Things To Do
Explore Rethymno Old Town
The old part of Rethymno was built mostly during the Venetian era (1205 – 1654 AD) and is one of the best-preserved historical towns of Crete.
Agia Galini, Rethymno Crete
Agia Galini is a pretty coastal village lying around the sheltered bay of Messara which opens to the Libyan Sea. The village is located 55 km south east of Rethymno town and 75 km from Heraklion. Its picturesque port is quite busy during the summer season where boats depart for Agios Georgios, Preveli and the nearby islets. The attractive village has numerous accommodations of all types (even camping sites) to offer, as well as plenty of restaurants, taverns, bars, clubs, cafes and shops.
Rethymno Old Port
Built in the 14th century by the Venetians, the port has been a hub for trade and commerce for centuries. Located in the heart of the old town of Rethymno, the port is surrounded by Venetian buildings, including the impressive Fortezza castle.d One of the main attractions of the port is the iconic Lighthouse that sits at its entrance. The lighthouse was originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and has undergone numerous renovations over the years. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding town. The old port is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes and shops that line the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes while taking in the picturesque views of the harbor. There are also a number of souvenir shops that sell local products such as handmade ceramics, jewelry and textiles.
Preveli Palm Forest
Enjoy its long, sandy beaches with warm waters and discover gorgeous mountainous settlements or seafront villages such as Agia Galini and Plakias
Neratze Mosque
The Neratze Mosque was originally a catholic Augustinian monastery under the name Santa Maria but was turned into a mosque in 1657. The impressive building, which today houses the Odeon Rethymnon, has a 27-m-high minaret and three domes visible from around Rethymno.
Rimondi Venetian Fountain
Moving around the old town will get you to the Rimondi Fountain, which was constructed by Venetian governor Rimondi in 1626. It is a beautifully crafted spring that provides freshwater coming from Mt Vrysinas and flowing from the 3 lions’ heads carved into the wall. If you have already drank all your water fill your bottle up from this old spring!
Venetian Fortezza Castle
Explore Venetian Fortezza Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. It was built by the Venetians in 1573 to protect the city from the invading Ottomans. It is a fantastic place to enjoy a romantic sunset and one of the top things to do in Rethymno Crete!
Arkadi Monastery
The fortified Arkadi Monastery is 23 km south of Rethymno town and is the ultimate symbol of Cretan resistance to the Ottomans. It is a Greek Orthodox monastery, built in the 16th century with unique Roman and baroque architectural elements.
Margarites
Margarites is a traditional mountainous village built on the north slope of Psiloritis Mt, north of ancient Eleftherna. It features beautiful stone houses, gardens, and flowers, where the main decoration is all kinds of handmade ceramics. Discover the many tasteful little shops that sell artifacts made by local ceramic artists.
Preveli Monastery
West of Preveli Beach there are 2 very old monasteries, 1.7 km apart from each other, Kato (Down) Moni Preveli and Ano (Upper) Moni Preveli. The Kato Preveli monastery was founded during the 10th and 11th centuries and it is deserted today.
Enetiko Rethymno Enetiko beach
Enetiko port is located at the northeast part of Rethymno town. The historical lighthouse designates the end of the port and marks the starting point of a long and sandy beach.