Crete > Rethymno
Rethymnon is one of the four prefectures of Crete built at the north of the island. It is situated between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion, abutting the Cretan Sea in the north and the Libyan Sea in the south. Its capital, which has the same name as the prefecture, is situated 58 km from the town of Chania and 78 km from the town of Heraklion. The central part of the town of Rethymnon is built on the cape of the northern shore of
the prefecture. The developing town stretches along the northern sandy beach, which has a total length of 13 km, whilst a range of low mountains rises up south of the town centre. The district of Rethymnon extends from Lefka Ori to Psiloritis and its area is 1.496 km and its population 70.095 people.
The town of Rethymnon on the island of Crete represents a place of contrasts, boasting a long and remarkable history as well as untouched places of natural beauty and living traditions. This small Mediterranean town will enchant you with its centre dating from the period of the Renaissance, its fortress and museums as well as its beaches, not to mention a visit to the wider area of the Prefecture. Where to begin is a difficult decision to make: In the picturesque villages, the areas of natural beauty, the caves, the beaches or the mountains and the gorges? The inhabitants will become your friends. They will offer you a glass of "tsikoudia" and invite you to their home.
Transportation: You can travel to Rethymnon either by choosing one of the many flights, which are scheduled daily to Chania and Heraklio, or by taking the boat from Piraeus port directly to Rethymnon port. Service is run on a daily basis. The distance from the airports of Chania and Heraklio to Rethymno is 60km and 75km respectively. The flight from Athens is 35 minutes. The journey by boat from Piraeus to Rethymnon lasts roughly 9 hours.
Why to visit Rethymnon: Rethymnon is a very picturesque small town (it looks like the Chania city) with fine waterfront (lovely cafes, tavernas and shops are located here), a long, sandy beach in front of the town and a lovely old Venetian town, similar to the Chania old town; it is characterised by picturesque streets with small cafes, shops and traditional tavernas, and many renovated Venetian buildings; the Venetian fortress (Fortezza) above the town and the fine Lighthouse are the landmarks of Rethymnon. Like the rest of Crete in Rethymnon you can find blue and clear sky and sea, light sun and intense nightlife; almost whatever you can dream of.
While staying in Rethymnon you will try the romantic atmosphere of the old town, you can relax in the excellent sandy beaches in the seaside villages east and west of the city (you can also try the sandy beach in the city), you can visit the fine remote sandy beaches to the south of the prefecture, the famous archaeological sites of Phaistos and Gortys, and the historical monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli. During the night you can either have fun in the town of Rethymnon or visit the nearby waterfront village of Platanias to the east of the town.
Rethymnon is also an ideal location to explore the rest of Crete since it is roughly in the middle of the island and the distances are not really a problem; you can find some of the most unique sights and sandy beaches of Crete in the west and south of Chania or in the south of Heraklion, the famous archaeological site of Knossos nearby the Heraklion, the remaining of the Turkish and the Venetian castles dispersed in many remote villages of the island, the existing Venetian Monasteries and Churches and some excellent traditional villages (see the Anogeia). In the Chania district you can also try to pass the longest gorge of Europe - Samaria Gorge.
Holiday Rentals We Suggest
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Macaris Suites and Spa in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Macaris Suites and Spa is a new 5-star hotel built amphitheaterically in a fantastic location overlooking the beach and the old venetian harbour, about 900 meters west from the town of Rethymno and all the local atractions.
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Mythos Suites in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Mythos Suites is a unique, very beautifully renovated 16th Century Manor House, located in the old part of the pretty town of Rethymnon, 3 minutes from the city center and the picturesque old harbour.
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Avli Lounge Suites in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Avli Lounge Suites is set in a villa with a unique architectural mix of Cretan, Venetian and Turkish elements which dates back to 1660. Avli offers seven charming Suites of exquite beauty.
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Bio Suites Hotel in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Bio Hotel Suites is a 4-star hotel situated in Rethymnon the central and perhaps most delightful town of Crete. Just a short walk from the picturesque old town and 50 meters from the large sandy beach.
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Civitas Rethymnae Boutique Hotel in Rethymno Town, Rethymno New!
Civitas Rethymnae Boutique Hotel is a very stylish Venetian property with unique architecture bringing out the true character of the historic building while the new construction combines technology in a luxurious and comfortable environment.
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Pepi Studios in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Pepi Studios is a beautifully renovated Venetian building, located in the heart of the old part of the pretty town of Rethymnon, 3 minutes from the beautiful town center and the old harbour.
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Delfini Beach Hotel in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Delfini Beach Hotel is situated on the beach, 1 km from the centre of Rethymno Town. The hotel boasts panoramic views of the venetian castle Fortezza and it provides a wonderfull private beach so the guests can soak up the sun and enjoy the sea.
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Hotel Ideon in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Hotel Ideon is a 3-star Hotel, located in an ideal setting washed by the Cretan Sea and surrounded by the old Turkish Venetian town, with its magnificent monuments, majestic Fortress and its Venetian Port.
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Kleoniki Mare in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Kleoniki Mare is a lovely hotel situated in the picturesque city of Rethymno, just 70m from the sandy beach and 700m from the center. The hotel consists of 28 studios and apartments, all with great pool views and designed to fulfill all your expectations.
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Bellagio Boutique Hotel in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Bellagio Boutique Hotel is small luxury boutique hotel centrally located in Rethymno, just a few steps away from the historical Old Town, in Crete. Due to its location, the lovely hotel represents the calm apeal, charm and beauty of the Venetian era.
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Rimondi Estate in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Rimondi Estate is a luxury boutique hotel, centrally situated in the picturesque Rethymno town, just a few meters away from the Venetian harbour and the old town, while the nearest beach lies just a 15-minute walking distance.
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Palazzo Rimondi in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Palazzo Rimondi is located right at the heart of the picturesque Rethymno town, just a few meters away from the Venetian port and the old town, while the nearest beach lies 300m away.
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Jo An Palace in Rethymno Town, Rethymno New!
Jo An Palace is a wonderful 3-star hotel with high-quality ameniites, perfectly situated in the heart of Rethymno town, just a 5-minute walk away from the picturesque Old Town and 400m from the long sandy beach.
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Antica Dimora Suites in Rethymno Town, Rethymno New!
Antica Dimora Suites are centrally located in the picturesque Old town of Rethymno, 400m from the sandy beach. As a result of a totally renovated old mansion, these magnificent Suites combine the tradition with the ultimate luxury, offering a memorable stay.
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Leonidas Hotel and Apartments in Rethymno Town, Rethymno New!
Leonidas Hotel and Apartments is a beautiful family-run hotel, ideally placed just 50m from the long sandy beach, in the area of Kallithea, very close to the center of Rethymno. The charming hotel creates a warm and friendly atmosphere, offering a memorable stay.
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Veneto House in Rethymno Town, Rethymno New!
Veneto House is an old Venetian manor of 14th century, totally renovated in order to satisfy all your modern needs. The excellent hotel is located right in the heart of the picturesque city of Rethymno and within a short walking distance (350m) from the sandy beach.
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Casa Vitae Hotel in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Casa Vitae Hotel (****) is a beautifully renovated Venetian castle house located in the old part of the pretty town of Rethymnon, 3 minutes from the city center and old harbour.
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Vetera Suites in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Vetera Suites is one of the oldest buildings in Rethymno with a unique architectural mix of Cretan, Venetian and Turkish elements. These four traditional Suites are situated in the Old Town of Rethymnon providing the perfect setting for those wishing an exceptional vacation.
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Casa Moazo in Rethymno Town, Rethymno
Casa Moazo is a unique and very stylish neo-classical building with a unique architecture which brings out the true character of the historic building while the new construction combines state of the art technology in a luxurious and comfortable environment.











