🏰 Why Visit Rethymnon, Crete?
This stunning town on Crete's north coast is a popular, large resort with a lot of history that gives you beaches that stretch for miles, and a magical combination of history, culture, and seaside bliss. The old town is architectural poetry – narrow cobblestone streets, Venetian mansions, Turkish mosques, and an incredible harbour that’s straight from a Renaissance painting. Perfect for pretending to be a mediaeval wench on your insta! It’s not all historic buildings though, you'll also find modern resort facilities, brilliant beaches, and enough restaurants to eat your way through a month of holidays.
Top reasons to visit Rethymnon:
🏛️ One of Greece's most beautiful and complete medieval old towns
🏖️ Miles of sandy beaches stretching east and west from the town
🎨 Vibrant cultural scene with festivals, galleries, and traditional crafts
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families, couples, and culture lovers alike
🌟 Top Things to Do in Rethymnon
Whether you're exploring Venetian fortresses or building sandcastles, there's enough to do here that your party need never get bored (yes, even the little ones).
Explore the Medieval Old Town
Venetian Harbour - one of the most photographed harbours in Greece with waterfront dining
Neratze Mosque - beautiful converted Venetian church showcasing the town's layered history
Venetian Loggia - now housing the Ministry of Culture, stunning Renaissance architecture
Wander narrow streets discovering hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and traditional cafés
Beach Life & Coastal Fun
Rethymnon Beach - long sandy stretch right in front of the old town
Platanias Beach - organized beach resort area just east of town
Adelianos Kampos - nearby family-friendly resort area with calm waters
Water sports, beach bars, and tavernas serving fresh seafood right on the sand
Cultural Experiences
Renaissance Festival (June-September) - theatre, art exhibitions, and concerts
Wine Festival in July - taste local wines with traditional music and dancing
Municipal Garden - peaceful green space perfect for family picnics
Traditional workshops where you can learn pottery, weaving, or cooking
Day Trips & Adventures
Arkadi Monastery - heroic monastery with stunning architecture and moving history
Preveli Beach - famous palm forest beach with river meeting the sea
Traditional mountain villages - Anogia, Margarites, and other authentic settlements
Samaria Gorge - day trips to one of Europe's longest and most spectacular gorges
🏨 Where to Stay on Your Rethymnon Holidays
From boutique hotels in restored Venetian mansions to beachfront resorts, see some of our fav places to stay in town.
Atlantis Beach - Beachfront excellence with direct access to Rethymnon's gorgeous sandy coastline and easy reach of the historic old town. Perfect for families wanting beach convenience with cultural exploration just a short stroll away.
Veneto - Boutique luxury in a beautifully restored Venetian building right in the heart of the old town. Wake up surrounded by medieval charm and step out into the maze-like streets where history comes alive around every corner.
Bio Suites Hotel - Eco-luxury that combines sustainability with sophisticated comfort, perfect for conscious travelers who want premium accommodation without compromising their values. Modern elegance with environmental responsibility.
Ikones Seafront - Adults Only - Sophisticated waterfront hotel. Think elegant suites with sea views, intimate dining, and that peaceful adult-only atmosphere where you can truly unwind.
OROS Luxury Beach Resort - Premium beachfront resort offering the full luxury experience with world-class facilities, multiple pools, and upscale dining. When you want to be pampered while staying close to Rethymnon's cultural treasures.
Whether you're exploring the maze-like streets of the old town, dining at harbour restaurants with views that belong in movies, or simply lounging on beaches that stretch to the horizon, this is the kind of destination that reminds you why people have been falling in love with Greece for thousands of years. It's got everything – and it does it all beautifully.
