Guide to Rethymnon

"Crammed full of colour, bustle and beaches, Rethymnon serves up a real slice of Crete."

Crete's third largest town, the beautiful harbour of Rethymnon, is a Greek treat and a half. You only need to take a stroll around its intricate maze of streets, laced with white-washed cottages, past fine buildings and churches and you'll experience the real Crete. It seems little has changed for decades here. The open air markets are as lively as ever, and the shops, the tavernas and al fresco restaurants fizz with activity. And wherever you wander, you'll notice the influence of previous visitors. The Venetians held Rethymnon in high regard and their architecture can be seen in quiet courtyards and elaborate fountains, as well as the huge fortress which stands above the harbour, presenting a stern face northwards across the Sea of Crete. Yet for all its authentic charm, everything you could need here is to hand and there's a great range of accommodation to suit every style and budget. Plus of course, there's that all-important beach. A palm-fringed promenade backs a beautiful beach of pale sand and shingle which stretches for several kilometres. And if you want to let your adventurous side shine, you can surf the waves on a jetski, feel the wind rushing through your hair from the back of a speed boat or learn to windsurf. After dark, start your night in one of the bars or tavernas - many of which have entertainment - before heading to a disco. The key to keeping up with the Cretans is to start late - most don't even think about eating their evening meal until around nine, and bars stay open until the very early hours. So what are you waiting for?

Find the cheapest late deals to Rethymnon leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Rethymnon hotels and apartments

Rithymna Beach

Hotel Porto Rethymnon

Grecotel El Greco

Rethymnon hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Rethymnon include Bio Studios And Apartments, Christina Apartments, Eveline Apartments, Grecotel Creta Palace, Grecotel El Greco, Hotel Astali, Hotel Minos, Hotel Minos Mare, Hotel Porto Rethymnon, Iberostar Creta Marine, Julia Studios, Pepi Studios and Rithymna Beach.

More Crete holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Crete? Our Crete holiday destinations include Aghia Marina, Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Akrotiri, Almeritha, Apokaronas, Chania, Elounda, Gerani, Gouves, Gulf Of Mirabello, Hersonissos, Horafakia, Istron And Kalo Chorio, Kalives, Kamilari, Kamisiana, Kolymbari, Koutouloufari, Livadia, Lyttos Beach, Maheri, Maleme, Malia, Nea Kydonia, Palekastro, Panos Stalos, Platanias, Prina, Rethymnon, Stalis, Veni and Vrouchas.

Beaches

A palm-fringed promenade backs a marvellous beach of pale sand and shingle which stretches for several kilometres. Rethymnon is said to have some of the best beaches in Crete and with various water sports available is a beach lovers dream. Why not let your adventurous side shine? Surf the waves on a jetski, feel the wind rushing through your hair from the back of a speed boat or learn to harness nature aboard a windsurfer.

Eating out

There are an abundance of tavernas where you can while away the evenings with the locals. If you fancy something a bit more up market the harbour area has an array of restaurants serving a varied cuisine - special attention should be given to the fresh fish dishes which are always well received.

Nightlife

Rethymnon has its fair share of nightlife to keep your night time hours lively. You can start your night in one of the bars or tavernas - many with musical entertainment - before heading to a disco. The key to keeping up with the Cretans is to start late - most don't even think about eating their evening meal until around nine, so bars stay open until the very early hours.

Shopping

There's an excellent variety of shops in Rethymnon, from modern boutiques in the high street to traditional shops clustered in the back streets. Visit a 'lyra' workshop, where three-string violins are carved with incredible skill by local artists. There's also a good open-air market on Thursday mornings - selling a variety of fruit, vegetables and other produce, including thyme-infused honey. Don't forget to take your camera - the rich colours and vibrant textures are worth immortalising.

Local information

Take a day trip to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for some culture and history. If you would rather stay in resort, Rethymnon has some interesting old buildings and sights of its own, including its huge sixteenth century fortress, which was said to be the largest Venetian fortress ever built. For natural beauty, you could take advantage of the harbour by catching a ferry to one of the many nearby islands or hire a car and drive to the spectacular White Mountains.