Rethymno Travel Guide

Discover the best of Rethymno, Crete, with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out where to eat, sleep, and visit in Rethymno, as well as safety and health tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Rethymno

Welcome to Rethymno, a charming city located on the island of Crete in Greece. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and beautiful architecture, Rethymno is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a taste of authentic Mediterranean culture.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, Rethymno has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best things to see and do in Rethymno, as well as provide practical tips and recommendations for your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Rethymno

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Rethymno is steeped in history and culture, and there are plenty of museums and historical sites to explore. One of the most famous is the Fortezza, a massive Venetian fortress built in the 16th century to protect the city from Ottoman attacks. Inside the walls of the fortress, you’ll find a range of historical buildings, including a mosque, a church, and a prison.

Another must-visit attraction is the Rethymno Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and relics from the Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Other notable museums include the Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno, which showcases traditional Cretan life and culture, and the Contemporary Art Museum of Crete.

Natural Attractions of Rethymno: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Rethymno. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the White Mountains and the Idi Range, which offer some of the best hiking and trekking trails in Crete.

For a more leisurely outdoor experience, head to one of the many beaches in Rethymno. The most famous is the 12-km-long Rethymno Beach, which stretches from the Old Town to the outskirts of the city. Other popular beaches include Preveli Beach, Bali Beach, and Plakias Beach.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rethymno

Rethymno is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, thanks to its stunning mountain trails and scenic countryside. Some of the most popular routes include the Samaria Gorge, a 16-kilometer-long canyon that runs through the White Mountains, and the Imbros Gorge, a shorter but equally beautiful canyon located near the village of Imbros.

If you prefer biking, there are several cycling tours available in Rethymno that will take you through the city’s historic streets and along the coastline.

Best Things to Do in Rethymno: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Rethymno. Some of the best include:

  • Taking a horseback riding tour through the countryside
  • Visiting a local winery for wine tasting
  • Taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Cretan dishes
  • Joining a city tour to learn more about Rethymno’s history and culture

Week-Long Itinerary for Rethymno

Day 1: Explore the Old Town and visit the Fortezza Day 2: Take a hiking tour through the Samaria Gorge Day 3: Visit the Rethymno Archaeological Museum and the Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno Day 4: Take a day trip to the beautiful Preveli Beach Day 5: Enjoy a wine tasting and tour at a local winery Day 6: Take a horseback riding tour through the countryside Day 7: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Cretan dishes

Food and Drink Scene of Rethymno

Must-Try Dishes

Cretan cuisine is known for its simplicity and fresh ingredients, with many dishes featuring locally sourced vegetables, meats, and seafood. Some of the must-try dishes in Rethymno include:

  • Dakos: A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil
  • Kalitsounia: Small, savory pastries filled with cheese or greens
  • Boureki: A savory pie made with sliced zucchini, potatoes, and cheese
  • Sfakianes pites: A sweet pastry made with honey and cheese, often served with ice cream

Local Beverages

No visit to Rethymno is complete without trying some of the local beverages. The most famous is raki, a clear, anise-flavored spirit that is often served as a digestif after a meal. Other popular drinks include wines from local vineyards and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Where to Stay in Rethymno: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Rethymno to suit all budgets and tastes. For a luxurious stay, consider the Rimondi Boutique Hotel or the Caramel Boutique Resort. If you’re on a budget, you can find affordable hostels and guesthouses throughout the city.

What to Buy in Rethymno: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from Rethymno, you won’t be disappointed. Some of the best local products to buy include:

  • Olive oil: Crete is known for its high-quality olive oil, which is produced using traditional methods.
  • Honey: Cretan honey is famous for its delicious taste and health benefits.
  • Wines: There are several excellent wineries in Rethymno that produce unique and flavorful wines.
  • Arts and crafts: You can find a wide range of handcrafted items, such as pottery, ceramics, and textiles, in the city’s markets and boutiques.

Local Culture and Customs of Rethymno

Rethymno has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with its history and geography. For example, Cretan music is characterized by its unique rhythms and is often performed on traditional instruments such as the lyra and the laouto. Another important cultural tradition in Rethymno is the practice of lathrometania, which involves throwing water at passersby during Lent.

Best Time to Visit Rethymno

The best time to visit Rethymno is during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) when the weather is comfortable and the crowds are smaller. If you’re looking for warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, visit in the summer (July-August), but be prepared for more tourists and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rethymno

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, especially the seafood and traditional Cretan dishes.
  • Respect the local culture and customs, including dress codes and religious traditions.
  • Learn a few basic Greek phrases to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public places, such as churches or mosques.
  • Engage in loud, disruptive behavior that may offend locals.
  • Use offensive language or gestures, even in jest.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rethymno

Overall, Rethymno is a safe city for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions, such as:

  • Avoiding unlit areas at night.
  • Keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Using licensed taxis or public transportation.

Health in Rethymno

Greece has a high-quality healthcare system, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Rethymno that can provide emergency medical care. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Rethymno: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rethymno is easily accessible by air, bus, or rental car. Some of the best options to get to Rethymno include:

Airports Near Rethymno

The closest airport to Rethymno is the Chania International Airport, which is located about 70 kilometers away. The Heraklion International Airport is another option, but it is located further away (about 80 kilometers) from Rethymno.

Bus Stations Near Rethymno

There is a central bus station in Rethymno that services several bus routes to destinations across Crete. You can also take a regional bus from Chania or Heraklion to Rethymno.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies located at the airports or in the city center.

How to Get Around in Rethymno

Rethymno is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot, but there are also several transportation options available, including buses, taxis, and rental cars.

Buses

The local bus system in Rethymno is affordable and efficient, with several routes that connect the city center with nearby towns and beaches.

Taxis

Taxis are available throughout the city, and the fares are regulated by law. You can find taxi stands in the city center, or you can hail a taxi on the street.

Rental Cars

Several car rental agencies operate in Rethymno, and renting a car is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Rethymno: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore Crete, there are several nearby destinations and excursions that are worth considering. Some of the best include:

  • Chania: A charming coastal city with a rich history and beautiful architecture
  • Knossos: A Minoan palace complex and archaeological site located near Heraklion
  • Gramvousa Island: A small, uninhabited island with stunning beaches and a Venetian castle

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Rethymno has something for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that this charming city is one of Greece’s top tourist destinations.

Rethymno Rethymno