Everything a traveler could dream of in a destination – warm hospitality, spectacular unspoiled nature, moving ancient history, unique culture, the allure of bygone eras, authentic villages, mouthwatering cuisine, and a profound soul – Rethymno offers in abundance.
A historical and romantic atmosphere permeates the Old Town, from well-preserved Venetian buildings and monuments to the Venetian harbor with its much-photographed lighthouse and fishing boats that seem to sway to the rhythm of the numerous cafes in the area. It’s a city that combines a nostalgic aura with Cretan traditions.
Beyond the impressive beach of Rethymno City itself and the fortress overlooking it from Paleokastro hill, the captivating profile of a region unfolds with serene, authentic villages, historic monasteries, fortresses, and a spectacular natural landscape. It is defined by centuries-old olive groves, enchanting beaches with crystal-clear waters, and the imposing figure of majestic Mount Psiloritis.
The more time you dedicate to Rethymno, the more it rewards you with unique, fascinating experiences.
Why visit in August
August is a time of celebration in Crete, and Rethymno exemplifies this with a multitude of cultural events—from theatrical performances to music concerts—and folk festivals that last nearly the entire month, peaking on August 15th. As the festive atmosphere and authentic Cretan revelry move to a different village each day, you have an excellent opportunity to discover places untouched by tourism and immerse yourself in the unique way Cretans express joys and sorrows through lyra melodies and mantinades (traditional Cretan rhyming couplets).
For those preferring contemporary entertainment, rock music enthusiasts should head to the Rock Festival during the last three days of the month. Art lovers will find exceptional interest in the ‘Pablo Picasso – The Joy of Life‘ exhibition at the Museum of the Archaeological Site of Ancient Eleutherna, where 62 works by the great artist are displayed ‘in dialogue’ with the museum’s permanent collection of antiquities.
Despite August being a peak month when most islands and beaches are crowded with visitors, Crete’s size and Rethymno’s extensive coastline ensure that you can still enjoy swimming and sunbathing without feeling overcrowded. The region offers endless opportunities for cool respites amidst its enchanting landscapes, even during the busiest season.
What to do
Located between the Cretan and Libyan Seas, Rethymno’s beaches stretch from the cosmopolitan northern coastline to the idyllic southern bays, vying for your attention and inviting you to lose track of time in their sandy embrace. The 12 km coastline starting from Rethymno City’s beach caters to diverse preferences, offering both organized areas and picturesque rocky coves.
Visitors are enchanted by the beauty of the region’s southern coasts, rich in impressive variations. The most spectacular are the successive beaches framing Damnoni, particularly Agios Pavlos with its sand dunes, and the exotic Preveli Beach. The latter boasts an admirable wetland formed by the striking Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a lake inhabited by water turtles, and the island’s second-largest palm forest fronting the beach.
While August is the prime beach season, Rethymno offers numerous other experiences that intertwine with its history and traditions. The historic Arkadi Monastery is awe-inspiring, both as an architectural monument with over 1,000 years of history—showcasing an admirable Renaissance design incorporating Roman and Baroque elements—and as a symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule.
A tour of Rethymno’s old town is a journey through time, with well-preserved Venetian influences evident at every turn. From the Fortezza fortress – Rethymno’s landmark since the late 16th century, offering panoramic views from its bastion – to the picturesque Venetian harbor with its 9-meter lighthouse built by the Egyptians in the 1830s, the historic center of the ancient Minoan city-state of Rithymna is replete with impressive monuments.
Notable stops include the Great Gate (Porta Guora), the 17th-century Venetian Rimondi Fountain, the well-preserved Venetian Loggia, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Gazi Hussein Pasha Mosque (also known as Neratze Mosque). This cultural mosaic is enriched by traditional shops, local artists’ workshops, and museums showcasing archaeological, historical, folklore, and paleontological exhibits.
No visit is complete without savoring authentic Cretan cuisine, the ultimate expression of the Mediterranean diet. Experience it in genuine cafes or tavernas, or delve deeper at the Agreco Farm – designed like a traditional village amidst vineyards and olive groves – for a journey into the abundance and premium ingredients of Cretan gastronomy.
Where to stay
The renowned Cretan hospitality and respect for traditions are uniquely embodied by the fully renovated Marine Palace & Aqua Park of Grecotel. Built in the style of an authentic Cretan village, it overlooks a picturesque bay next to Panormos, 22 km from Rethymno city, embracing families and ensuring both adults and children enjoy carefree moments with various activities and experiences. It gives an upgraded, modern dimension to the term ‘all-inclusive’. Following traditional architecture, beautiful fragrant gardens and exotic palms surround the renovated studios, bungalows, six impressive pools, and the children’s favorite water park, giving visitors the impression of staying in a picturesque Cretan neighborhood. It’s a serene oasis where relaxation and carefree living are accompanied by high-level services and amenities.
The resort impresses with its layout and meticulously designed, amenities tailored for everyone’s pleasure and well-being. Having undergone a complete renovation for this summer, the elegant bungalows and suites, equipped with newly designed bathrooms, comfortably accommodate up to 6 people, while the Marine Bay bungalows, with their layout and soft tones, are ideal for those wishing to gaze from their private balcony or veranda. The new Casa Marina wing is a collection of bright studios, apartments, and maisonettes, many with fully equipped kitchens, sea views, and wonderful decor. Hidden among palms and flowers, they frame a lagoon pool and enjoy proximity to the adjacent Aqua Park.
Five more pools confront you with the pleasant dilemma of where to dive first: the panoramic lagoon is heated, the one at Casa Marina Suites is surrounded by gardens, there’s an exotic seawater pool in front of the sea, and the Marine Bay wing pool is heated from April to mid-May and from October to November. Another heated seawater pool is indoors, and of course, one is exclusively dedicated to young children.
As a trip to Crete is inconceivable without dips in crystal-clear waters, the sandy beach formed by the two coves in front of Marine Palace & Aqua Park is Blue Flag awarded (an EU distinction) and equipped with changing rooms, showers, sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels, all available free of charge to resort guests.
While parents enjoy carefree sunbathing by the pools and shoreline, younger visitors will have the time of their lives, with unlimited, free access to the Kingdom of Poseidon Aqua Park. In an area of 6,000 sq.m., which includes a water tower, 100 types of water games with gradations according to age, waterfalls, water jets, slides of all levels, even a water volcano, adrenaline and fun are at their peak, whether it’s the almost vertical Free Fall water slide, the labyrinth of twisting water tunnels ending in the water park pool, or the water playground specially dedicated to the youngest ages, with gentle but equally fun games.
The Grecoland Club takes on the task of creatively occupying children, who stay free up to the age of 12 (for specific periods and types of family rooms). The wide variety of fun activities, differentiated according to age, ranges from the Mermaid Academy and the small zoo of the traditional Agreco farm to games for the whole family, children’s disco, and competitions for teenagers. Exercise and fun are combined on the resort’s tennis, beach volleyball, and soccer courts, ping pong tables, video game consoles, canoeing, pedal boats, windsurfing, even horseback riding or mountain biking. Relaxation finds an ideal partner at the Elixir Spa, a renewal refuge with a big indoor seawater pool, large jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, and high-level, personalized beauty, massage, and care services.
Whatever your appetite demands is offered in the rich buffets and à la carte menus of the resort’s restaurants. Fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, Mediterranean dishes, authentic Cretan cuisine, as well as the most characteristic and favorite international flavors, along with a relaxed, cheerful mood, compose an impressive gastronomic journey. This journey includes stops at the Marine Palace Restaurant where the day starts deliciously and healthily at the breakfast buffet and continues until evening with themed menus, the alfresco experience of Marine Bay Club with exotic Asian flavors, Trattoria di Casa Marina where you enjoy authentic Italian pizza and pasta by the pool, Big Blue Greek Taverna with an endless variety of delicious mezedes (Greek tapas) and traditional island sweets, and Antikristo Traditional with masterfully grilled spit meats and more traditional Cretan meat dishes.
Two unique experiences are the dinner at a Panormos taverna – offered with a 7-night stay -, and the dishes served at the Agreco Farm restaurant, based on rare, seasonal ingredients. They are an ode not only to Cretan cuisine but to all the special elements that make Rethymno so memorable.
