2 Days in Rethymnon: Ideal 2-Day Itinerary to See the Best of Rethymno, Crete!

What to Do in Rethymno in 2 days. Check out the city landmarks, the fortress, and the best beaches. This local’s guide tells you the best things to do in Rethymnon in two days.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning your next vacation on Crete or preparing your itinerary to tour the island, this is a fool-proof mini guide to better discover the beautiful region of Rethymnon. This itinerary will help you choose what to do in this Cretan town!

Hundreds of tourists that visit Crete every year admit that Rethymnon is one of their favorite regions on the island, and its capital, the prettiest.

Rethymnon is indeed a magnificent place for a vacation. Whether you are into adventure, beach life, or sightseeing, there’s a lot to do and see.

On the other hand, those who come to Crete for the first time want to give every region a chance. Devoting 2 days to discovering Rethymnon town and some of its nearby villages is a great idea to get a glimpse of this land of traditions, wonderful landscapes, and a unique coast.

As I also did for the short Chania itinerary, it’s a good idea to start with the must-sees. Rethymnon town offers you a lot to do, take a look…

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Day 1: Ancient Sights in the Old Town

It’s not easy to choose what to do in Rethymnon if you don’t have plenty of days to visit. The city is full of stunning sights, museums, and churches you should see. However, and especially because you are short of time, this list highlights what I believe is the very best in town.

Morning: Walk to the Fortezza, Rethymnon’s Venetian Fortress

From the top of the Venetian fortress, you’ll get a magnificent insight into Crete’s history and a fantastic view of the city’s skyline. Begin your sightseeing experience of Rethymnon by walking towards the entrance of the Fortezza.

You can do so either departing from the local bus station, walking east, right next to the sea (along Emmanouil Kefalogianni Ave.) or from the old town (walking up Katechaki Street) towards the sea.

Both roads lead you to the Main (Eastern) Gate of the fortress. If you have arrived in Rethymnon by car and have parked at the the modern port, you will also need to walk along the sea, but towards the west, until you reach the signpost indicating you’re at the fortress.

Once inside the fortress, discover the former Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos which the Ottomans transformed into Sultan Ibrahim Han Mosque. >> You can read about this and other former mosques in Rethymnon here.

This impressive building has a unique domed ceiling visible from all over the city. Once inside, the hundreds of small tiles that cover the ceiling will leave you in awe.

Before the period of the Ottoman rule of the island, the mosque used to be a Catholic church, which clearly explains that the main purpose of the whole fortress was to protect the Venetian (therefore Catholic) population and not the Cretan (Orthodox) community.

Don’t forget to visit the gunpowder magazines, the water tanks, and the subterranean passages hidden inside the fortress. The architectural style and impressive walls built by the Venetians are worth the visit.

Opening hours: Everyday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (summer) and from 8.30 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. (winter).
Ticket: €4 (€3 reduced: senior citizens, students, and other categories apply). Family passes €10.
The nearest parking spots are available near the fortress (unless it’s a farmer’s market day), at the bus station (arrive early), and in the new harbor.

Late Morning: Stroll Along the Old Venetian Port

After visiting the Fortezza, head to the Old Venetian Port. Walk along the picturesque harbor. You can get there from Rethymnon’s Fortress walking along the seaside promenade for about 10 minutes.

Don’t miss the lighthouse, which was built during the Venetian rule of Crete and then restored by the Egyptians in the late 1800s.

The port features a few well-preserved buildings and scenic waterfront. Strolling along the quay, you’ll encounter colorful fishing boats, traditional tavernas, and panoramic views of the sea, making it a perfect spot for photography.

Lunch: Quick Bite in the Old Town

For lunch, try one of the many quick food spots in the area. Some of the places I recommend are:

• Mojo Burgers for a burger sandwiches with super creative fillings (38, Damvergi Street).
• Takis Place Beer – Restaurant (48, Sofokli Venizelou Street) for a relaxed meal with a view of the beach.

Afternoon: Dive into Rethymnon’s Turkish Past

Start by walking back to the heart of the old town, and get ready to try a sweet with Turkish flavors at Giorgos Hatziparaschos’ pastry shop to taste traditional baklava, made by the city’s last phyllo master.

The old town skyline has tall minarets which have been recently refurbished and embellished. There are also mosques and the typical Turkish balconies made of wood, covering the Venetian facades of dozens of buildings.

Heading east of town, the abandoned Kara Moussa Pasha Mosque with its peaceful garden is a place you would love to see.

Although the building cannot be visited inside, it’s located in an open garden and it’s possible to appreciate the fine architecture of the building, as well as the water fountain and abandoned carved gravestones that lie in the gardens.

No matter where you go in town, there are plenty of remnants from the Ottoman era in the form of wooden balconies, minarets, and old hammams. If you have some extra time, visit a Turkish hammam offering special beauty treatments.

If you enjoy history, make a stop at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon to see Minoan artifacts and other important historical items (the museum is housed in the former Saint Francis Monastery, also close to Neratze Mosque and its imposing minaret).

The museum is famous for a collection of Minoan funerary chests, known as larnax (from the Late Neolithic to the Proto-Minoan times). Other findings include tools, figurines, coins, weapons and helmets, magnificent Minoan jewelry, and ceramic collections too.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (in summer) and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in winter)
Ticket: 2€ (students 1€, children free) – Time needed to visit: About 2 hours.

Evening: Cretan Dinner

Head to the fantastic Avli Lounge, a charming restaurant in a former beautiful Venetian villa with a stunning herb’s garden. Over here you will love savoring creative Cretan dishes, local wines, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

Day 2: A Blend of Culture and Beauty

Morning: Discover Rethymnon’s Artisan Shops

There are endless artisan shops in the alleys of the old town where you can get anything you want. Be sure to check out stores selling rakomelo (Cretan honey raki), olive oil, and local spices, which make perfect souvenirs.

If you’re visiting on a market day (Monday and Thursdays), stop by the open public market for fresh produce, seasonal fruits, and local cheeses.

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, check out the different workshops in town. Painters, sculptors, and artisans sell jewelry, paintings, figures sculpted in wood, masks, and even lamps.

Lunch: Enjoy a Quick Bite at a Very Traditional Place

After exploring the shops, head to Zisi Taverna, a beloved local spot offering traditional Cretan dishes with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s a great place to indulge in homemade moussaka or the renowned Cretan salad. Zisi’s relaxed environment and authentic flavors make it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch after a busy morning.

Afternoon: Visit Arkadi Monastery

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive or bus ride to Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most iconic and historic sites.

Known for its role in the 19th-century Cretan revolution, the monastery offers an insight into the island’s history and the resilience of its people.

Explore the monastery’s peaceful courtyards, impressive architecture, and tragic history, making sure to visit the museum and memorial dedicated to the lives lost during the revolt.

Late Evening: Return to Town for Dinner or Nightlife

After a relaxing afternoon driving though the green countryside in the region, enjoy an evening at one of Rethymnon’s local bars or cafes. If you have time, take in the sunset by the harbor before heading to any restaurant in town.

There are a few interesting options to spend a pleasant evening time in Rethymnon. I suggest heading a bit west of the old town and enjoy dinner by the sea in the spectacular Prima Plora, where you can indulge in local dishes or have one of the best sushi offers in Crete.

If you prefer a more relaxing vibe, head to the coastal promenade near the old port and enjoy a round of cocktails at the Living Room, one of the coolest places in town. Here, you can have great cocktails, and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Late-night Walk along the Venetian Port: For a more tranquil end to your day, walk along the Venetian Port. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the harbor with the old lighthouse and fishing boats, or sit at one of the portside cafes for a nightcap.

Extra Time in Rethymno?

If you find yourself with extra time in the city, you’re in for a treat. Explore the area at a leisurely pace and discover some fantastic places in the region, not far from the old town.

In Town

If you enjoyed dinner in Avli, start your day visiting this restaurant to taste their unique Cretan breakfast. Later on, head to the city beach to spend a few hours by the sea. This spot is ideal if you feel like swimming but don’t feel like driving along the coast.

Locally known as Paralias Rethymnon, the beach is opposite a popular strip full of restaurants and tavernas.

It’s possible to rent a sunbed and spend the day by the sea. Of course, this is not the best beach in the region, but it’s a good option to spend just a few hours by the sea.

For Foodies

One can never get enough of the old traditional alleys of Rethymnon. If your first day in the city was not enough, spend some more time discovering the Venetian buildings and take advantage of this walk to taste some of the excellent pastries produced in the town.

One of my favorite places for a sweet treat is Gaias Gevsis, a small shop near Porta Guora, at 17 Eth. Antistaseos Street is known for frying the best fresh loukoumades that they serve hot with delicious honey syrup. This little shop is a must for me and my kids every time I visit Rethymnon.

Make a stop near Rimondi Fountain and drink a few sips of water to make a come back to Rethymnon or enjoy an iced coffee in one of the local coffee shops.

Wine Tasting in Rethymnon

Plan a morning drive to the village of Skepasti and pay a visit to Klados Winery located in the area. Not everyone is aware that the most famous grape variety from Crete, Vidiano, has its origins in the Rethymnon region. Read more about Klados in this article.

Later on, head to the mountain village of Asteri to discover the Folklore Museum established in the village, Poliou House.

Inside this traditional home, they also serve delicious Cretan dishes you will love to try… their unique spoon sweets made with fruit sourced locally!

Rethymnon Beaches

Take a day trip to the southern coast of Rethymnon to enjoy the beaches. Get on the road early in the morning to discover some of the best-known beaches in Crete.

Plakias is a small village located on the coast of the Libyan sea where there are many beaches to spend their day.

Only 5 km away from Plakias, you can also visit the fantastic beach of Damnoni, one of the best nudist beaches in Crete. These beaches are not as crowded as the ones on the northern coast. If you prefer a more lively vibe, drive to Agia Galini, a popular resort 61 km from the Rethymno town.

Rethymno for Outdoors

Drive to the Amari Valley to get a close-up view of the impressive Mount Psiloritis, the highest peak on Crete with its 2,456 meters. Read about Amari here.

In the area, discover the different villages to experience the traditions of the island, talk with the friendly locals, and enjoy a unique lunch in a village taverna.

In the afternoon, you can explore Patsos Gorge, a fairly easy trail, perfect for the whole family, and ideal even for a picnic under centennial trees! Its impressive lush landscape and several natural water sources make it a fantastic place to explore.

Rethymnon for Families

Head south, this time to explore the fantastic Triopetra Beach, a whide pebbled shore, shallow enough for kids to swim and explore, where you will be amazed by the impressive rocks on the coast that give name to the area.

If you (or your kids) prefer a sandy beach, then the beautiful Ligres is a few minutes near Triopetra and offers easy access for small children as well as a more quiet atmosphere.

In Ligres, you can have a traditional and convenient lunch at the taverna overlooking the coast and spend the rest of the afternoon swimming and exploring the small springs and waterfalls on the beach.

Practical Details & Info to Spend Two Days in Rethymno

• Check this guide to find the best hotels in Rethymnon town. This other article offers a list with the best hotels in the region.

• If you prefer to stay in a modern city and on a budget, check Archipelagos, it has a system of terraces connecting the rooms that allow you to see the old town and the Fortress.

• As far as car rental concerns, you might want to read this Guide to car rental & driving in Crete.

• Getting to Rethymnon: If you’ve arrived at the airports of Heraklion or Chania, you can get to Rethymnon with the public bus KTEL. Schedules are both online and at the stations. Here you can find additional information about traveling around the island with KTEL. It takes about 90. minutes to reach Rethymno from Heraklion (by bus) and about 60 minutes from Chania.

• The modern Port of Rethymno is near the Old Venetian Harbor and steps away from the city center. Just a few ferries operate from this port and they mostly do so during summer. Ports with a connection to the port of Rethymno include: Piraeus (Athens), Rafina (Athens), Andros, Ios, Tinos, Milos, Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Heraklion (Crete).

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Guide to Explore Rethymnon in 2 Days

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