Things to Do in Rethymno
Summary
Rethymno is small enough to walk in an afternoon, big enough to fill a week. Walk the Venetian streets, climb the Fortezza, hike the Imbros Gorge, drive to the monastery of Arkadi, swim under the palms at Preveli, hop between south-coast beaches — this guide pulls together the practical itinerary that locals actually follow.
1The picturesque Venetian Harbor & Lighthouse
Rethymno's Venetian harbour with its Egyptian-built lighthouse is one of the most photographed corners of Crete. The curving stone breakwater, the painted boat-tavernas, the lighthouse at sunset — quintessential old-Crete atmosphere.
Walk to the lighthouse at golden hour, then back along the harbour for an evening of mezedes. Avoid the most touristy harbour-edge tavernas; locals eat one block in.
2The majestic Fortezza: a citadel with a view
The 16th-century Venetian Fortezza is one of the largest castles ever built by Venice — a star-shaped citadel covering an entire hill above the old town with cathedral, mosque, governor's residence and panoramic walls.
Allow 1.5 hours; combine with a sunset on the western walls. The Renaissance Festival hosts open-air concerts here in July–August.
3The heart of the Old Town: Rimondi Fountain & Porta Guora
The Rimondi Fountain (1626) is the centrepiece of Rethymno's old town — three lion-headed water spouts, Corinthian columns, the city's drinking water for centuries. Porta Guora is the only surviving city gate.
These two landmarks anchor a 30-minute walking circuit through the prettiest parts of the old town.
4The art of Cretan cuisine: what to eat
Rethymno's food scene rivals Chania's for old-school Cretan cooking — dakos with grated tomato, kaltsounia (cheese pies), antikristo (cross-grilled lamb), Cretan cheeses with raki.
A guided food tour combines market tastings, hidden bakery stops, raki shots with old shopkeepers, and a deep introduction to Cretan cuisine.
5A tale of two beaches: Plakias and Damnoni
Plakias is the south coast's largest village — long sweeping bay, organised beach with watersports, plus quieter rock-strewn ends. Damnoni is just east — three small linked coves with shallow turquoise water, much more sheltered.
Stay in Plakias if you want a base; visit Damnoni as a beach day.
6Preveli palm beach
Iconic palm-fringed beach where a freshwater river meets the Libyan Sea. Steep 15-min descent or boat from Plakias / Agia Galini. Coarse sand and pebbles.
Rent a paddleboat to explore the river through the palm forest — the most beautiful 30 minutes you'll spend on Crete.
7Arkadi Monastery
A 30-minute drive south of Rethymno brings you to Arkadi — Crete's most sacred monastery, where in 1866 hundreds of Cretan rebels and civilians blew themselves up rather than surrender to the Ottomans.
The Renaissance facade is exquisite; allow 1 hour. Combine with a long lunch in nearby Eleutherna village.
8Kourtaliotiko Gorge
The dramatic gorge that the south-coast road threads through, named for its echoes (kourtala = clattering). The chapel of Agios Nikolaos at the base has a permanent waterfall.
Stop at the viewpoint above the chapel, then continue down to Preveli for a swim. The whole loop takes a half-day.
9The Rethymno Market & Souliou Street
Souliou Street is Rethymno's most atmospheric old-town artery — leather shops, herbalists, raki bars, traditional bakeries. The morning market on Andrianou Street has the freshest produce.
Best at 9 AM when the locals shop and the tourists are still at breakfast.
10Spili village
A 45-minute drive south of Rethymno, Spili is a stone-built village famous for its 25-spout Venetian fountain (the lions). Surrounded by walnut and chestnut trees, it's a refreshingly cool stop on a hot day.
Lunch at Yannis or Stratidaki; both serve traditional dishes from local ingredients at honest prices.
11The ancient city of Eleutherna
Eleutherna is one of the most important and atmospheric archaeological sites in Greece — a Bronze Age necropolis, a Hellenistic acropolis, an early Christian basilica, all in one spectacular hillside setting.
The on-site museum (opened 2016) is world-class. Allow half a day.
12Amari Valley & Moni Asomaton
The Amari valley south of Rethymno is a hidden Crete — stone villages, walnut groves, Byzantine churches, the agricultural school at Moni Asomaton (a beautiful 12th-century monastery).
Drive the loop slowly; stop in any village for coffee. Karines and Thronos have particularly good views.
13Margarites pottery village
Margarites is Crete's traditional pottery village — workshops on every street, master potters demonstrating, beautiful glazed ceramics for sale at honest prices.
Combine with a visit to Eleutherna and lunch in the village square.
14The convenient city beach
Rethymno is the only Cretan city with a long sandy beach right at the old town's doorstep — a 15-minute walk from the harbour. Organised, family-friendly, and surprisingly clean.
Best for a quick swim before dinner without leaving the city.
15The culture of raki (tsikoudia)
Raki (tsikoudia) is Crete's grappa — distilled from grape pomace after the wine harvest. Every village has its own producer; every kafeneion offers it free with the meal.
October–November is rakokazana season — the village stills run day and night. Visit a family producer for the most authentic taste.
Rethymno like a local
From the Venetian harbour to Preveli palm beach, the experiences travellers actually love.
Rethymno like a local
From the Venetian harbour to Preveli palm beach, the experiences travellers actually love.
Let Rethymno come to you
Εγγραφείτε για να λαμβάνετε αυθεντικές ιστορίες, ταξιδιωτικές συμβουλές και νέες εμπειρίες
Εισάγοντας το email μου, συμφωνώ να λαμβάνω ειδοποιήσεις μάρκετινγκ από το travel & do.