Crete

Rethymno in Crete

Last update: 01.02.2025

Rethymno, Rethymno, Rethymno, Retimo, Rithy, Rithymna, Rethimno... The city may have different names, but it is always the same amazing place. It is between Heraklion and Chania, and it is the capital of the Rethymno region. It is a great place to stay if you want to visit both the western and eastern parts of Crete.

This well-connected city offers many ways to get around, such as renting cars, scooters and bikes, and there are plenty of bus stops. However, it's worth staying in Rethymno for a while before you set off to explore other parts of the island.

The Old Town, with its narrow streets, the picturesque Venetian harbour, and the impressive Fortress overlooking the area, are just some of the places worth seeing. Rethymno is a place that is worth visiting both in the morning, when it is full of sun, and after dark, when it comes alive with lights and sounds. We recommend that you spend a few days there – it is really worth it!

Rethymno is the most beautifully preserved Renaissance city in Greece. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of many cultures, and the Venetians and the Turks had the greatest impact on the city's development, giving it a unique character that still delights today.
The Venetians built impressive fortifications, the Venetian Harbour with its charming lighthouse and the majestic Fortress, which was started in 1573. It was during this period that Rethymno developed a lot, gaining the Central Market, the sundial and the famous Rimondi Fountain. The second stage of the city's transformation came in 1646, when the Turks captured the city after a siege. The Turks added their own style to the city, which can be seen in many of the buildings and urban details.

What are the top attractions in Rethymno?

Don't miss the city's most important attractions. As you walk through its streets, you will discover fascinating traces of the past and the unique atmosphere that makes Rethymno one of Crete's most precious treasures.

To start this historical tour, visit the Great Gate (Porta Guora, Megali Porta). It's one of the few remaining bits of the city's old fortifications, and it leads into the charming old town, full of cafes, little courtyards and flowers. The fortifications have seen centuries of fighting and wars, and this gate has survived to become a symbol of history. It was named after the governor at the time, Rettore J. Guoro. It is at the start of Antistaseos Street, so it is a great place to start exploring the city.

The next stop is the Rimondi Fountain, one of the most beautiful places in Venetian Rethymno. Built in 1626, it is named after the city's governor at the time, A. Rimondi. The fountain is decorated with three lions' heads, from which cool water flows calmly, and is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists.It is located in Platanos Square, the heart of the old Venetian city. Even on hot days, you can relax here, admiring this unique structure.

The Neratzes Mosque is an example of the architectural transformation of the city. Originally a Venetian church of the Virgin Mary, it was converted into a mosque by the Turks in 1657. In 1890, an impressive minaret with two balconies was added, built from stones from the village of Alfa. The mosque is easy to spot thanks to its three distinctive domes.
When you visit, you can enjoy the variety of architectural styles and feel the history of this extraordinary city.

You should definitely take some time to walk through the Venetian Harbour in Rethymno. It's a really special place, with a great atmosphere both during the day and at night. At the very end of the harbour, you'll find a lighthouse that was built by the Turks in the 17th century. It's a perfect example of the Venetian character of this place. In the evening, the harbour comes alive – yachts from all over the world moor at the quay, and the glow of the lanterns reflects in the calm surface of the water. The promenade with its many taverns is full of tourists and locals who come to enjoy the fresh seafood and local specialities.
This is the perfect place for a relaxing evening or the start of an excursion to one of the greatest attractions of Rethymno – the Fortress. The fortress is on a hill, and you can see it from almost everywhere in Rethymno. This huge fortress, which is like a "city within a city", has lots of interesting stories and impressive architecture. You can read more about it in our article called "Fortress in Rethymno".

When it's hot, the Municipal Garden is a great place to rest. This lovely park, near the Great Gate, has lots of plants, flowers and orange trees, and is a peaceful place to sit on one of the benches and enjoy the shade. You can also use it to plan your next trip around the city.

Rethymno is also beautiful in the evening, when the small, narrow streets of the old town look magical. It is worth walking through them, quietly looking into the courtyards and apartments of the residents. You can see small tables where local Greeks meet for ouzo or raki. Taverns full of people talking, music and laughter become the perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere of this city.

The beaches of Rethymno are perfect for anyone who loves the sea. The beach is clean and has been awarded the Blue Flag for being a great place to swim in the sea and have a walk along the seashore. If you like Renaissance culture and art, you will enjoy the summer Renaissance Festival, which is mainly held at the Fortress theatre. This event is full of concerts, shows and exhibitions and will take you back to a time in the past.
If you visit in winter, you can take part in the famous Rethymno Carnival, the largest event of its kind in Crete. Traditional dances, colourful parades, performances and fun that lasts until dawn – all accompanied by local wine. It is a unique opportunity to see the joyful, festive side of this city.
Rethymno is a place that has lots to offer – from historical monuments, through beautiful beaches, to colourful festivals. Everyone will find something for themselves here, creating memories that will last a long time.

Rethymno on the map of Crete

Summary of the most important facts about Rethymno.

Category	Description
Location	A city in Crete, between Heraklion and Chania, the capital of the Rethymno region.
Availability	Good bus connections, and many car, scooter and bike rentals.
History	It was developed under the influence of the Venetians and Turks; fortifications began to be built in 1573.
Attractions in the Old Town	Great Gate, Rimondi Fountain, Neratzes Mosque.
Venetian Harbour	with a lighthouse built by the Turks in the 17th century, it looks beautiful both day and night.
Fortress (Fortezza)	a large fortress built by the Venetians, it's like a city within a city, and you can see it from far away.
Recreation	Municipal Garden – a park full of greenery and flowers, a perfect place to relax.
Beaches	beautiful, sandy beaches marked with the Blue Flag.
Cultural Events	Summer Renaissance Festival, winter carnival with traditional dances, parades and entertainment.
The Character of the City	A combination of Venetian and Turkish influences, rich history, picturesque streets and alleys.