Things To Do In Rethymno

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Things To Do In Rethymno

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1. Explore Rethymno Old Town

Explore Rethymno Old Town

2 km
from city center
1 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Rethymnon Old Town is an ancient town in Greece located on the northern coastline of Rethymnon, overlooking the sea of Crete. The picturesque settlement has narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant alleys, and whitewashed Venetian houses with red-tiled roofs. The Venetian harbour, with its towering lighthouse and waterfront lined with boats, is the most serene part of the old town.

2. Stroll Through Venetian Harbour

Stroll Through Venetian Harbour

2 km
from city center
2 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Venetian port of Rethymno is a famous harbour located near the old town on the northern end. The picturesque harbour is lined with fishing boats and is known for its calm, crystal clear, and turquoise waters. Several cafes, bars, and restaurants specialising in traditional Cretan cuisine are situated along the port. Visitors can also take a short stroll along the promenade area to the 17th-century lighthouse, located at the end of the waterfront.

3. Watch Sunset from Fortezza Rethymno

Watch Sunset from Fortezza Rethymno

1 km
from city center
3 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Fortezza of Rethymnon is a 16th-century Venetian fortress on the Paleokastro hill, located in the heart of the Rethymnon Old town. The fort offers a great vista of Rethymnon town and the sunset. The fort is home to Sultan Ibrahim's mosque, formerly known as the Cathedral of St Nicolas. Along with the museum, there are a few barracks, a church, cisterns, an armoury, a gift shop, and several vaults within the Fortezza.

4. Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

1 km
from city center
4 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Archeological Museum of Rethymnon is located within the Saint Francis church in the centre of Rethymnon's old town. The museum exhibits archaeological findings and excavations from ancient sites in Rethymnon and is a must-visit. The collections range from the Neolithic and Minoan periods to the Roman and Hellenistic periods. The exhibits include pottery, marble sculptures and sceneries, coins, tools, weapons, jewellery, Minoan figurines, and many more.

5. Neratze Mosque

Neratze Mosque

2 km
from city center
5 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Neratze mosque, also known as the Gazi Hussein Mosque or Moschea Neratze, is located on Titos Petychakis Square in the centre of the old town of Rethymno. It is a rectangular structure famous for its towering minaret with two balconies and three stone domes. Inspired by Renaissance and Ottoman architecture, it now functions solely as a cultural centre and school of music.

6. Porta Guora

Porta Guora

1 km
from city center
6 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Porta Guora, also known as the Big Door or the Great Gate of Rethymno, is the famous entry point at the southern end of Rethymnon Old Town in Crete, Greece. The gateway is arched and 2.6m high. The cobbled street below the 16th-century Venetian gate gives way to the Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, lined with cafes, taverns, and shops selling souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts, and more. Port Guora is the only intact monument of the original fortress which guarded the old town.

7. Watersports at Rethymno Beach

Watersports at Rethymno Beach

2 km
from city center
7 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Rethymno beach is a 13 km long beach located on the northern coastline of Rethymnon. It is famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters turning a deeper blue further from the shore. The beach is well organised with all the basic facilities. It is a popular hub for watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating, flyboarding, kite surfing, and banana boating.

8. Rimondi Fountain

Rimondi Fountain

1 km
from city center
8 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

An iconic symbol of Rethymno, the Rimondi Fountain is a magnetic structure. Overlooking the Venetian fortress, it was constructed in the 16th century by Giorgio Rimondi. The fountain has three tiers, each with its distinct function, and is adorned with beautiful sculptures depicting various myths and gods. However, its most striking feature is a large lion-head spout protruding from one corner, symbolizing strength and power.

9. Historical & Folk Art Museum of Rethymno

Historical & Folk Art Museum of Rethymno

2 km
from city center
9 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Historical & Folk Art Museum of Rethymno is a two-storey 17th-century Venetian mansion turned museum located on Vernardou Street in Rethymnon. The museum displays Rethymnons historical artefacts and folk art dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. The collections include clothes, pottery, tools, hand-woven baskets, machines, musical instruments, and many more. Maps, photographs, traditional costumes, and other historical records are also present.

10. Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery

10 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery situated in Rethymnon. It dates back to the 16th century, marked by the presence of the Renaissance. Within the monastery is a museum where the sacred banner of the Arkadi tragedy is housed, weapons from the revolutionary era and items belonging to the legendary Father Gabriel.

11. Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach

24 km
from city center
11 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Preveli Beach is a sandy beach in Rethymno, close to the Monastery of Preveli. The Megalos Potamos or the Grand River runs into the sea from the mountains here. The beach is surrounded by Theophrastus palm trees and is also known as Palm Beach. With turquoise clear seawater, Kourtaliotiko and Preveli Gorges nearby and accessibility to numerous water activities, it is one of the most famous beaches in Crete. Swimming and snorkelling are popular here.

12. Preveli Monastery

Preveli Monastery

22 km
from city center
12 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Monastery of Preveli is one of the most famous monasteries in Crete and houses collections of metal seals, gold-plated chalices, semi-precious stones, and liturgical vessels, which are displayed in a small museum here. The Benediction Cross, a big silver cross carried in all battles to encourage fighters, remains the main attraction.

13. Day Trip to Argyroupoli Village

Day Trip to Argyroupoli Village

13 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Mountain village of Argyroupoli is located right above the valley of Mouselas river. It is famous for its picturesque greenery, small waterfalls, underground springs, caves, and beautiful mosaic floors. Built on the site of the ancient Roman city of Lappa, it is home to several Byzantine and Roman churches, the cemetery of ancient Lappa, and an ancient tree.

14. Mount Psiloritis Hike

Mount Psiloritis Hike

32 km
from city center
14 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Mount Psiloritis, or Mount Ida, is the highest summit in Crete, Greece, with an elevation of roughly 2400m. It is a sacred mountain in Greek Mythology as it is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of gods. Visitors can undertake a challenging 3-hour hike to the summit. The hiking trail starts at the Psiloritis Natural Park and is clearly marked but has a rocky pathway.

15. Platanes Beach

Platanes Beach

36 km
from city center
15 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Platanes Beach is one of the longest beaches in Crete. The 8 km long blue flag beach is an extension of Rethymnon bay and is known for its strong winds and golden sand with crystalline and shallow blue waters. It is also a popular hub for watersports such as parasailing, speed boating, kayaking, and banana boating. It is also a protected nesting area for sea turtles. The beach is closed at night during the summer season to prevent any disturbance to the hatching process.

16. Venetian Loggia

Venetian Loggia

2 km
from city center
16 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

Also known as Loggia Veneziana, the Venetian Loggia is a 16th-century building located right across the Venetian harbour in the old town of Rethymno. This ancient monument in the city, with historical and political significance, has now been turned into a shop. The square building has three glass arches on three of its walls. Visitors can view ancient sculptures and carvings and buy books, cards, and replicas of antiques.

17. Egyptian Lighthouse

Egyptian Lighthouse

2 km
from city center
17 out of 17
Things To Do in Rethymno

The Egyptian lighthouse is located at the edge of the Venetian harbour of Rethymno. Surrounded by mesmerising turquoise waters, it is one of the city's most famous and culturally significant monuments. The 9 m high lighthouse towers over the entire city and is attached to a stone breakwater, protecting the city from tides and currents.

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