
Amazing Things to Do in Rethymnon Old Town That You Will Love (By a Local!)
Discover the best things to do in the old town of Rethymnon, including unique buildings, historic landmarks, and stunning views of the old Venetian Harbor.
If you are wondering what the top things to do in Rethymnon are, this is the guide for you. Rethymnon is the third-biggest city in Crete, located halfway between the capital, Heraklion, and Chania.
Rethymnon has one of the best-preserved old districts on the island, featuring aristocratic Venetian buildings, narrow streets, a small but picturesque Venetian harbor, and an impressive fortress. If you are planning a trip to Crete and want to see this city, let me guide you through some of the best things to do in Rethymnon.
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What’s in a Name? Rethymno or Rethymnon?
Rethymno (Greek: Ρέθυμνο), as locals call it, is also written Rethimno, Rethymnon, Réthymnon, and Rhíthymnos, it all depends on the transliteration into Latin characters since Greek pronunciation cannot always be exactly transliterated. Both spellings are correct. I’ve decided to use the word “Rethymnon” throughout the post since this is what visitors usually call it.
To be fair, though, Rethymno is the way we call it on the island. The same could be said of the capital, locals don’t say “Heraklion“, but that’s the way visitors and guidebooks call it.
Rethymno is more or less /ˈɾeˌθɪmno/ pronounced: *ré (like in red) – thee – mno. This is an old name as the city flourished in ancient times and was known as the Rhithymna (and the adjacent Arsinoe), during the Minoan era.
Rhithymna was an important civilization center that even minted its own coins with maritime emblems (the best-known one includes two dolphins in a circle). At present, the city is the capital of the regional unit or prefecture of Rethymnon, the third in importance in Crete.

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General Information about Rethymnon
The city is the capital of the Rethymnon region (or regional unit, formerly called prefecture). It is located on the northern coast of Crete, between the Chania region and the central Heraklion region (home to Crete’s capital)
📍 35.370458 N, 24.474659 E
Distances from Crete’s Main Cities:
- Chania – Rethymnon: 68 km, 1 h.
- Heraklion – Rethymnon: 80 km, 1 h. 15 m.
- Agios Nikolaos – Rethymnon: 139 km, 2 h.
- Sitia – Rethymnon: 204 km, 3 h. 10 m.


What Things to Do in Rethymnon
When I host experiences and tours in my city, Chania, it’s common to hear guests saying that they will only visit Rethymnon for a day or two. That’s the reason why it might be impossible for you to do everything I recommend on the list. However, it can work as a perfect thing to do in Rethymnon’s list of activities to choose from.
This way, you can decide what you would really like to do and plan the perfect visit to Rethymnon. If you have questions or ideas, add them to the comments at the end of the article, this way I can improve this list and make sure you have the best experience in Crete. So, let’s explore some fun things to do in Rethymnon!

Rethymnon Old Town
One of the best-preserved old towns in Crete is certainly the old town of Rethymnon with its unique Cretan Renaissance style. The old city mixes Venetian-style architecture with the influences of Turkish-Ottoman rule.
ARCHITECTURAL TRAITS
The Republic of Venice conquered Crete in 1204, that’s why most towns and villages still preserve distinct architectural traits. Buildings were erected by the Venetians and later on by the Cretan murari, local builders trained by the conquerors. A characteristic of Rethymnon’s layout is that the city is open to the sea, while other coastal towns, such as Chania and Heraklio, were closed for defensive reasons.
There used to be gothic buildings as well but they were destroyed in 1571, with the attack of the Turkish corsair Ulu Ali. After that, Rethymnon was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century.


The Ottoman Empire got hold of the city in 1648, occupying Crete until 1898. That’s the reason behind the opulent Turkish houses in Rethymnon.
Venetian buildings were refurbished and restored following their taste and style, normally with heavy use of wood. The limestone was replaced by wooden frames while the walls received a heavy layer of plaster. Another typical feature is an upper balcony projecting out over the street, also known as a harem window or mashrabiya.
This way, houses gained a few extra meters of living space, allowing for a good view of the street without being seen.
The old town of Rethymnon features a myriad of Venetian and Turkish monuments which clearly depict the past of the city, a visit to some of these buildings is certainly a good answer if you’re still wondering what to do in Rethymnon.
>> To discover the old town better, you can join this Rethymnon street food tour with historic highlights run by a local.

Porta Guora and the Minaret of Valide Sultana
📍Antistaseos and Dimakopoulou Streets
Known by the name of Porta Guora but also as Megali Porta or Great Gate of Rethymnon, this gate has really changed as time went by. It’s still possible to recognize this entrance to the city’s fortifications from the 1570s.
The door was named Guora after the Rector of Rethymnon, Iacopo Guoro. The archway originally had a triangle over the top with a relief of Venice’s Lion of St. Mark. Currently, you can see the badly-damaged relief exhibited in the Archaeological Museum.
Passing through the door towards the modern city, you will reach the Four Martyrs’ Square and the imposing church. The door is the southern tip of the old town.
Very close to the door, hidden within a private property, you can see the remains of an ancient minaret part of an Ottoman mosque known as Valide Sultana. It is impossible to visit the building, but part of the structure can be seen from a backstreet (Tompazi Street). The mosque was also known as Mosque of the Great Gate. >> You can read more about this mosque here.



Rimondi Fountain
📍Mavrokordatou Alexanrou Street.
Typically, another thing you can do in Rethymnon is to drink water from one historical landmark in town: Rimondi Fountain. To visit, you will need to walk to Platanos Square, right in the center of the old Venetian town. The fountain was built by one of the city rectors, A. Rimondi, back in 1626.
Rimondi Fountain has three water basins with the characteristic lion head, as well as three columns with an inscription in Latin. The central basin also has the coat of arms of the Rimondi family.
The fountain was used to partially cover the drinking water needs in the old town. Until today, it continues to spring water through the lions’ heads. Locals agree that drinking from the fountain secures a trip back to the city.

The Venetian Loggia
📍216, Arkadiou Street.
The Loggia is a remarkable building in the heart of the old town. It has been part of Rethymno’s scene since the 16th century, and it’s one of the works left on the island by the famous Veronese architect Michele Sanmichelli.
The Loggia’s main purpose was to host the meetings of prominent rulers and politicians who would gather there to discuss public affairs. The square building has imposing arches and a courtyard.
The Venetian Loggia was also a mosque during the Ottoman occupation. It had a minaret, which was demolished later on.
For over 40 years, the Loggia has hosted the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon, now in a different location. It, later on, hosted a shop selling reproductions of archaeological findings, but as from 2024, the building is closed for renovations.

Fortezza, Explore the Venetian Fortress of Rethymnon
📍35.372059 N, 24.471090 E
Another beautiful attraction in Rethymno is the Fortezza. The structure dates back to the 16th century. It’s open to the public and you reach it going up from the old town or following the seaside road starting from Rethymno’s bus station or from the Venetian Port.
The fortress dominates the town from Paleokastro, a low hill whose name means ‘Old Castle”. Different sources state that this was probably the acropolis of ancient Rithymna and that there was also a Sanctuary for Apollo and Artemis.
The constant Ottoman threat during the Venetian period led to the reorganization of local military protection, with new walls being completed between 1540 and 1570. However, the Fortezza was not enough to protect the city from the attack of the corsair Ulu Ali, who invaded and destroyed Rethymnon.
Rethymnon needed more effective protection, and that’s how one of the biggest bastions of Crete was born between 1573 and 1580. Among the unique characteristics was that the outside walls had an outward inclination to make the missiles bounce off to avoid damage to the structure.
In any case, despite its imposing size, the Ottoman Empire managed to invade and take over the city in 1646 after about 20 days of siege.

THINGS TO SEE IN RETHYMNON’S FORTRESS
Inside the complex, you can visit the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han (formerly the Cathedral of St. Nicholas), which has a remarkable domed ceiling covered in tiles. Near the mosque, there’s a smaller building – probably the residence of the local Bishop.
It’s also curious to learn that the cathedral was Catholic and not Orthodox, this implies that the ultimate function of the Fortress was to offer protection only to the Venetians and not to the Cretan population.
Inside the fortress also visit the churches of Agios Theodoros and Agia Ekaterini, both more recent, built to celebrate the expulsion of the Turks. There are also gunpowder magazines and water tanks.
Worth a visit is the Bastion of Saint Lucas, with an impressive ramp for the cannon and ammunition. The view from the seaside control towers is really fantastic too. The Venetian Fortezza of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved castles in Crete.
The tickets start from € 4, with a reduced fee for senior citizens (ID required).
>> June to September: 8 a.m. – 7.15 p.m.
>> October to May: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Check the Venetian Port of Rethymnon and the Lighthouse
📍 35.370577 N, 24.477277 E
Walking away from the Fortezza, following the coastal road, it’s possible to reach the old harbor and the lighthouse, both of great strategic importance during the Venetian era.
The vaulted spaces in the seafront buildings have been turned into picturesque (but a bit expensive) fish restaurants. If you are looking for a convenient and more authentic Cretan dinner, reaching the inner alleys of the old town or the modern city is always better.

The Venetian Port of Rethymnon
Along with the beautiful lighthouse, the Venetian port is one of the most attractive places to visit. Currently out of use, except for a few fishing boats, it has been replaced by the nearby modern port. This old harbor was already active on the island during the Byzantine rule.
However, its more active period dates to the Venetian times when it was one of the island’s most vibrant centers of commerce. The small Egyptian lighthouse overlooks the entrance to the old port, making the whole area one of the most beautiful places in the old town. Walking all the way to the lighthouse is definitely one of the must-do things in Rethymnon’s harbor.

The Egyptian Lighthouse
Another beautiful sight of Rethymnon is the Egyptian Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1830s. It’s the second-largest (9 m tall) Egyptian lighthouse still standing in Crete, after the one in Chania’s Old Town (26 m tall). It’s on the edge of the old sea wall of the old town. Many believe that there was an older Venetian lighthouse in the place.
The Egyptian Lighthouse is definitely a sight you must check in the old town of Rethymno, it adds a unique character to the port and the views at sunset are really romantic.

Check the Mosques in Rethymnon Old Town
Besides the impressive mosque inside the Fortezza, you can also find clear memories of the Ottoman rule in town. The city’s landscape is not just made of the many Turkish houses still standing, but there are also many mosques in Rethymnon’s Old Town.
Neratze Mosque
📍2, Emmanouil Vernardou Street.
Before the Ottoman rule, the Neratze mosque was the Church of Holy Mary. It was converted into a mosque at the end of the 1600s. But it currently hosts a music conservatory and the Municipal School of Music of Rethymnon. Three domes replaced the roof of the original church, while the minaret dates back to 1890. The building is mainly used for music concerts due to its impressive acoustics.

Kara Moussa Pasha Mosque
📍Arkadiou Street.
The Kara Moussa Pasha mosque got its name after the Turkish commander of the naval campaigns against Rethymnon. It’s located where the Venetian monastery of Agia Varvara used to be. The mosque’s courtyard has the rests of the minaret, several grave steles, and a mausoleum where the Pasha is probably buried.

Mosque of Valide Sultana
📍11, Tompazi St.
During the last years of the 1600s, the Ottomans built a mosque next to the Guora Gate. Locally known as the Mosque of Megali Porta, its original name is the Mosque of Valide Sultana (who was Sultan Ibrahim’s mother). The mosque’s minaret dates back to 1878 and adds character to the city’s skyline.

Veli Pasha Mosque
📍Dimokratias and Androulakis Street.
The Veli Pasha Mosque (Veli Paşa Camii in Turkish) is also known as the Mastaba Mosque, and it is now home to the Paleontological Museum of Rethymno. This historical religious building from the Ottoman period was originally built back in the seventeenth century (around 1651) outside the city walls where an older church used to stand (Agios Onoufrios church).
This mosque underwent heavy damage during WWII and was later restored to house the local Paleontological Museum. The building features nine domes, six small ones on the roof and three larger domes on the portico. The mosque has a tall minaret dated a little later than the mosque itself (1789), making it the oldest surviving minaret in town.

Visit Rethymnon’s Remarkable Churches
When you visit the old town, you will be surprised to see some unique examples of religious architecture and Orthodox churches. As you walk the alleys of the old town you can visit these interesting churches.
Holy Church of the Four Martyrs
📍Tessaron Martyron Square.
One of the most important churches in Rethymno is immediately outside the old town. The Church of the Four Martyrs (Tesseris Martyres in Greek) is a must-see. It’s dedicated to saints Aggelis, Manolis, Georgios, and Nikolaos, who were martyred in 1824 for not converting to Islam.
The four martyrs were Crypto-Christians (i.e. they pretended to have converted but maintained their Orthodox Christian faith). The church has three aisles and features impressive frescoes and icons. It’s not such an old construction (1975); however, its style, magnificence, and serenity easily remind you of older sanctuaries.

Church of Our Lady of the Angels
📍Thessalonikis and Fokas Streets.
Our Lady of the Angels (Kyria ton Angelon in Greek) is a small Greek Orthodox church originally dedicated to Mary Magdalen. It’s in the center of the old town, very close to Rimondi Fountain, and it was built by the Order of the Dominicans almost at the end of the Venetian rule.
During the Turkish period, it was transformed into a mosque, including a minaret and a mihrab. It came back to the Christian faith in 1917 and was dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels. Locals call it the church of the Little Virgin (or Mikri Panagia).

Catholic Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
📍23, Messologiou Street.
This small Neoclassical church inside the old town is near the Venetian port. The construction in a timeframe of a year was possible thanks to the Catholic Polish soldiers stationed on the island to maintain peace between the Cretans and the Turks.

Holy Metropolitan Church of Rethymnon (Church of the Great Panagia)
📍Mousouron and Menioudaki Streets (Mitropoleon Square)
The Metropolitan Church is a three-aisled basilica dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, that saw three distinct periods in its history. It began as a tiny church constructed during the Venetian era, and replaced by a larger shrine in 1844. This second temple was bombed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1956.
It featured imposing wood carvings and icons. The central nave is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin the North nave to the Three Hierarchs, and the South Nave to the Holi Apostles. It is also the seat of the local archbishop. After a visit to the church, it’s also possible to check their Ecclesiastical Museum located on the ground floor. Its bell tower is 23 meters high and was built in 1899.


Discover Rethymnon’s Museums
There are several interesting exhibitions in the city and a few museums you can explore. You can read this article featuring the top museums in the area or visit some of the following exhibitions in town…
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
📍Plateia Mikrasiaton.
Suppose you are interested in the past of the area but also want to visit part of Agios Fragiskos church. In that case, the Archaeological Museum will offer you the chance to do both since the museum has temporarily relocated to the premises of the church. There are interesting pieces belonging to the Minoan Civilization.
The only areas currently open to the public are its outside courtyards. Close to the church, you can also glimpse the Turkish School, the oldest school in town.
Museum entrance fee: €2
Check their website for an updated timetable


History & Folklore Museum Of Rethymnis
📍 28, Vernardou Street
This museum is located in a Venetian mansion of the 17th century. The permanent collection includes traditional crafts and folklore art from Crete, and it’s a place of research for preserving the Cretan popular culture and traditions.

Paleontological Museum
📍Markellou Street, Mastampa.
One excuse to explore another Rethymnon Muslim monument is to visit the Paleontological Museum in the restored Mosque of Veli Pasha, in the quarter of Mastampa out of the old town. The museum has dedicated access and facilities for disabled visitors.
Meet the Local Artisans
If you love music, traditional souvenirs, or phyllo pastry, then you are at the right place. These are three of the best artisan skills you can witness in Rethymnon Old Town:
Komboloi, or Worry Beads
Not far from the Church of the Four Martyrs, walking opposite the Porta Guora, you can have a first-hand experience of one of the most authentic traditions in Greece. If I were you, I wouldn’t skip this from my what to do in the Rethymnon list!
There, a tiny shop that wouldn’t normally attract tourists sells beautiful komboloi. Thanks to the huge komboloi next to their window, you will easily spot the place.
A komboloi is a string of beads that men usually manipulate when sitting at a café or even while walking. An instrument to relax or to cope with anxiety. Despite the current secular use, their origin is religious and dates a long way back in time, when Mount Athos monks made beads by tying knots to say their prayers.
The beads can be made of amber, wood, and coral. They normally come in odd numbers and have one head of a fixed bead (the “priest”) and a shield dividing the two threads of beads.


Musical Instruments from Crete
Stop at the Cretan Lyra, a shop selling musical instruments where you can appreciate the difference between the Minoan Lyra, the Cretan Lyra, the Mandolin, and the Bouzouki, as well as see an Askomandoura (a Greek folk instrument similar to an Irish bagpipe).
Music is a very ancient craft in Greece; it can be traced back in time and is related to Pythagoras and his philosophical system of harmony and sequence. According to the philosopher, each of the seven planets produces a particular note related to its distance from the Earth.
This is known as Musica Mundana, or Music of the Spheres. Tradition says that the sound produced is so exquisite that our ears cannot hear it.


A Traditional Gem in Town: Phyllo Pastry
It’s true that, when it comes to tastes, everyone has their own. But if I had to choose one – and only one – thing to do in Rethymnon, this would be it.
No building, museum, or mosque beats the experience of visiting Mr. Giorgos Hatziparaschos’s workshop. I’ve been there many times, and it’s always a pleasure to return. I wrote a special article about this place for the Greek Reporter as well.
Inside a Venetian house in the old town, Mr. Giorgos is the last traditional phyllo master who has been making ultra-thin phyllo pastry by hand since the times of the II World War. Thousands have visited his workshop to buy his well-known handmade phyllo and admire both him and his wife, Mrs. Katerina, at work.

His son told us that Mr. Giorgos started working as an apprentice when he was about twelve and went on making phyllo all his life. Although his son and grandson have taken over the business, on rare occasions, it’s still possible to see him at the workshop.
Against the unstoppable arrival of massive manufacture, Mr. Giorgos and his family have continued the tradition of homemade and handmade values with love and extreme dedication, producing one of the most beloved treasures of Rethymnon.
Paying a visit to the phyllo pastry workshop of the Hatziparaschos family is one of the best things to do in Rethymnon!


Check Out the Best Bars and Restaurants in Rethymnon
One of the best things you can do in Rethymno is to taste a proper cup of Greek coffee. Avoid modern cafeterias to explore one of the most deeply rooted Greek rituals, the kafenion.
The Greek café, the kafenion, is a traditional coffeehouse, but that’s saying the least of it. Kafenia or traditional coffee houses are an important piece of Greece’s life, they are magical places that capture the local flavor of the country and its people who spend hours over a cup of coffee engaged in friendly conversation.
These cafés are normally frequented by men who drink Greek coffee, ouzo, or raki, have animated chats with friends, or play backgammon (tavli). Even when women are not officially banned from them, they are most often populated by men.

Another place I vividly recommend is Raki Ba Raki, a modern reinterpretation of the classic Cretan Rakadiko (a kind of kafenio serving small dishes and local raki or tsikoudia). The mezedes (small Greek tapas) are super generous and creative, while the atmosphere is relaxing and authentic. Raki Ba Raki is like an old grocery store with original decoration. It has excellent raki and the most creative mezedes in town.
If you’re looking for a truly pretty place for lunch, just steps from Raki Ba Raki, you can find Avli Lounge, a place that I honestly love in Rethymno. The restaurant is set in a romantic Cretan garden (in fact, avli means garden in Greek) with aromas of local herbs. >> Here, you can read a full review of Avli.

Where to Have A Bite on the Go in Town
Not all food is about fine dining. If you want a quick bite or some homemade Greek food at very convenient prices, check Kokkinos for pizza, gyros, and local dishes (Platia Agnostou Stratioti).
If you have a car, instead, you must visit Zisis Taverna. Although it is not in the old town, if you enjoy discovering local flavors, then this family restaurant is about 4 km from the center (63, Leof. Machis Kritis) and it won’t disappoint.
Another favorite of mine also a bit out of town is Pagonas Place. Don’t be surprised if, while you’re eating, the owner’s mom is classifying the freshly picked herbs on a table next to you. At Pagonas Place, try their keftedes (meatballs).

Things to Do Near Rethymnon
There are plenty of things to do near the old time, that’s why I always recommend renting a car and exploring the broader area. >> This article highlights the best day trips in Rethymnon. However, you can find a selection of things to do in the paragraphs below.
WINE TASTING
Despite being Heraklion the most popular wine region on the island, Rethymnon also deserves a special place in the local wine scene, because the region is home to the Cretan variety star, Vidiano. Klados is one of the wineries in Rethymnon open for visits and wine tasting and it’s also one of my favorite wineries on the island, you can read all about Klados labels here.
The winery is near the village of Skepasti, 25km east of the city. Check Klados’ Facebook page for more information, opening hours, and directions.
Another new family winery you can visit in Rethymnon is Kourkoulou, which is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday and from 10.30 to 17.00. Here you can check the directions to get there.
If you prefer to stay in town to try the wines of the region, then you can visit Rewine, steps from the Metropolitan Church (25, Tsagri St.)

UNIQUE VILLAGES
If you are looking for a place to stay not far from the city but with a Cretan feel, check the Asteri village. It’s about 15 km from Rethymno, allowing you to visit the city any time with a quick car ride. We spent a weekend in Asteri’s Amazing Villas two years ago, just before Christmas, and I must say that the kids had a blast.
Asteri has a significant spot in the history of the island. During the 1866 revolution, the villages of Asteri and Hamalevri were raided by the Turks, who completely destroyed the homes of the Christians. During the German resistance, starting in 1941, the German soldiers encircled the village and arrested the local men. They executed 14 villagers and burned down every house in the area.
Poliou House was burning for 11 days and underwent severe damage. You can visit a monument honoring the victims of the German resistance close to Poliou House.
Asteri is a tranquil place to stay at a convenient location. From there, it’s easy to reach Melidoni Cave, the village of Anogia, Arkadi Monastery, and the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna.

POLIOU HOUSE
For those looking to discover the most authentic Cretan lifestyle, a visit to Poliou House is a must. The house is a folkloric museum where it’s possible to learn and see how houses on the island used to be a long time ago.
Other than learning more about the peasant life of Crete, in Poliou, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner made with fresh local ingredients. Among the best choices are the rabbit stew, the goat, and the salads. Taste their cheeses as well as the homemade wine and raki.

MOUNT IDA (PSILORITIS)
Mount Ida or Psiloritis is the highest peak on the island (2456). In the Minoan period, Psiloritis used to be a holy place. The big cave known as Idaion Andron is where, according to the myth, Zeus was brought up. Many visitors climb the Psiloritis in spring, the best season for outdoor activities.
There are at least 4 routes to reach the summit. Those who know better agree that the path starting in Nida Plateau is the easiest one. Snow can be found on the mountain even in May and June!

RETHYMNON BEACHES
You can check some of Rethymno’s best south beaches, such as Preveli, Plakias, Agios Pavlos, and Triopetra in this article about the best beaches in south Crete. Or you can discover why the southern coast of Rethymnon is one of the best places to go scuba diving in Greece. Besides, this guide to the best Rethymnon beaches gives you details and information to visit the best beaches in the area.
If you’re staying in town, you will probably go to the beaches on the northern coast. However, if you rent a car and move around the region, I recommend heading south to find better beaches, such as Agia Galini or Preveli Beach.

Best Hotels in Rethymno Town
There are several ways to visit the area. Some people choose Rethymnon for a day visit, but many extend their stay. There are many options to sleep in Rethymnon on the hotel strip that stretches facing the beach, both east and west of the city. An option that works well with families with kids or those interested in seaside relaxation.
Otherwise, you can book a stay in the old town; surrounding yourself with a mix of cultural influences and ages of history.

STAYING BY THE SEA IN RETHYMNO
Since I live in Chania, I’ve visited Rethymnon many times and stayed in all kinds of hotels. I’ve often chosen Adelianos Kampos twice when traveling with the kids and for longer stays. In the old town, one of my favorite stays was at Pepi Boutique Hotel. You can read my review here.
STAY IN THE MOUNTAINS OR COUNTRYSIDE
A stay in the mountain village of Asteri allowed me to reach Mount Psiloritis and Rethymnon’s famous monasteries with a short drive. However, there are different mountain villages where you can stay. Margarites is another pretty village in Rethymnon. It is close to the city and is known as the region’s pottery village.
There are plenty of villages scattered around the mountains and valleys in Rethymnon. I’ve included some of them in this post. And if you want to know the best accommodation in the villages of the island, head here.

STAY IN MODERN RETHYMNO
You can choose to stay in the modern city or in the old town. The two areas are comfortable. I preferred this hotel in the modern city when I was driving since parking was a lot easier. The aparthotel in the previous link is super convenient.
If you travel to Rethymnon by bus, it’s more comfortable to stay in the old town because it makes it easy to explore and to find the best dining spots. Pepi Boutique Hotel is a great place for a romantic stay in town.

Transport: Getting to Rethymnon and Moving Around
Those arriving at the airports of Heraklion or Chania can reach Rethymnon with the public bus KTEL. Schedules are both online and at the stations. Check out information about traveling around the island with KTEL here.
- Heraklion – Rethymnon: 90 minutes (8,30€)
- Chania – Rethymnon: 75 minutes (7,10€).
Ktel is the public bus company that offers a reliable service at convenient price. However, for more freedom and flexibility to explore, car rental is perfect for such a big island. I’ve written a post with all the information and practical tips you need when visiting Crete. Car rental is obviously included.

No matter your interests—history, shopping, dining, or simply soaking up the Cretan atmosphere—Rethymnon Old Town is a special destination on the island. As you explore, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for local culture and warmth that defines this region of the island.

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Best Things to Do in Rethymnon, Crete



Gabi, the Crete Insider
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016, which has given me an intimate knowledge of the island. I host culinary and concierge experiences and write about Crete for several travel media. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and published several digital guides to the island. I blog about Greece at TheTinyBook.com and help travelers plan the perfect itinerary in Crete at CretePlanner.com.
Read more about Gabi Ancarola & Crete Insider.

