Rethymno (Greek: Ρέθυμνο) also known as Rethymnon and Rhíthymnos is a city of approximately 40,000 people in Greece, on the island of Crete.  Despite the fact that it is a small city, Rethymno provides it’s visitors with all the comforts and fullfil all wishes and requirements. Rethymno provides a large coast line for the ones that prefer their vacations to be near the beach and mountains and gorges for the ones that prefer to have adventurous holidays.

The uniqueness of Rethymno derives from the combination of 3 strong elements: past, present and future.

The past can be sighted in every corner of the old down in the center of the city.

The present which is viewed through noumerous cafeterias and night clubs along the city’s coast line.

And finally the future of this touristic and seaside place, is viewed by the fast pace of development throught the investments of many visitors who decided to build or buy a residence in the county of Rethymno.

Rethymno as a rigion has a rich ancient history, counting back to more than 4,000 years most particularly through the Minoan civilisation centred at Kydonia east of Rethymno. In more recent years the city gained attention when the Venetian conquered the island of Crete and decided that Rethymno could work as an intermediate station between the big cities of Herakleio and Chania. The touch of the Venetian architectural can be seen throughout the entire old town, which is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete, and of course the Venetian castle, Fortezza.

The aristocratic appearance is still a characteristic of the town, with buildings dating from the 16^th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, the small Venetian harbor and narrow streets.

Municipality

The municipality of Rethymno was reformed in 2011 by the local government with the merger of the following 4 former municipalities, that became municipal units:

1. Arkadi
2. Lappa
3. Nikiforos Fokas
4. Rethymno

Transportation

There are 2 ways to reach the town of Rethymno:

1. By Ferry. There is a daily ferry from the port of Pireaus (Athens), which arrives early in the morning approximatelly at 6 o’clock either in Chania or Heraklio.
2. By Plane.There are daily flights from the international airport of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos to Chania and Heraklio. Also there are many direct flights from all over Europe to Crete especially during summer time

There are regular bus services from both Chania and Heraklion. The distance from Heraklion to Rethymno is 80 km and from Chania to Rethymno 58 km. 

What to see/visit 

Culture

Museums:

• Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
• Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno
• Municipal Gallery “L. Kanakakis”
• The Frantzeskaki Collection
• Museum of Sea Life at Rethymno
• Museum of Eleftherna

Historic Buildings:

Rethimno has many historic buildings remaining from the Venetian occupation of Crete, including the Fortessa and the lighthouse.

Arkadi Monastery:

 Beaches:

Rethymno is the only big town in Crete that has a beach in the town’s area. Is a sandy, 12 kilometers beach, which starts from the town’s area and extends several miles to the east and ends in the region of Skaleta. The most popular and seductive beaches however are located in the south area, where the Lybian sea begins. There are many options for everyone even the most difficult and undecided travellers, like Plakias, Damnoni, Agios Pavlos, Kalypso, Shinaria, Preveli, Triopetra, Agia Galini village and etc.

Where to shop:

Since Rethymno is the capital of the region, it has the largest shopping market, in the old town and in the Koundourioti avenue. The shops provide anything, from clothes to shoes and souvenirs. There are also local shops that sell olives, raki, ouzo and wines, which are common commodities of Crete origin. Apart from the city every village, espesially during the summer season, has a souvenir shop.

Where to eat:

The most famous greek food is Pitta Gyros or Pitta Souvlaki, which can be found in every grill shop and sometimes in restaurants. There are plenty of both of them in the old town, near the beach, in the new town and etc. In the Venetian harbor there are restaurants that serve fresh sea food with the view of the small boats and the lighthouse.

Where to drink:

Due to the fact that Rethymno is not only a touristic town but also has the Univeristy of Crete, there are many careterias, bars and night clubs located everywhere especially in the coast road and in the narrow streets of the old town. The promenade has mostly cocktail bars which are modern and brightly lit, with music going on to the early hours. One the other hand the more quit and not so crowdy places are in the seaside road.