RETHYMNO,
The Enchanting

RETHYMNO, The Enchanting

The hidden gen of Crete and the city that’s preserved its Old Town Charm. Rethymno, in Crete, is a rare combination of history and modern-day luxury, with its Venetian-era Fortezza fortress and multicultural Old Town, tropical beaches and exquisite Cretan cuisine.

Rethymno combines the conveniences of a large city with the beauty of an old town. Both elements will mesmerize you. Rethymno is located in the north end of the prefecture, built by the sea and is a city with many faces. Rethymno or Rithymna as it was once called has been inhabited since the Later Minoan III period. Nowadays, it keeps the elements inherited by its history (from antiquity up to now), preserving at the same time the characteristics of a modern city.

Admire the Venetian port and lighthouse. Along Nearchou Road, you’ll get to the picturesque Venetian harbour with its restored lighthouse, built between 1830-40. And behind the port is the 16th-century Venetian Loggia.

VENETIAN LOTZIA

Venetian Lotzia, a beautiful building of 6th century which now houses the Public Library, is located in the old town at the end of Paleologos Street.

Lotzia building was the gathering place of noblemen feudal lords where they could discuss issues concerning economy, commerce, politics, etc. At the same building they could play lucky games while its arcades were used by representatives for announcing state decrees. The building was later influenced by the Turks who turned it to mosque, covering the arches and leaving just one door open. In the west side they annexed a minaret.
If you walk along Vernardos Street up to its end, south of Petichaki square, you will end up in Nerantze mosque. The building operated initially as Venetian church, dedicated to Santa Maria and later (1657) it was turned to a mosque by the Turks. During this transformation the Turks annexed a roof with three domes and the highest minaret in Rethymno.

FORTETZZA

It is worth to go up Paleokastro hill and walk in Fortetzza. Fortetzza is the fort of a zone of fortified works established during the Venetian occupation.

Their construction lasted seven years (1573-1580 A.D.). The exterior aspect of the walls is low but wide with such an inclination that could protect its interior from enemy bullets. The fort’s central entrance is in the east side through which you will enter a dark arcade and proceed to the interior of the castle but when you pass it you will see the sunlight again. The first building you will see is the warehouse of the artillery which nowadays operates as an exhibition hall.

LARGEST BEACH ON CRETE

Explore the beach that goes on and on. The largest beach on Crete (12km) stretches along the east side of the city, from Rethymno to Skaleta.

You’ll take advantage of the water sports in the Adelianos Kampos and enjoy a quiet swim in the rocky coves of the Pegianos Kampos. All along the beach, you’ll find beach bars with umbrellas and lounge chairs, shops and hotels.

AUTHENTIC CRETAN FLAVOURS

Enjoy authentic Cretan flavours and a glass of raki.

Rethymno will introduce you to culinary treats inspired by Crete’s flavourful cuisine and famously tasty local produce. There are restaurants in old buildings with beautiful gardens, rakadika that serve meze complemented by the local schnapps-like drink raki, and quaint little tavernas to choose from.

SUNSET

A seaside sunset you’ll never forget.

As the sun is setting, take a walk by the sea along Kefalogianni St, beneath the sturdy fortified walls enclosing the Town Square and through the old neighbourhood of Toube. You’ll remember the sunset for a long, long time.

KEY FACTS

Rethymno is both a prefecture and the third-largest city in Crete, between Heraklion and Lassithi (the easternmost prefecture of Crete). It has a population of around 40,000.