristic rock in the sea. The beach is shaped between two little oblong rocks. The beach is named Klisidi and is an ideal choice when no people are there (quite rare in peak seasons).
Cafe - Bars
Livingroom lounge café can become one of your favorite opportunities for fun, for discussion, for friends…
Next to the Unknown Soldier’s Square, overlooking the Venetian port. It is open all year round, with a unique and sophisticated character, with friendly staff always ready to serve your needs at any time of the day.
From 8 am, with a wide variety of coffee and drinks, fresh natural juices, vibrant mornings, sweets and delicacies made daily in our area.
Ideal for a delicious lunch with cold dishes, pasta, salads, Italian pizzas, snacks, finger food. And of course, don’t hesitate to try the chef’s suggestions!
235 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LIVINGROOM LOUNGE CAFE
5 Eleftheríou VenizélouLivingroom lounge café can become one of your favorite opportunities for fun, for discussion, for friends…
Next to the Unknown Soldier’s Square, overlooking the Venetian port. It is open all year round, with a unique and sophisticated character, with friendly staff always ready to serve your needs at any time of the day.
From 8 am, with a wide variety of coffee and drinks, fresh natural juices, vibrant mornings, sweets and delicacies made daily in our area.
Ideal for a delicious lunch with cold dishes, pasta, salads, Italian pizzas, snacks, finger food. And of course, don’t hesitate to try the chef’s suggestions!
Cul de Sac
7 Plateia titou petichaki
Bora Bora
The all-day destination in the heart of Rethymno! Enjoy your coffee in the morning, your lunch in the afternoon also drinks and dinner at night. Our rich menu consists of branch, lunch and dinner. Don't miss to visit us during the night for a memorable clubing experience!! Lighting show, tuneful music, cheerful and ecstatic people awake your senses.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Queens Room
11 Eleftheríou VenizélouThe all-day destination in the heart of Rethymno! Enjoy your coffee in the morning, your lunch in the afternoon also drinks and dinner at night. Our rich menu consists of branch, lunch and dinner. Don't miss to visit us during the night for a memorable clubing experience!! Lighting show, tuneful music, cheerful and ecstatic people awake your senses.
Activities
The mini soccer field 6X6 with artificial turf above the Rethymno Kallithea to Kastelakia has ideal climatic conditions for sports, spectacular views and is using the best technology and materials available on the world market. The pitch is ideal for 5×5 competitions 6×6 up to 7×7 athletes and amateurs.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Calcetto
101 KalaitzakiThe mini soccer field 6X6 with artificial turf above the Rethymno Kallithea to Kastelakia has ideal climatic conditions for sports, spectacular views and is using the best technology and materials available on the world market. The pitch is ideal for 5×5 competitions 6×6 up to 7×7 athletes and amateurs.
Rethimno Kart operates since 1996. With great love for motorsport, we supported all of its forms, organizing and participating in races, seminars, presentations, etc. In recent years we have focused on creating a space for the whole family, where the go-kart track coexists with the electric cars track, the cafeteria and the great natural and certified playground.
121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rethimno Kart
Rethimno Kart operates since 1996. With great love for motorsport, we supported all of its forms, organizing and participating in races, seminars, presentations, etc. In recent years we have focused on creating a space for the whole family, where the go-kart track coexists with the electric cars track, the cafeteria and the great natural and certified playground.
Crete is a unique island in the south Mediterranean Sea.
Beside the beautiful and accessible places, there is another hidden side of the island, waiting for you to discover!
Visit breathtaking unknown places and regions on this island, rich of history and mystery!
Live your Cretan dream on the wild side!
We have carefully created a team of professional and most friendly drivers and guides to accompany your trips and guarantee your well-being through the whole Safari experience.
Our team is ready to share with you their passion and love for the island! Don/t miss the chance to meet us and enjoy the Cretan Safari hospitality!
Cretan Safari Land Rover Experience
39 Sofokli VenizelouCrete is a unique island in the south Mediterranean Sea.
Beside the beautiful and accessible places, there is another hidden side of the island, waiting for you to discover!
Visit breathtaking unknown places and regions on this island, rich of history and mystery!
Live your Cretan dream on the wild side!
We have carefully created a team of professional and most friendly drivers and guides to accompany your trips and guarantee your well-being through the whole Safari experience.
Our team is ready to share with you their passion and love for the island! Don/t miss the chance to meet us and enjoy the Cretan Safari hospitality!
Diving is an amazing feeling : it's like flying slowly in the middle of the fish, you feel good and relax... And the mediterranean sea is beautiful !! Amazing topography, unique visibility and rich mediterranean sea life.
You will enjoy diving with our friendly and passionate team. First time diver or certified : welcome to the Royal Team :)
Royal blue diving center
Diving is an amazing feeling : it's like flying slowly in the middle of the fish, you feel good and relax... And the mediterranean sea is beautiful !! Amazing topography, unique visibility and rich mediterranean sea life.
You will enjoy diving with our friendly and passionate team. First time diver or certified : welcome to the Royal Team :)
Ikarus Water Sports is located next to Rethymno Marina. We have been offering high-quality water sport activities since 1989. Our service provides professional equipment with high safety standards.
Jet ski and Jetski Safari, Parasailing, Water skiing are just a few of our water activities. We care about our customers that’s why safety for us comes first. Our facilities also include a lifeguard watch all day long and our equipment is checked daily by our qualified staff.
Ikarus Watersports Rethymno
44 Sofokli VenizelouIkarus Water Sports is located next to Rethymno Marina. We have been offering high-quality water sport activities since 1989. Our service provides professional equipment with high safety standards.
Jet ski and Jetski Safari, Parasailing, Water skiing are just a few of our water activities. We care about our customers that’s why safety for us comes first. Our facilities also include a lifeguard watch all day long and our equipment is checked daily by our qualified staff.
Φαγητό
Explore the flavours and fragrances of Crete by sampling our world-famous gastronomic offerings - inspired by the island’s legendary natural produce and unique local delicacies. Avli is proud to offer traditional dishes with a history and identity shaped by Crete’s rich gastronomic culture, and new and exciting interpretations of Cretan cuisine.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Avli rustic fine dining restaurant
17 RadamathiosExplore the flavours and fragrances of Crete by sampling our world-famous gastronomic offerings - inspired by the island’s legendary natural produce and unique local delicacies. Avli is proud to offer traditional dishes with a history and identity shaped by Crete’s rich gastronomic culture, and new and exciting interpretations of Cretan cuisine.
The restaurant " Galera" is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of the city of Rethymno. Our concern is to offer a conscientious, professionalism and respect to all our customers , unique flavors of authentic Greek and international cuisine combined with excellent quality, exquisite , fresh ingredients , reasonable prices , fast service .
Visit us to enjoy one of the delicious dishes , selecting from a wide variety of appetizers , steamed , grilled fresh meat on the grill , pasta , seafood or fresh fish , or even one of our specialties .
Our location is appropriate to combine the culinary delights us by watching by the sea during the day and in the evening relaxing with amazing views of the old town and castle.
We wait and we are sure tasting plates at our enchanting seaside environment will spend unforgettable moments !
77 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taverna Galera
93 StamathioudakiThe restaurant " Galera" is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of the city of Rethymno. Our concern is to offer a conscientious, professionalism and respect to all our customers , unique flavors of authentic Greek and international cuisine combined with excellent quality, exquisite , fresh ingredients , reasonable prices , fast service .
Visit us to enjoy one of the delicious dishes , selecting from a wide variety of appetizers , steamed , grilled fresh meat on the grill , pasta , seafood or fresh fish , or even one of our specialties .
Our location is appropriate to combine the culinary delights us by watching by the sea during the day and in the evening relaxing with amazing views of the old town and castle.
We wait and we are sure tasting plates at our enchanting seaside environment will spend unforgettable moments !
In the old town of Rethymno, a modern restaurant, in an atmospheric and relaxing environment, reinterprets traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine. Along with the best local products, an attentive and welcoming service, Alana is ready to welcome you for a complete culinary experience, with a selection of local and international wines, always at reasonable prices. Our passion and long experience has established our restaurant for both locals and visitors of our city.
100 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alana Restaurant
15 SalaminosIn the old town of Rethymno, a modern restaurant, in an atmospheric and relaxing environment, reinterprets traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine. Along with the best local products, an attentive and welcoming service, Alana is ready to welcome you for a complete culinary experience, with a selection of local and international wines, always at reasonable prices. Our passion and long experience has established our restaurant for both locals and visitors of our city.
We strive for what we love in a world that has forgotten the value of food in our lives. A plate of food, eaten in a restaurant or at home, the taste and the quality depends on the raw materials we use. With this as our principle and also that are forthright in any form of mass production of the raw materials, we have come and we have partnerships only with small local producers, who have the same philosophy as us. Our cuisine consists of raw materials without pesticides and fertilizers and from animals grown and fed in nature, as normally required in warehouses and not eating GM foods.
325 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Prima Plora Οrganic Restaurant & Wine Bar
8 AkrotiriouWe strive for what we love in a world that has forgotten the value of food in our lives. A plate of food, eaten in a restaurant or at home, the taste and the quality depends on the raw materials we use. With this as our principle and also that are forthright in any form of mass production of the raw materials, we have come and we have partnerships only with small local producers, who have the same philosophy as us. Our cuisine consists of raw materials without pesticides and fertilizers and from animals grown and fed in nature, as normally required in warehouses and not eating GM foods.
Staras Comfort Food
Are you looking for a unique taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds?
Look no further than Staras Comfort Food! We specialize in authentic traditional Cretan cuisine - with a twist, that will give your senses a completely new experience.
Staras Comfort Food
Staras Comfort Food
Are you looking for a unique taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds?
Look no further than Staras Comfort Food! We specialize in authentic traditional Cretan cuisine - with a twist, that will give your senses a completely new experience.
Fisalida
Enjoy your seaside food experience.