Rethimno
Rethimno is the cultured and aristocratic soul of Crete, a place where time seems to have stood still in an eternal dialogue betwe...
Updated 18 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Rethimno now
The story
The story of Rethimno
A crossroads of civilizations: the history of Rethimno
The roots of Rethimno run deep into the Minoan era, when ancient Rithymna was a city-state of considerable importance, known for its own mint. However, the city experienced a period of relative decline during the Roman and Byzantine eras, before being reborn under the rule of the Most Serene Republic of Venice starting from 1204. The Venetians transformed it into a strategic commercial center, equipping it with imposing fortifications and refined architecture that still defines the town's profile today. In 1646, after a long siege, the city fell into Ottoman hands, who transformed churches into mosques and added minarets and wooden kiosks to the urban landscape, leaving an indelible Oriental imprint.
The 19th century was marked by struggles for independence from the Turkish yoke, a period of heroism culminating in the sacrifice of Arkadi Monastery, a universal symbol of Cretan resistance. After unification with Greece in 1913 and the dramatic events of the Second World War, which saw Rethimno as the theater of the famous Battle of Crete, the city has known how to reinvent itself. Today it is an excellent cultural hub, guardian of centuries-old traditions yet projected towards the future, where the preservation of architectural heritage meets an intellectual vibrancy that makes it the spiritual capital of the island.
The Fortress: the sentinel on the sea
Built by the Venetians between 1573 and 1580 to protect the city from pirate raids and the Ottoman threat, the Fortezza (Fortezza di Rethimno) rises on Paleokastro hill. Designed by the architect Michele Sanmicheli and based on the drawings of Sforza Pallavicini, its five-pointed star-shaped plan is one of the finest examples of military architecture of the era. Within its mighty walls, one walks among the remains of warehouses, powder magazines, and barracks. The most evocative element is the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, originally the Venetian Cathedral of San Nicola, characterized by an imposing dome that dominates the inner courtyard. From the ramparts, one enjoys a breathtaking view that embraces the entire old city and fades into the blue of the Sea di Creta.
The Rimondi Fountain: the stone heart of the city
Located in Piazza Platanou, in the center of the old town, the Rimondi Fountain is a small masterpiece of Venetian architecture dating back to 1626. It was commissioned by the rector Alvise Rimondi to ensure the water supply for the inhabitants. The structure consists of four Corinthian columns supporting a decorated cornice, between which three lion heads stand out, from whose mouths fresh water flows. Among the columns, the coats of arms of the Rimondi family and the Latin inscriptions 'Liberalitatis' and 'Fontes' are still visible. It is the historic meeting point for residents, a monument of Renaissance grace that continues to fulfill its original function, offering refreshment to passersby under the Cretan sun.
The Neratze Mosque and the charm of the Orient
One of the most iconic buildings in Rethimno is the Neratze Mosque, located near Piazza dei Martiri. Originally, during the Venetian period, this was the Catholic church dedicated to Santa Maria, attached to an Augustinian convent. With the arrival of the Turks, the building was converted into a mosque and in 1890 the very tall minaret with two balconies was added, which today towers over the city's rooftops like a stone lighthouse. Although it is no longer used for worship, the structure hosts concerts and exhibitions thanks to its exceptional acoustics. The three domes and the perfectly preserved Renaissance portal offer immediate visual testimony of the cultural layering that makes Rethimno so special.
La Loggia Veneziana: elegance and power
La Loggia is perhaps the most elegant building in the city, once a gathering place for the Venetian nobility who met here to discuss politics and business. Dating back to the 16th century, it is a square-shaped structure with wide semicircular arches on each side, built from local limestone. During the Ottoman period, it was transformed into a mosque, but today, after careful restoration, it houses a shop selling official reproductions of archaeological artifacts from the Ministry of Culture. Its sober and proportional architecture perfectly represents the spirit of the Serenissima, bringing a touch of Piazza San Marco to the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Arkadi Monastery: symbol of freedom
Located about 23 km from the city, on a plateau surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Arkadi Monastery is the most sacred place for Cretans. Founded likely in the 5th century, the current church dates back to the 16th century and features an extraordinarily beautiful Venetian Baroque facade. However, Arkadi is world-famous for the events of 1866: during a revolt against the Turks, hundreds of rebels and civilians chose to blow themselves up in the powder magazine rather than surrender to the enemy. Today, the monastery is a place of profound peace, where one can visit the museum housing sacred relics and historical memorabilia, and walk among the flowering courtyards that exude an austere and moving spirituality.
The Venetian Harbor and the Lighthouse
Rethimno's old port is a miniature jewel. Its quays are lined with historic buildings that once served as customs warehouses and now host characteristic tavernas. At the end of the pier stands the lighthouse, rebuilt by the Egyptians during their brief rule over the island around 1830 on Venetian foundations. It is one of the most romantic places in the city, ideal for a sunset stroll when the lights from the tavernas begin to reflect on the water and the small fishing boats (kaiki) sway lazily. Despite its tourist vocation, the port retains an authentic soul, especially in the early morning hours when fishermen land the day's catch.
Surroundings and landscape: between gorges and beaches
The Rethimno territory offers an extraordinary landscape variety. Towards the south, the Libyan coast yields pearls such as Preveli beach, where a freshwater river flows into the sea through a suggestive natural palm grove. Trekking enthusiasts cannot miss the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a wild canyon where the wind blows between the rocky walls creating sounds similar to handclaps. Towards the interior, mountain villages like Spili, with its famous lion-head fountains, and Margarites, a center renowned for traditional pottery making, offer a glimpse of the truest rural Crete, made of slow rhythms and generous hospitality among the slopes of Mount Ida.
Traditions and flavors: the Cretan diet
In Rethimno, gastronomy is a philosophy of life. Local cuisine is based on the excellence of raw materials: extra virgin olive oil, wild mountain herbs, and artisanal cheeses like graviera. Do not miss 'dakos', an barley rusk soaked in water and seasoned with fresh tomato, crumbled feta, and oregano, or 'kalitsounia', small pastries filled with sweet cheese or herbs. The meal inevitably concludes with a glass of raki (or tsikoudia), the local spirit that is a symbol of friendship and welcome. Folk culture is still very much alive, celebrated during the Rethimno Carnival, the most important in Crete, and in numerous summer festivals where the music of the Cretan lyra accompanies traditional dances until dawn.
Experiences not to miss
- Getting lost without a destination in the alleys of the historic center early in the morning.
- Visiting the traditional phyllo dough artisanal workshop in the historic center.
- Attend a Cretan music concert under the stars in the Fortezza.
- Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Preveli beach.
- Taste local wines from the wineries in the Arkadi area.
- Watch potters at work in the village of Margarites.
When to go and how to experience the city
The ideal period to visit Rethimno is from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the climate is mild, perfect for excursions, and the city is not as crowded as during the summer peak. Spring, in particular, offers spectacular blooming in the hinterland. To fully experience the place, forget the car: the historic center is almost entirely pedestrian and should be explored on foot. Stop at less touristy kafeneia to watch the elderly playing backgammon and let yourself be guided by the aromas coming from the bakeries. Rethimno requires slowness to be understood; it is a city that does not reveal itself immediately, but rewards those who know how to observe the details of its portals and the grace of its hidden gardens.
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Getting there
- Chania (CHQ) - 65 km
- Heraklion (HER) - 80 km
- Non sono presenti linee ferroviarie sull'isola di Creta.
- Percorrere la National Road (E75) che attraversa tutta la costa nord di Creta; Rethimno è perfettamente collegata sia da Chania che da Heraklion.
- Gli autobus KTEL sono frequenti, puntuali ed economici, ideali per spostarsi tra le città principali senza noleggiare un'auto.
Perfect for
Un connubio perfetto tra rinascimento veneziano e fascino ottomano, visibile in ogni angolo della città vecchia.
Dalle lunghe spiagge attrezzate della città alle baie selvagge del sud, circondate da montagne e gole spettacolari.
La patria della dieta cretese, dove l'olio d'oliva e i prodotti della terra creano sapori indimenticabili e genuini.
To see
What to see in Rethimno
Routes · Trovido Route
