The town of Rethymnon is between the town of Heraklion on the east and the town of Chania on the west. Its geographical position, in relation to these two major towns of Crete explains to some extent its minor role in the casting of regional development, with major roles reserved for Heraklion and Chania. At some time however, the town of Rethymnon decided to claim a leading role in a play of its own production and direction. This would not have been possible if it were not for the love of the Rethymnians for their historic town. In an effort to change the image of their town, the local authorities and the people worked closely together. Currently, the town of Rethymnon is considered the center of Arts & Letters of Crete, with Venetian buildings and monuments freshly renovated and valorized.

CAFES
Have a cup of Greek coffee before you set off for an evening out in Rethymnon. You need all the energy you can get. Do the same as soon as you wake up in the morning. The best place to have coffee is by the seaside, a favourite promenade for tourists and locals alike. You can pick and choose from the following names of coffee shops: VENETSIANIKO, KAFE-KAFE, BOBO’S, GALERO (at Platanos) and EN PLO.

RESTAURANTS
If you are hungry but cannot choose from among the plethora of restaurants, AVLI is an excellent choice. It was established 13 years ago and is famous for its delicious Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is housed in a building of the 13th century and features an impressive garden. In addition, the gourmets from around the world will be surprised by the restaurant’s selection of excellent wines. The restaurant also functions as a wine-and-cheese bar at after midnight hours.

One more excellent choice is the restaurant of the VENETON hotel located in the old town. This hotel is also housed in a renovated Venetian building with a long history. Learn more about it!

In addition to the above high-class restaurants, there are more affordable choices classified as “tourist restaurants” located inside the old town. On the waterfront you will find the TOSKANA with Greek and Mexican cuisine and the PALIAZZO, along the beach road, with Italian cuisine. Other restaurants, of traditional character, are the “Kobos” (lamb ribs), the “Zissis” and the “Gavalas” (steaks/burgers).

NIGHTLIFE
If you are on holiday, you have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves until early morning hours. Take this opportunity to enjoy the nightlife of Rethymnon, which is quite vibrant and varied.

Your first call should be at “Roloi” (Watch), a trendy bar/club favourite with the young at heart, particularly at weekends. Vassilis, the owner, is a very hospitable and pleasant person.

The “Fortezza” is what we call a “tourist club”, a large establishment offering traditional entertainment and cuisine. The “Metropolis” is an “all American classic bar”. Other bars/clubs are the “B52”, “Art”, “Nafpigeio”, “Karma”, “Opera” or “Summer Opera”.

BEACHES - GETTING AROUND
The entire northern coastline along the province of Rethymnon may be considered as a huge beach. From Georgioupolis location (west) to Skaleta (east) you will find the spot that best suits your character and purposes. The small beach along the waterfront of Rethymnon may not be one of the cleanest, but it offers a chance for sunbathing and a swim for those who would rather stay in town.

The picturesque fishing village of BALI, approx. 25 km east of Rethymnon, features a small beach and remote bathing spots that are hard to access.

The beaches in the south of Rethymnon are enticing and clean. We have already described the area of Aghia Galini above with the beautiful beach of Agios Pavlos (the best on Crete), Triopetra, and Aghia Paraskevi. The famous PREVELI settlement and beach with the snake-like stream acts like a magnet for locals and tourists alike. Further to the west lies SCHOINARIA, a remote and rather inaccessible beach. However, you will find a hotel with a swimming pool there.

One more difficult to access location is KERAMES with the beach of AGIA FOTINI, rooms-to-let, and the fish tavern of Stavros & Viky. The tourist resort of PLAKIAS, with a nightlife of its own, lies next to KERAMES. It features beaches suitable also for windsurfing. Nice beaches with camping opportunities can be found in RODAKINO. They offer privacy and clean waters; however, be cautious of windy days!

Source: "Stigmes", Crete's magasine

Nikos Papadogeorgakis