The picturesque town of Rethymno, is the capital town of the province of the same name. This province extends from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to the Idi Mountains through to the borders of the provinces of Chania and Heraklion. Rethymno is positioned on the north coast of Crete, 80 km west from Heraklion, and 75 km east of Chania, where the two airports of Crete are to be found, about an hour’s drive away by car. Rethymno harbour has a direct ferry connection with the mainland of Greece. The mediaeval old town of Rethymno, with its narrow streets, Venetian palaces and Turkish minarets has a distinct atmosphere. The oriental flavour of the town brings to life the ever changing history since ancient times. Along with the numerous seemingly unlimited sights to see and the beautiful old town, with the Venetian “Fortezza” or fortress, the scenic harbour, and the many enticing tavernas, cafes and restaurants with wonderful Cretan delicacies, Rethymno has one of the most magnificent fine sandy beaches, which stretches to the
east almost as far as the eye can see. The beach, which is the longest in Crete, continues for several kilometres, here and there en route broken into small shingle coves where here and there one can find the scattered tiny hamlets reminiscent of the mountain villages. Altogether between Rethymno to the town of Prinos there are no less than 8 beaches, which have been awarded the European Blue Flag. There is much to delight in exploring the many different archaeological sites, monasteries, churches, Venetian and Turkish monuments and memorials, and of course there are archaeological, historical and folk museums, as well as other art museums waiting to be visited. Exploring one of the many Cretan gorges in this area, is sure to reward you with the sight of numerous caves and little grottos. Those of you who delight in traditional customs, will enjoy the numerous cultural festivals and traditional days of celebration in Rethymno, where you get the opportunity to experience a slice of Cretan life. Religious days, the seasonal times of the year and many other reasons mostly form the basis for the regional and public festivities. So in the middle of July you will find for example the Cretan wine festival with its 500 year old tradition, which lasts three weeks and is attended by thousands of people. Of further interest, in the many outlying villages not far from Rethymno, traditional handicrafts are still very much alive. For example, the lovely pottery in Margarites, or the basket weaving of Mixorrouma, the traditional stone masonry in Alfa, or the village of Anogia where lengths of material are still woven on traditional weaving looms, and where traditional Cretan folk art is still being produced. There are also interesting wood carving workshops in Argyroupoli, Agios Konstantinos and Margarites. In the wonderful surrounding area of Rethymno we have chosen some lovely villas and apartments. We feel sure that you and your family will be simply delighted with the beaches, and will thoroughly unwind and relax through your experience of Cretan life. There are endless opportunities to indulge oneself at the many little tavernas with delicious freshly cooked fish and seafood, and the huge variety of other Cretan culinary specialities. Because of the central position of Rethymno and the excellent bus service, there is also the chance, should you wish, to visit virtually all of Crete one day outings. One of our offices offers excursions to the Palace of Knossos, to the Archaeological museum of Heraklion, to the Lassithi plain, to the Samaria Gorge, to the monasteries of Chania, to Arkadi and Margarites, to the region of Sfakio, or even to Santorini by ship.
Smaller boats make trips from Rethymno along the cost to Panormo, Bali and Georgioupolis. For those who love to go by foot, the countryside and mountains surrounding Rethymno is something of a paradise for walkers.