Holidays in Rethymno

The prefecture of Rethymno is located on the western side of Crete, between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. It is full of magnificent beaches, interesting archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, lovely villages and lively resorts. Rethymnon Town is the capital, a town with intense Medieval architecture and a lovely Venetian port. Bali, Agia Galini, Plakias and Adelianos Kampos are among the most popular beach resorts in Rethymno Greece, while a drive around will bring you to innumerable secluded coves for total privacy. Interesting sights to visit in the region are the historical Monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi, the Ideon Cave where god Zeus was raised according to mythology and the many gorges in the inland.

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Travel guide to Rethymno, Greece

Located between the popular regions of Heraklion and Chania, Rethymno Crete keeps a lower profile in tourist development. Apart from some beaches in the northern side, the rest of the region remains off the beaten track even in high season. As it is not as popular as Chania and Heraklion, the region of Rethymno has more quiet and relaxing places.

Bali, Adelianos Kampos, Panormos and Platanias are the most tourist developed beach places on the northern side, while Agia Galini and Plakias on the southern side are great family places for total privacy. Holidays in Rethymno can be cosmopolitan or totally remote, depending on your preferences. A drive around will also bring you to important historical sites and places of natural beauty.

General information

Have a look on our travel guide about Rethymno, where we propose the most interesting sights, villages, beaches, and museums to visit. Also see photos, videos and maps to help you organize better your holidays in Rethymno.

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Accommodation

The most popular hotels in Rethymno Greece are found in seaside resorts on the northern side, including Panormos, Bali and Adelianos Kampos. Accommodations in these places range from upscale hotels to family apartments. In the southern coasts, nice places to stay are Agia Galini and Plakias. These places are more secluded and offer more traditional studios and rooms for rent. In the Old Town, you can find elegant boutique hotels housed in old Venetian mansions.

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Things to see and do

Rethymno Greece is a region with authentic beauty and relaxing atmosphere. It is one of the four regions of Crete island, one of the most popular Greek islands. Like in the rest of the island, the villages of Rethymno keep their traditional beauty. Walk around the Old Town and explore the stone paths, the elegant mansions, the lovely arches and certainly the Venetian port. This is the most popular spot of the Town, lined up by delicious restaurants and nice cafeterias. Above the town, there is a strong Medieval castle called Fortezza.

The northern and southern coasts are dotted with fabulous beaches. Bali, Panormos and Adelianos Kampos on the northern side get pretty popular in summer, while Plakias and Agia Galini are the most tourist places in the southern side. The inland of the prefecture has traditional villages, impressive gorges and historical monasteries, such as Preveli and Arkadi. In these villages, visitors will frequently listen to authentic Greek music.

Have a look in our guide of Rethymno Crete and find all the useful information about your Rethymno holidays. Due to its central location, visitors can easily make trips to the other prefectures of Crete: Chania, Heraklion and Lassithi.

Highlights in Rethymno

Discover in a glance the best things to see and do in Rethymno

Picturesque town

The old port of Rethymnon Town

Rethymnon Town is a beautiful place to walk around. Due to the long Venetian occupation, it has an evident Medieval style. The old port is the most relaxing spot.
Bali beach

The wonderful region of Bali

The region of Bali is the most tourist developed place in the region. It has organized beaches with sandy coasts and many tourist facilities for visitors.
Preveli Monastery

The historical Monastery of Preveli

The Monastery of Preveli has large historical importance for Crete, as during World War II the monks of this monastery helped Cretans and British to escape to Egypt.
Anogia village

Mountainous village of Anogia

Anogia is a picturesque village in the inland of Rethymnon. This village is mostly famous as the homeland of Nikos Xilouris, an important Cretan signer.
Plakias beach

Sandy beach of Plakias

On the southern side of Crete is the long and sandy beach of Plakias. Although this place has many tourist facilities, it is also great to enjoy total privacy. Nice secluded beaches are found in the region.
Arkadi Monastery

Historical Monastery of Arkadi

The Monastery of Arkadi has historical importance for Crete. During the Cretan Revolution of 1866, monks and soldiers who were hiding in this monastery, exploded themselves so that they do not surrender to the Turks.
Agia Galini

Seaside village of Agia Galini

Agis Galini is a nice tourist village on the southern side of Crete. Many tourist facilities are found there, while the beaches are both organized and secluded.
Fortezza

Venetian Fortress of Rethymnon

On a hill above the Town, there is a strong Venetian Fortress, called Fortezza by the locals. This fortress was originally constructed by the Venetians and reconstructed by the Ottomans.
Scuba diving centers

Try scuba diving in Rethymno

As the seabed of Rethymno is full of interesting reefs, sea caves and ancient wrecks, many diving centers have opened in the region offering courses and the necessary equipment.
Cruise from Rethymno to Santorini

Day cruise to Santorini island

Take this day cruise from Rethymno to Santorini and discover the most fantastic Greek island, with the wild caldera, the still active volcano and the picturesque villages on the edge of the cliff.