A unique culture, millennia of history, charming port towns, authentic villages, unrivaled gastronomy, significant archaeological sites, spectacular natural landscapes, stunning beaches, and above all, soul. Combining all these elements, Rethymno manages, among its famous neighbors Chania and Heraklion, not only to hold its own but to maintain an utterly enchanting, unique identity, dressed in an incomparable air of romance that can be felt and experienced everywhere: from the Venetian harbor with its stone lighthouse, the meticulous architecture, and the colorful tones of the buildings in the city of Rethymno, to the ancient olive groves, fortresses, and castle towns, historic monasteries, and serene villages that come alive with impromptu celebrations.
Lying rejuvenated on golden sandy beaches, gazing in awe at Mount Psiloritis, you’ll enjoy a violet sunset with a glass of chilled glass of Cretan wine.
Why Visit Now
While the weather is still pleasantly warm and the days are luxuriously long, you can enjoy leisurely swims even on the cosmopolitan northern coastline, while feeling as if you’ve discovered your private paradise in the exotic coves of the south. Early evening walks through the picturesque labyrinth of alleys in the old town of Rethymno, during this season and before the crowds of mass tourism arrive, are wonderfully tranquil, revealing authentic experiences and unique details of the Venetian past.
As a bonus, a plethora of cultural events kick off in June, ranging from photography and iconography exhibitions to film festivals.
What to Do
Simply wandering through the old town of Rethymno – where well-preserved Venetian influences dress pastel-colored buildings, vibrant bougainvillea tumbles over ornate doors, scattered historical monuments underscore the rich history through the ages, and the tempting aromas of Cretan cuisine continually entice you – is enough to keep you occupied all day. Dedicate your morning hours to experiencing the small, easily navigable center as it awakens, when shopkeepers exchange lively greetings while opening their colorful shops and workshops.
Seek out the authentic aspects of the city by following the locals to the over two-century-old traditional bakery of Alexandrakis to try their preferred breakfast – freshly baked tsoureki with mizithra cheese – and stock up on crunchy, nutritious rusks and fragrant cookies to accompany your beach excursions. A unique gastronomic experience awaits as you witness the spectacular hand-rolling of delicate phyllo and kataifi dough at Giorgos Hatziparaskos’s workshop, in operation since 1958, with the participation of two generations of the family. Naturally, this visit will conclude on a sweet note, sampling golden baklava and divine kataifi.
In a different kind of traditional art, deeply intertwined with Cretan culture and rooted in the daily lives of Cretans, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of crafting of lyras and other musical instruments, at the workshop of Papalexakis father and son.
For your swimming adventures, the choices are limitless. From the beach in the city of Rethymno to Skaleta, the 12 kilometer coastline offers options for every taste, from rocky coves to fully organized beaches and water sports.
More unparalleled experiences to be had are at the successive beaches that frame Damnoni in the stunningly varied landscape of the southern part of the prefecture. Most enchanting are Agios Pavlos with its sand dunes and the exotically beautiful Preveli, with its remarkable wetland formed by the spectacular Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a lake where water turtles live, and a lovely palm forest in front of the beach.
Back in the Old Town, sundown is the perfect time for a journey into Rethymno’s Venetian past. Some of the finest historical mansions in all of Crete, lodges, fountains, and of course the Venetian harbor itself, transport you back to the 16th-17th centuries.
Starting from the Great Gate, wander through the picturesque alleys, admire the blend of Venetian references and minarets, pause at the Rimondi Fountain, climb Palaiokastro Hill where the Fortezza fortress stands, and reflect by the harbor near the Egyptian lighthouse.
Finally, make sure to include a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where the exhibits span from the Paleolithic to the Post-Byzantine period.
Additionally, immerse yourself in the experiential Agreco Farm, designed like a traditional village set amidst vineyards and olive groves. Here, you’ll delve into the essence, abundance, and premium ingredients of Cretan cuisine.
Where to Stay
With the common denominator being Crete’s renowned hospitality, prime locations on golden sandy beaches, and inspired architecture that fuses seamlessly into the natural landscape, the Grecotel hotels elevate one’s stay in the Rethymno area, becoming a thrilling part of your experience. Each of the four accommodations, so unique in character and aesthetics, offers luxurious living and top-tier services and amenities, making each a distinct, serene oasis within the paradise of this part of Crete.
At the timelessly beloved, classic resort Creta Palace, the view of the enchanting Cretan Sea and the dreamy gardens with tall araucaria trees surrounding the bungalow settlements and main buildings will make you forget you’re just four kilometers from Rethymno’s old town. The 300-meter beach with sand and pebbles, the two pools and 10 private ones for villa guests, the fully equipped gym, and the extensive services offered at Elixir Beauty Spa, a traditional village consisting of a small square, a church, a traditional cafe, and numerous small shops, will no doubt keep you well entertained. Meanwhile, children can enjoy playing and swimming in the special kids’ pool with water slides.
Parents can relax at the Plaza Beach House, enjoying the sandy beach, numerous sports, various activities, and three pools with their younger family members. Alternatively, they can let the kids have fun in the children’s pool and the Grecoland kids’ corner at the hotel’s Play House, which offers a full vacation program dedicated to their needs and desires, featuring eco-friendly, creative games and facilities supervised by certified staff.
The wide range of accommodation options – spacious studios, one or two-bedroom apartments, and lofts with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, and private terraces with sunset views – along with the half-board package free for children, which includes a plethora of choices like an ice-cream kiosk and traditional patisserie, ensure that every need is generously met with the gift of complete relaxation.
Combined with unparalleled elegance and refined style, relaxation takes the form of LUXME White Palace, transporting you to a dreamlike palace that seems to float on the one-kilometer award-winning beach stretching out before it. Its pristine white color, its most eye-catching feature, blazingly reflects the Cretan sun, and natural wood tones adorn the spaces, embodying all the elegance you would expect from a luxury resort while offering indulgent services: bed-like loungers within the pool, cocktails and gourmet delicacies, pool parties, romantic sunset dinners with exclusive menus on the wooden pier deck, yoga and Pilates classes, cooking and wine-tasting sessions, and beauty treatments at the Hippie Spa. These elements transform the award-winning LUXME White Palace into your personal Zen retreat.
An even more exclusive paradise, Caramel is so small and private, playful and avant-garde at the same time, that it creates an instant sense of intimacy. Its name is inspired by the ‘sugary’ beach it sits on, also home to the Caretta Caretta sea turtles, rivaled by the 700 square meter seawater pool with hydro-massage and unique leaf-shaped loungers. This detail highlights the importance given to the hotel’s design, which “plays” with vibrant colors and generous volumes, harmoniously blending retro and Mediterranean references. Present in both the suites of the main building and the bungalow suites and maisonettes, the eclectic style is reflected in handmade tiles, designer fabrics, and contemporary furniture with authentic antiques, reaching its peak in the dreamy villas that can accommodate up to nine people.
A wide range of elegant dining spaces complements the collage of high-quality experiences in all of the above hotels, showcasing the stimulating flavors of Cretan cuisine, the wealth of Greek gastronomy, and the most beloved international dishes. You’ll feel spoilt for choice, and better understand the meaning of a famous saying: “Rethymno is not the city you leave, but the city you return to.”
(Up to 10% discount for bookings through the Grecotel app.)
