Rethymno
Nestled between the imposing peaks of Mount Psiloritis and the crystalline waters of the Cretan Sea to the north and the Libyan Se...
Updated 7 July 2026
Rethymno
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This season · July · Summer
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The story
The story of Rethymno
A crossroads of civilizations: the history of Rethymno
Rethymno's history reaches back to the Minoan era, as evidenced by findings in the Armeni area, but it was during the Venetian period that the city and its province assumed the character we still admire today. After the fall of Constantinople, Crete became a refuge for artists and scholars, transforming Rethymno into a first-rate cultural center, known as the 'Venice of Crete'. The rule of the Serene Republic, lasting from the 13th to the 17th century, left an indelible mark on urban planning, with elegant palaces and imposing fortifications. However, in 1646, the city fell under Ottoman control after a long siege. This transition marked a new aesthetic and social change: churches were converted into mosques and characteristic closed wooden balconies appeared. The 19th century was marked by struggles for independence and union with Greece in 1913, events that forged the fierce and resilient character of the local population, who also played a key role in stubborn resistance during Nazi occupation in World War II.
The Fortress: sentinel over the sea
The imposing Venetian Fortress dominates the city from the hill of Paleokastro, the site of the ancient acropolis. Built between 1573 and 1580 to the design of engineer Sforza Pallavicini, it was conceived as a refuge for the entire population in case of Turkish attack. Its five-bastion star-shaped plan is a masterpiece of Renaissance military architecture. Within it, the path among the ruins reveals the cultural stratification of the place: the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han stands out, originally the Venetian cathedral of San Nicola, with its great dome dominating the vast internal square. Walking along the bastions at sunset offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the ancient harbor and the labyrinth of rooftops of the old town, allowing you to understand the strategic importance of this outpost that for centuries protected the trade routes of the eastern Mediterranean.
The Venetian Harbor and Rimondi Fountain
The pulsating and dramatic heart of Rethymno is its ancient harbor, a small basin surrounded by historic buildings that today host taverns and cafes. Though smaller than that of Chania, it preserves an intimate and collected atmosphere, with the Ottoman lighthouse towering at the entrance. Not far away, venturing into the narrow streets, you encounter the Rimondi Fountain, erected in 1626 by rector Alvise Rimondi. This monument was not merely an ornament, but a vital resource that guaranteed drinking water to the city. Characterized by three lion heads from whose mouths water flows, framed by Corinthian columns and elegant frieze, the fountain represents the ideal meeting point between civic functionality and Venetian aesthetics, remaining to this day the most beloved symbol of the city's identity.
The Monastery of Arkadi: sanctuary of liberty
Situated on a plateau about 23 kilometers from the city, the Monastery of Arkadi is much more than a place of worship; it is the sacred symbol of the Cretan struggle for freedom. Its main church, with a façade that blends Renaissance and Baroque elements, dates back to the 16th century and is of extraordinary beauty. However, Arkadi has gone down in history for the tragic event of 1866: during a revolt against the Ottomans, hundreds of Cretans, including women and children, chose to blow themselves up in the powder magazine rather than surrender to the enemy. Today, the monastery emanates an aura of solemn silence and respect; it is possible to visit the exposed powder magazine, the refectory, and a small museum that holds precious relics and icons. Its isolated position, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, adds a sense of mystical peace to the visit.
Preveli: between spirituality and wild nature
Descending toward the southern coast, you encounter the Monastery of Preveli, divided into two complexes: Kato (Lower) Preveli, now in ruins, and Piso (Upper) Preveli, still active and situated in a spectacular position overlooking the Libyan Sea. Founded in the Middle Ages, the monastery played a crucial role in resistance against the Nazis, helping Allied soldiers escape to Africa. But Preveli is also famous for its incredible namesake beach, located at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Here, the Megalopotamos River forms a freshwater lagoon surrounded by a dense forest of natural palm trees (Phoenix theophrasti), the second largest on the island. The contrast between the lush green of the palms, the cold waters of the river, and the intense blue of the sea creates an almost tropical landscape, unique throughout the Mediterranean.
Villages of the interior: Spili and Anogeia
Exploring Rethymno Province means venturing toward the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. The village of Spili is a mandatory stop, famous for its central square where twenty-five stone lion heads continuously pour fresh spring water. It is a regenerating place, ideal for a rest in the shade of ancient plane trees. Higher up and more austere is Anogeia, a village that has maintained intact archaic traditions and a dialect with Homeric sounds. Anogeia is famous for the production of woven fabrics and for being the birthplace of legendary lyre players. Here, history is marked by the pain of Nazi destruction, but the pride of the inhabitants has remained intact. It is the ideal starting point for excursions toward the cave of Ideon Andron, where according to Greek mythology Zeus was born and raised.
Natural landscapes: from gorges to peaks
Rethymno's morphology is dominated by the Psiloritis mountain range (Mount Ida), Crete's highest peak. This limestone massif is not only a paradise for hikers, but a complex ecosystem made up of desert plateaus, like that of Nida, and fertile valleys like the Valley of Amari, dotted with small Byzantine villages and orchards. The gorges carved by water over millennia offer spectacular paths: the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, with its vertical walls and waterfalls, and the narrower Patsos Gorge, where you can find a suggestive rock church dedicated to Saint Anthony. The landscape variety is completed by coastal wetlands and long sandy beaches to the north, which host nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta, protected with dedication by local associations.
Gastronomic traditions and popular culture
Rethymno's cuisine is the purest expression of the Cretan diet. Extra virgin olive oil, produced in industrial quantities but of excellent quality, is the base of every dish. Among the local specialties stand out 'kalitsounia' (sweet or savory pastries with cheese), 'dakos' (barley bread rusks with tomato, feta, and oregano), and lamb cooked with 'stamnagathi', a bitter wild chicory. Not to be missed is the tasting of 'raki' (or tsikoudia), the grape brandy that accompanies every social gathering. Popular culture is also manifested through religious festivals (panigiria), where traditional dances such as Syrtos and Pentozali are danced to the driving rhythm of lyre and lute. Rethymno also hosts one of Greece's most famous carnivals, an event that merges modern satire with ancient Dionysian rites.
- Wander aimlessly through the labyrinth of Rethymno's old town, seeking carved Venetian portals.
- Visit the Rethymno Archaeological Museum, currently housed in the Church of San Francesco.
- Make an early morning excursion to the summit of Psiloritis to see both the Aegean Sea and the Libyan Sea at the same time.
- Explore the Late Minoan Necropolis of Armeni, with its over 200 rock-cut tombs.
- Taste local graviera cheese from a shepherd on the Nida plateau.
- Cool off under the waterfalls of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge before reaching Preveli Beach.
When to visit and how to experience the territory
The best time to visit Rethymno is from May to June and from September to October. In these months the climate is mild, perfect for excursions and enjoying the sea without the summer heat and crowds of August. Spring, in particular, offers an explosion of wildflowers and aromatic herb fragrances that make the interior enchanting. If you seek an intense cultural experience, the Carnival season offers unique vibrancy, while in July the Wine Festival and Renaissance Festival transform the city into an open-air stage. To experience the place like a local, avoid overly touristy restaurants on the waterfront and seek out small 'rakadiko' in the inner streets, where time seems to have stood still and food quality is guaranteed by the passion of local producers.
FAQ
Quanto tempo occorre per visitare la provincia di Rethymno?
È facile parcheggiare a Rethymno città?
Le spiagge del sud sono adatte ai bambini?
Qual è il modo migliore per spostarsi nella provincia?
Getting there
- Aeroporto di Chania (CHQ) - 70 km
- Aeroporto di Heraklion (HER) - 80 km
- Non sono presenti linee ferroviarie sull'isola di Creta.
- Percorrere la National Road (E75) che attraversa la costa nord dell'isola, collegando Rethymno a Chania e Heraklion.
- I bus della compagnia KTEL sono puntuali e collegano Rethymno alle principali città e siti turistici con frequenza elevata.
Perfect for
Un mix affascinante di stili veneziani e ottomani perfettamente conservati in uno dei centri storici più belli di tutta la Grecia.
Dalle vette dello Psiloritis alle gole selvagge, è il paradiso per chi ama il trekking e i paesaggi incontaminati.
Culla della dieta cretese, offre prodotti genuini come olio, formaggi e miele che sono l'orgoglio dei produttori locali.
To see
Da vedere a Rethymno
Routes · Trovido Route
