Rethymno, Crete: Tourist Attractions, Recommendations & Useful Travel Information

People who choose Rethymno enjoy a wide variety of attractions, whether they’re drawn to historical heritage, natural scenery, or direct interaction with locals.

Old Town

The Old Town welcomes you with cobbled streets, arches, and artisan shops. You can spend hours here without getting bored: stop at a café for freshly squeezed orange juice or treat yourself to local sweets like baklava. Restored Venetian houses host art galleries, while Ottoman houses reveal hidden inner courtyards.

Rimondi Fountain

This historic fountain is located in the town’s central square. You can refresh yourself with cold drinking water and take a short break under the arch’s shade – a favorite meeting spot for locals.

Fortezza

The old Venetian fortress dominates the town’s skyline from every angle. You can explore its thick walls, bastions, and terraces, each spot offering a new perspective of the harbor or the rest of the town. Photograph the sunset from here – the light reflecting on the rocks and sea creates the perfect atmosphere for a summer evening.

Venetian Harbor and Lighthouse

In the evening, the harbor comes alive with tourists and local fishermen, and the lighthouse becomes the backdrop for quiet strolls. Restaurants here serve fresh fish, often brought straight from the boats docked nearby, and the menus change with the seasons.

Recommended Museums

• Archaeological Museum: Hosts collections of Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts. You’ll find ceramics, coins, and small statues, each labeled in English and Greek.
• Museum of Art and Folklore: Displays traditional costumes, textiles, and pottery. You’ll learn about rural Cretan life and traditional weaving techniques.

Neratze Mosque

Originally built as a Venetian church, later converted into a mosque, and now used as a concert hall, the mosque impresses with its architecture. Entrance is free for most cultural events held here.

Porta Guora

This Venetian gate preserves traces of the fortified past. Visit in the morning for crowd-free photos or stop by in the afternoon for small street concerts.

Arkadi Monastery

Located about 20 km from the town, Arkadi Monastery connects you with Crete’s past. Visit the museum, gardens, and church, then stop at the local kiosk for honey and bee products.

Best Viewpoints:

Fortezza offers one of the widest panoramas over the city and sea. You’ll also find cafés along the seafront, some on upper floors, where you can sip coffee with an open view of the port.

If you’re planning to fly to Greece soon, don’t miss the most impressive beaches in Kefalonia – it’s truly worth adding this destination to your wishlist!

Beaches in and around Rethymno

Rethymno offers long, clean, and easily accessible beaches, whether from the town center or via short car rides.

Rethymno’s Main Beach

Roughly 12 km of fine sand, with beach bars for quick snacks and organized areas for families with small children. The water entry is gentle, and the price for a full set of two sunbeds and an umbrella ranges from €8–12 per day.

Available activities:

• water sports equipment rental (jet ski, paddleboard, windsurf)
• supervised play areas for children
• simple bars offering snacks and soft drinks

Preveli Beach

A unique beach located at the mouth of a lagoon, with turquoise water and palm trees that provide natural shade. Getting there involves a 15–20 minute descent from the parking area (fairly steep, sports shoes recommended) or a short boat ride from Plakias (€9–12 round trip).

Bali Beach

Recommended for those seeking small coves, calm waters, and opportunities for snorkeling. The hidden village behind the beach offers rustic tavernas.

Panormos Beach

The village of Panormos hosts a peaceful beach with comfortable amenities and gradually deepening waters. Ideal for a day away from crowds.

Agia Galini and Plakias

Two coastal destinations known for clean beaches and family-run restaurants. Plakias, about 30 km to the south, also attracts windsurfing enthusiasts.

Family Recommendations:

• Rethymno Central Beach: access to snack bars, playgrounds, lifeguards.
• Panormos: calm setting, beach visible entirely from terrace areas.
• Bali: small protected coves, ideal for children learning to swim.

For Water Sports Enthusiasts:

Extensive options on the central beach and in Plakias for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and diving – with certified instructors and equipment rentals available on site.

Relaxation and Local Experiences

The city's activity offerings include both moments of tranquility and dynamic experiences for anyone looking to try something new:

• Segway tours: Discover the Old Town in up to 90 minutes on guided routes (prices start from €25 per tour).
• Mountain hiking or cycling: The hilly areas east and south of the city offer well-marked trails for hikers and cyclists, with rest stops and sea views.
• Visits to local wineries: Wine producers in the Rethymno area organize tastings for €10–16 per person, including a guided tour.
• Off-road excursions: Local agencies offer 4x4 safaris to small villages, high cliffs, or caves. These tours can be arranged for groups of 2–8 people.

Day tours:

• Chania: A picturesque town with an Ottoman harbor and waterside taverns.
• Heraklion: Home to the Knossos Palace and Minoan museums. Book your flights to Heraklion with AnimaWings!
• Samaria Gorge: A 16 km hiking route, recommended for active tourists (proper gear and sport shoes required).
• Gramvousa and Balos Beaches: Organized boat excursions from the northwest of the island.

Family options:

• Water park on the city’s outskirts, open from May to October, with pools for all ages.
• Most taverns offer kid-friendly menus and high chairs.

If you visit Rethymno in summer, don’t miss the Renaissance Festival in the Old Town, as well as local fairs dedicated to olive oil, honey, and wine. The festive atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists, and tickets to shows are usually available on-site for €5–8 per person.

Where to Eat Well in Rethymno

Cretan cuisine focuses on local ingredients and simplicity, and Rethymno offers options for every budget.

Recommended Dishes

• Moussaka: Layers of meat, eggplant, potatoes, and béchamel sauce, served warm at any traditional tavern.
• Dakos: Thick toasted bread slices topped with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, olive oil, and fresh oregano.
• Gyros and Souvlaki: Grilled meat on skewers, quickly served in pita – perfect for takeaway meals.
• Stifado: A slow-cooked stew with meat and pearl onions, ideal for a hearty dinner.
• Seafood: Calamari, octopus, fresh fish – usually displayed in glass cases so you can choose directly.
• Baklava and Loukoumades: Desserts often served at the end of the meal, sometimes complimentary.

Where to Eat

• Taverns in the Venetian harbor: Dine outdoors with the sea breeze and order fresh fish or seafood. Most places have menus in English and Greek.
• Restaurants in the Old Town: Enjoy local cuisine in a historic setting, on tucked-away streets. Most dishes are made from ingredients sourced from the local market.
• Markets and street stalls: Try local pies (spanakopita or tiropita), takeaway souvlaki, or sweet treats for small budgets.

At Platanos Square, you’ll find local coffee for €1.5 and traditional pastries for €2–3 per portion. Children often receive free dessert after dinner.

Useful Travel Tips for Rethymno

When to Go

• Summer (June–September): Temperatures range between 28–34°C. Beaches are busy, and the city is lively at all hours.
• Spring and Fall: Temperatures stay pleasant (20–25°C), the city is quieter, and accommodation prices drop. May, June, or September are ideal for avoiding crowds.

What to Pack

• Light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and beach sandals
• Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (handy for pebbly beaches)
• Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• A small backpack for short city or mountain excursions
• A light jacket for cooler evenings in the off-season
• Daily spending money (cash and card – most places accept electronic payments)

In your carry-on, pack clothes for one day, your documents, essential medications, and personal electronics. Most airlines list acceptable dimensions and weight, along with restricted items.

Health and Safety

Rethymno is known for being very safe. Pharmacies, clinics, and first aid points are available in town and at the main beaches. Tourist information centers with multilingual staff are supported by the local council. In case of medical emergency, the European emergency number 112 is the fastest solution.

Vacation Costs

• Food: A meal at a local tavern costs around €10–16 per person; a takeaway gyros around €4. Local food markets offer fresh products to suit every traveler’s budget.
• Beach: A set of sunbeds and umbrella starts at €8/day.
• Local transport: Urban bus tickets cost approximately €1.7–2.5 per ride. Car rental ranges from €28–45/day depending on the season and vehicle type.

Want to Extend Your Vacation in Greece?

If you'd like to expand your adventure and explore other Greek islands, you’ll find convenient flights to Rhodes, Kefalonia, or Palma de Mallorca.

For travel inspiration and the full list of seasonal departures, visit the AnimaWings Destinations Page, where you can quickly check if your chosen city is on a direct route during your vacation dates.

Rethymno welcomes everyone looking to combine beach relaxation with the discovery of a city rich in history and local gastronomy. Plan your vacation based on your preferred time of year, set a realistic budget, and review transport options to save time upon arrival. Book your accommodation in advance—especially for August—and make the most of everything Rethymno has to offer!