Rethymno Geography
Rethymno is one of the four prefectures of Crete and is situated between the regions of Chania and Heraklion. It is washed by the Cretan Sea in the north and the Libyan Sea in the south, while Rethymno Town, the capital city, is built on a cape and stretches along a beautiful long beach.
The geography of Rethymno is astounding! The terrain is mainly mountainous or semi-mountainous and it very much resembles that of the other regions of Crete. The eastern part is dominated by the awe-inspiring Mount Ida (Psiloritis), which branches off to the north, forming the Talean Mountains. Named after Talos, the mythical gigantic bronze guardian of Crete, the Talean Mountains are very steep and are filled with old monasteries and lesser-known yet impressive caves like Mougri. The western part is covered by the eastern flanks of the White Mountains. Mount Vrysinas, which stretches south of Rethymno Town, is also an extension of the White Mountains. Between the two mountain ranges rises Mount Kedros, with a maximum altitude of 1,776 meters. Dramatic gorges, spectacular caves, beautiful green valleys and small rivers provide the perfect setting for monuments that reflect the long history of the region.
A small part of the prefecture is flat, especially near the northern and southern shores. Rethymno also has a small number of rivers, the most important being Geropotamos, which springs from Mount Ida and flows into the Libyan Sea. Other rivers include the Kourtaliotis, which opens into Preveli Beach, the Akoumianos River, and the Platys and Petres rivers. Around 25 kilometers south of Rethymno Town, in the Amari province, visitors can also find the artificial River Dam Lake, which constitutes one of the most significant wetlands in the southeastern Mediterranean and is well worth a visit thanks to its beautiful scenery.
Rethymno is strewn with plenty of traditional villages and settlements perched on the hills and the lush green valleys.
Discover the Map of Rethymno
View the map of Rethymno with the main villages, beaches, and sights, as well as the location of the port.
View: Map of Rethymno
