Holiday in Rethymnon

About Rethymnon

Rethymnon is one of the most enchanting cities in Crete, combining Venetian elegance, Ottoman influences, and Greek joie de vivre into an irresistible package. The third-largest city on the island is located on the north coast between Heraklion and Chania and boasts the best-preserved old town in Crete - a labyrinth of narrow streets, Venetian mansions with wrought-iron balconies, Ottoman wooden doors, and flower-adorned courtyards that invite you to linger. The centerpiece is the Venetian harbor with its picturesque lighthouse from the 16th century. Along the harbor mole, taverns and cafes line up where you can watch fishing boats sway while enjoying fresh fish and a glass of Raki. Overlooking the city is the mighty Fortezza, one of the largest Venetian fortresses in the Mediterranean, built in the 16th century to protect against the Ottomans. From the fortress walls, the view extends over the entire city, the harbor, and the sea to the horizon. Rethymnon features a beautiful, kilometer-long sandy beach right in front of the old town - a rarity for a historical city of this significance. The wide beach with its fine sand and gently sloping water is ideal for families. In the summer months, the beach promenade transforms into a lively promenade with bars and restaurants, while the old town with its hidden squares and wine cellars offers a more intimate atmosphere. The hinterland of Rethymnon surprises with the Arkadi Monastery, a national monument of the Greek War of Independence, and the wild gorges of the Ida Mountains, where the peak of Psiloritis at 2,456 meters is the highest mountain in Crete. From Germany, Rethymnon can be reached via Chania Airport in about an hour's drive or via Heraklion in one and a half hours. The best travel time is from May to October, with the shoulder season in May and October being particularly appealing.