Rethymno sits midway between Chania and Heraklion on the north coast, which makes it a practical base for exploring both halves of the island. The old town is genuinely beautiful — Venetian architecture, a large Fortezza (castle), minarets from the Ottoman period, and a harbour-front that is pleasant without being as overwhelmed by tourism as Chania’s.
The old town
The Venetian Fortezza on the hill above the town offers views across the bay and is worth visiting for the scale and the perspective it gives on the town’s layout. The old town below has a good concentration of independent restaurants and cafés in the narrow streets — particularly around the Venetian loggia and the streets south of the harbour.
The city beach runs east from the old town for several kilometres — long, sandy and increasingly resort-dominated the further east you go. The stretch nearest the old town is the most pleasant.
South Crete from Rethymno
The mountain road south from Rethymno (about 50–60 minutes by car) leads to Plakias — one of the more relaxed villages on the south coast, with a long sandy beach and a growing reputation among visitors who return year after year.
Beyond Plakias, the road continues east to Damnoni, Ammoudi and eventually the palm beach at Preveli — where a river lined with Cretan palm trees meets the sea. Preveli is famous and crowded in summer; go early or in shoulder season.
Arkadi Monastery
About 25 km east of Rethymno, Arkadi is one of the most historically significant sites in Crete — the location of a 1866 uprising against Ottoman rule in which a large group of Cretan fighters and civilians chose death by explosion over surrender. The monastery is still active and open to visitors.
Recommendation status: Visitor-reviewed, locally confirmed
Practical notes
- Rethymno is on the main bus route between Heraklion and Chania.
- The old town is compact and best explored on foot.
- Parking in the old town area is limited — use the seafront road car park.
- The south coast road over the mountains has excellent views but takes time.