Map of Rethymnon - Rethymnon - Rethymno. Festos, Knossos, Bali, Preveli, Georgioupolis, Matala, Agia Galini

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............... Region of Rethymnon (Central Crete)

Rethymnon. 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.

Bali. Originally a charming fishing village overlooking a pretty bay, it has become over the last few years a very busy seaside resort, appreciated by some for its beaches and lively atmosphere in summer.

Panormo. The village of Panormo is located on the site of the ancient harbour bearing the same name. Due to its geographical situation, it is now becoming very touristic.

Melidoni. The vast cave of Melidoni (140 m long) is well-known for the resistance of the Cretans against the Turks (1823) and as the dwelling-place of the giant Talos, a man made of bronze, protector of the Cretan coasts, and son of Hephaistos, the god of fire and of blacksmiths. Today, visitors to the cave can view beautiful compositions of stalactites and stalagmites, in a wide range of shapes and colours.

Margarites. A village famous for its pottery, an ongoing tradition which dates back to ancient times. Local craftsmen make large jars (pithoi), and other amphoras. Charming little village with narrow streets.

Moni Arkadi . The most famous monastery in Crete, symbol of the fight for freedom. Built by the Venetians in 1538, its impressive architecture is a combination of Roman and baroque elements. In 1866, during the revolt of the Cretan people against the Turkish occupying forces, the 900 inhabitants besieged, driven to desperation, preferred to explode their stocks of ammunition and die, rather than surrender. This heroism deeply affected the western world, and led key figures such as Garibaldi and Victor Hugo to take up the cause of Cretan independence. Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel "Freedom or Death" was inspired by this incident.

Armeni. A Cretan village, the name of which means "Armenians": in 961 the Byzantine emperor Nikiphoros Phokas established a settlement of Christian Armenians here in order to restore Christian culture, which had suffered during the 130 years of Saracen occupation (828-960). Excavations have revealed a Mycenaean tomb and a necropolis (the largest in Crete, with 280 tombs), dating back to 1350 - 1200 BC. The funerary objects which have been discovered there are displayed in the museum of Chania.

Agia Galini. This picturesque fishing village, which in the 1960’s and 1970’s was known to only a handful of lucky backpackers, has become overcrowded in summer due to its natural beauty. Boats departing daily offer the discovery of beautiful coves in the area. Despite the influx of tourists in summer, Agia Galini remains a very attractive, lively spot.

Spili. A large, pretty village in the mountains. A nice place to stop and taste the local specialties served in bars and taverns situated in the main square, in the shade of plane trees. One of the interesting sights of the village is the Venetian fountain, with its twenty-five spouts in the form of mouths, nineteen of which display Saint-Mark’s lion, the emblem of the Venetian Republic. Also worth a visit is the Transfiguration chapel, another Venetian building.

Moni Preveli. A monastery of Venetian-styled architecture located on one of the most beautiful sites of the island. It was destroyed in 1646 by the Ottomans, following a series of revolts by the Cretans, and rebuilt in 1700. There are two groups of buildings, which are 3km apart: the first group (Kato Moni), overlooks the Libyan sea, and the second (Pisso Moni), still inhabited by a few monks, was a centre of resistance against the Turks and, during the second world war, the German occupying forces. Another site definitely worth a visit : Palm Beach, a magnificent sandy beach, situated at the exit of a gorge, with a palm-tree lined river flowing into it. A postcard scene. Fortunately, there is no road leading to Palm Beach. The creek is only accessible either on foot (a 30 minutes’ walk) through the gorge, or by boat from Agia Galini or Plakias. Light refreshments available on the spot. Do visit…but in small numbers!

Georgioupolis, Kavros. These are seaside resorts which attract many people in summer. Miles and miles of beaches, and numerous hotels.

Plakias. About 40 km from Rethymnon, Plakias is a very beautiful natural site, with a magnificent 1 km-long beach, and a countryside worth exploring (lots of excursions are arranged). From Mirthios, the neighbouring village, there is a wonderful view of the bay of Plakias. A little boat will take you to the beautiful beach of Preveli.

Agia Triada. A major Minoan site, built around 1600 BC, about the same time as the most recent version of the palace of Phaistos. The numerous objects found there are displayed in the museum of Heraklion. The villa (which was a summer residence for the king of Phaistos), is located at the top of a hill, overlooking the beautiful and luxuriant plain of Messara, with a view of the Libyan sea. Worth a visit.

Kali limenes. A pretty little village with its sand and shingle beach, cliffs and tamarisks. Unfortunately, the landscape has been spoiled by the presence of large oil storage tanks. A few taverns and rooms to rent.

Matala. Matala was in ancient times the port of Phaistos and Gortyna. North-east of the bay, under the water, one can still see the remains of this period. According to the legend, Zeus, taking the shape of a bull, boarded there with Europe, whom he had kidnapped. Today it is a beautiful sandy beach, overhung by sandstone cliffs full of numerous caves which were inhabited in the Neolithic period. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, a certain “golden” youth, the ‘Flower Children’ of 1968, made these caves their home, driving the Cretans to despair, for the latter could not understand their fondness for this rather prehistoric-like way of life. Matala should be visited early in the morning or at about sunset, if you want to avoid the bus-loads of tourists. Otherwise, within half an hour’s walk towards the south, you can find a pretty, isolated, fine sandy beach : Red beach.

Komos, Kalamaki, Kokkinos Pirgos. Loners and sea lovers will appreciate long strolls on miles and miles of beaches. Mass tourism has not yet invaded this coast.

Phaistos site (or Festos). Inhabited since the third millennium BC. An older palace was destroyed by an earthquake, before being rebuilt around 1700 BC. Another earthquake ruined it again around 1450 BC. These Minoan ruins are less impressive than those of Knossos for no restoration works have been carried out here, whereas Knossos was rebuilt by Arthur Evans. Only some remains can be seen, like the theatre. A very famous object was discovered on this site: the mysterious Disk of Phaistos, which has not yet revealed its secrets, and is displayed in the museum of Heraklion. Apart from the historical value of this site, the view is by itself worth the visit. From here, one can see the fertile Messara plain, the sea, and the mountains of Crete all at once.

Map of Rethymnon