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    Rethymnon

    Medieval charm, stunning beaches, and the heart of Crete

    A walk through the Old Town, framed by the Fortezza Castle, will leave a lasting impression. Visit the Venetian harbor and wander the alleys lined with picturesque homes and elegant Venetian mansions. Rethymno blends historical charm with seaside vitality. The Old Town reveals Venetian architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and the iconic fortress. Beaches like Preveli and Plakias offer magical moments of relaxation. In the mountain villages, such as Arkadi, Cretan tradition and history come alive. Surrounded by gorges, mountains, villages, and the sea, Rethymno is ideal for travelers seeking a complete experience that includes culture, nature, local flavors, and warm island hospitality.

    Highlights

    Beaches

    Rethymnon has a large number of long sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Many of them are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas but the small ones are secluded, so it rarely gets crowded.

    Monastery of Arkadi

    The symbol of the Cretan Revolution. In 1866 many fighters gone  inside the monastery and the Turkish army was besieging them. To avoid capture, they exploded the monastery and killed themselves and the Turks who were outside. 

    Fortezza Castle

    Fortezza was constructed in 1573 by the Venetians to protect the town from enemy invasions. Today is looming over Rethymnon with its impressive massive walls and constitutes the trademark of the town.

    Wander the Old Town

    One of the best-preserved old towns in Crete with its impressive Cretan Renaissance style the old city mixes the Venetian-style architecture with the influences of the Ottoman era.

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    IDEAL DESTINATION

    The Jewel of Central Crete

    Rethymnon is the ideal destination for travelers seeking a perfect mix of Venetian elegance and authentic Cretan hospitality. Its well preserved Old Town features romantic alleys, a stunning Egyptian lighthouse, and the massive Fortezza Castle. With its endless sandy coastlines, world class Cretan gastronomy, and vibrant cultural festivals, Rethymnon offers a unique, year round escape that beautifully bridges the gap between historical charm and modern Mediterranean living. 

    Local Gems & Flavors to Try

    Cretan cuisine in Rethymno is rich and satisfying. Try dakos with vine leaves, stamnagathi greens with fresh cheese, and gamopilafo (rice cooked in goat broth). Other specialties include apaki (smoked pork), sfakiani pita, sautéed stamnagathi, kalitsounia cheese pies, and hand-rolled skioufichta pasta. Authentic dishes are found across the region, complemented by spoon sweets and local honey, enhancing the sense of tradition and authenticity.

    Best time to visit

    Crete is an ideal destination for all seasons. With sunshine most months of the year, the unique island attracts tourists beyond the typical summer tourist season.

    How to use transportation in Rethymnon

    Airport/port transfer options

    By Air

    Rethymnon can be reached by plane via Chania or Heraklion airports.

    Chania Airport is located 15 km outside of Chania. From there the visitor travelling to Rethymno may use the KTEL Buses from Chania main Terminal (distance 60kms. Duration approx. 01 hour)

    From Heraklion Airport is located only 3 km from the centre of the city, Visitor travelling to Rethymno may use KTEL Buses (distance 80kms. Duration approx. 01 hour and 30 minutes)

    Taxis are available in both Airports

     

    By Ferry

    Via Chania and Heraklion Port. In summer there is a direct connection to Rethymnon from the port of Rafina (East Attica)

    Local transportation

    Public Buses, KTEL Buses are available in Rethymnon town.

    We do recommend a Car or a Motorbike Rental.

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    The Fortezza Fortress, the Old Town, Arkadi Monastery, and beaches like Preveli and Plakias.

    3–4 days are enough to enjoy history, nature, and relaxation.

    Yes. It offers calm beaches, mountain adventures, and family-friendly activities.

    Dakos, Cretan fresh cheese (anthotyro), stamnagathi greens, and traditional honey-based sweets.

    By car or local buses. Distances are short and easily accessible throughout the area.

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    They said about us...

     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
    2024-03-27
    BDA - Scientific meeting
    Mata/ChristineThe feedback from all delegates was very positive about all the arrangements provided by the hotel and your good selves. Accommodation, meals and overall satisfaction from the hotel was very good. The renovated rooms help to bring the best of the hotel – the gala dinner room location was fantastic. Please give this feedback to the hotel too. All the transfers, excursions, the drivers, guide etc were performed professionally and all delegates again had something good to say about your services and the way you have handled the management of these activities. Overall well done. This is a genuine feedback and hope that makes you feel satisfied for a job well done
    Fabiola Cano
    2023-11-29
    Fabiola Cano from Viajes Lerma
    It was a real pleasure to meet you. The passengers were happy with all your details and the beautiful country of Greece. Regarding food, I must thank you for the care you took to choose the places and the dishes. They were all a great success. The menus, even in Spanish, were totally appreciated. Regarding accommodation, I found the hotel nice, comfortable and well located. The breakfast room is a bit busy in the mornings, but the food tastes great. And the view of the Parthenon from the top roof is impressive. Transportation good. The tours seemed good to me. Tour guides have a good command of the Spanish language and were quite friendly.  Regarding contact and respond from the company. I must emphasize that there is only praise for you, Anna. You really are a great person. The joy of your soul is transmitted around everything you do. Always with a smile no matter how tiring the tourist activity is. The details and care with which you do your job are extremely applaudable. I only have one word but for you THANKFULNESS.October 2023
    RAK
    2023-05-05
    One more Thank You
    Dear Mata and Desi,I mean it when I say I have never been exposed to such level of loving care in the world of travel.  We were not just your clients. We felt like your family. You cared for us, and all of our many (many! Many!) different needs. You showed Stuart such respect. You were patient with some in our group who would not always ask things with proper respect. You kept showing up in places we did not expect. You made visits to the pharmacy, and extra trips with your car, all to make us feel comfortable and at home.Truly—you are at the top of your business, and it shows. I do not even remember how we initially found you. But however it was, I am so grateful for this friendship and partnership. And I do mean it when I hope that we do many trips together in the future, and that I can send many of my colleagues to you for trips.It is hard for this trip to be over and to say goodbye. Know that we mean it when we say we have not only appreciation for you. But love for you.Αντίο και σας ευχαριστούμε και σας αγαπάμε και είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι που θα σας δούμε σύντομα.With a heart that is full because we know one another, and heavy because we have to say goodbye!
    Kleopatra M
    2021-09-15
    Very helpful office…
    Very helpful office… special thanks to Ms. Lina who was very kind, very fast (although she had a large workload due to the tourist season) and met our needs perfectly !!! I highly recommend it !!!Kleopatra M
    Aris Konstantinidis
    2021-09-07
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly as a voucher holder for \"tourism for all\". Perfect organization of the whole trip. Definitely first in my choices for future travel!Aris Konstantinidis