Rethymno - The city that’s preserved its Old Town charm
The province of Rethymno is the heart and one of the most delightful areas in Crete and one of the most significant tourist resorts in Greece with a variety of natural and cultural leisure activities.
A region of unique natural beauty that is maintained even today the authenticity and the customs of the island are alive. The area has a long and eventful history from Minoan times to the present.
Rethymno awaits you with its clear blue seas and the mount of Psiloritis. The picturesque villages of Rethymno province are still alive in the traditional ways and rhythms. There are traces of a civilization that dates back 4,500 years, numerous Byzantine churches and monasteries, enchanting Venetian monuments, the most well-preserved Renaissance town in Greece, caves, gorges, and unique flora and fauna.
It is a place of contrasts, boasting a long and remarkable history, untouched areas of natural beauty, and living traditions. The villages are live postcards, which are pervaded by the aroma of Cretan cuisine and the sound of the Cretan lyre. People live here amidst nature and emotions, outside the code of behavior found in big cities. No matter where you go, even to the most isolated village, the people will open their doors to you to treat you to a "tsikoudia" and befriend you.
Rethymno is the homeland of Zeus, the ancient god of Hospitality. The great number of visitors who return repeatedly confirms the words of the poet:” Rethymno is not a place where you go to, but a place where you return.” High-quality accommodation and a wealth of facilities are available.
Mythical Rethymno town: The "Queen" lies in the center of the island on the coastline of the Cretan Sea. The picturesque Rethymno town is the capital (with more than 40.000 inhabitants) of the same-name prefecture. It is combining an old-time aristocratic appearance with a modern aspect creating a unique atmosphere. Its location renders it an ideal base to explore Crete in every direction.
A long walk in Rethymno town is a "must" as you will have the opportunity to visit its center dating from the period of the Renaissance, its fortress, and museums as well as the longest sandy beach of Crete. This will also allow you to see some hidden spots off the beaten track, spots that reflect the eclectic mix of influences that have given Rethymno its unique atmosphere. It is the only town of Crete that keeps invariable her middle-age character. A journey in time as if time had never passed is the visit of the sixteenth-century Venetian Fortezza, the old Venetian harbor as well as the Ottoman and Venetian buildings of the old town. It is located 70 km from Chania airport and 80 km from Heraklion airport.
