Surrounded by lush vegetation, with secluded lakes and sandy beaches, Rethymno is located in the western part of the island of Crete. For many tourists, it remains a mystery-on what sea is the resort located? The fact is that on some maps Rethymno is washed by the Aegean Sea, and on others – by the Cretan Sea. Both reservoirs belong to the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, Rethymno (Crete) is a typical Mediterranean resort in Greece.
General information
The topography of the resort is mostly mountainous. The island’s capital, Heraklion, is approximately 80 km away. Rethymno has about 20 thousand inhabitants. The national currency is the euro.
The first mention of Rethymno in Greece dates back to the IV-III centuries BC. e. Very quickly, the settlement turned into a rapidly developing polis. This was largely due to the successful location of the settlement – at the intersection of the main trade routes. In the second half of the IV century BC, the city fell into disrepair. The reasons why this happened are unknown. For eight centuries, the situation remained deplorable, only in the first half of the XIII century did Rethymno regain its former splendor and glory. This happened thanks to the efforts of the Venetians.
For centuries, there have been fierce wars for the right to own a paradise on the island of Crete in Greece. Of course, this has affected the appearance of the modern resort. Architectural and cultural traditions of many nations are intertwined here. Tourists go to Rethymno to visit interesting places and unravel the secrets that the settlement hides.
Attractions
The main attraction of Rethymno is the Venetian Fortress of Fortezza. Initially, the fortress was conceived as a protective complex against pirates, and consisted of four bastions. Inside the fortress structure were warehouses, the Bishop’s palace, the house where the rector lived, barracks, a church, and even a theater.
Interesting fact! The Fortezza fortress is so massive that it is often called the largest Venetian structure.
Opposite the main fortress gate is the Archaeological Museum, founded in the late 19th century. Its collection includes exhibits from various eras-from the Early Minoan to the Roman era.
The Rimondi Fountain is definitely worth a visit. The attraction consists of three mouths made in the form of lion heads. Water from the mouth of each lion flows into three reservoirs, which are decorated with four columns. There is a fountain on Platanu Square.
On a note! In Rethymno, Crete, Greece, many houses are still decorated with Renaissance portals. If you want to experience the romantic atmosphere, take a walk in the Venetian port of Rethymno. This is a popular holiday destination for local residents.
For more information about what to see in Rethymno, see a separate article.
Photo: Rethymno, Crete.
Beaches of Rethymno
The resort in Greece has a Mediterranean climate – summers are hot and without precipitation, the average temperature is about +30 degrees. The beaches of Rethymno are filled with tourists in the second half of May and empty only in September. The water warms up to +27 degrees.
Interesting fact! Many beaches in Rethymno are awarded the Blue Flag for their clean water and high level of infrastructure.
Rethymno City Beach
The well-equipped recreation area starts near the Venetian port, the length of the coastline is 13 km. What attracts tourists? Fine, soft sand and absolutely clear water. Eleftherios Venizelos city Street runs along the beach.
The beach is perfectly equipped. On the shore there are showers and changing rooms. There are playgrounds for children, as well as rental facilities for water sports.
It is important! Rental of an umbrella and two sun loungers costs 5-7 €. You can eat in the tavern, the cost of lunch for two is about 30 €.
Rethymno City Beach in Crete is one of the few places in all of Greece where turtles lay their eggs, these areas are fenced and protected.
Damoni
It is located 35 km from Rethymno (southbound) and only 5 km from Plakias (eastbound). The beach is very popular, the beach is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas (only near hotels), there are changing rooms, showers, cafes and restaurants. There is also a diving school and a horse riding school. Water sports equipment can be rented.
The coastline runs close to the village, and the beach forms a picturesque valley protected by mountains. Tourists can book rooms in hotels located directly on the shore.
Useful to know! In the western part of the beach, which is less organized, a river flows. Here you can find secluded coves with rocks. The eastern shore is quiet, peaceful and adjacent to Ammoudi beach.
Baja beach club
Beach Club located near Rethymno, 10 km from the city center. Regular buses come here regularly. The stop is called-Baja beach. The length of the coastline is 12 thousand m2. The infrastructure is represented by sun beds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms. The sea floor is rocky, so children should be invited to take a dip in the pool.
Entrance to the beach club is free of charge, you only need to pay for the rental of a sunbed:
- 3 € – wooden;
- 7 € – with a mattress.
For large companies there are tents, the rental price depends on the size – from 60 to 80 €.
Entertainments:
- two swimming pools-one for adults and one for children;
- water slides;
- water skiing;
- beach volleyball and tennis;
- children’s playground;
- discos and themed parties are held.
On a note! You can celebrate your birthday at the beach club.
Guests can visit the restaurant on the beach, the windows of the institution overlook the sea, however, the prices in the institution are quite high.
Geropotamos
Located 18 km from Rethymno (in an easterly direction), the distance to Panormo is 3 km – The beach is small, sandy and pebbly, the water here is cool, because the Herapotoamos River flows nearby, forming a deep lake next to the beach.
The beach is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas, and the snack bar offers refreshing drinks. There are not many tourists on the beach, so tourists come here who prefer privacy and silence. Many birds and animals live on the river bank.
It is important! Access to the beach is easy – it is located next to the Heraklion-Rethymno highway. A convenient descent leads to the shore. If you are traveling by bus, ask the driver to stop near the beach.
Near the beach there is the village of Margarites, where pottery is made, you can visit the mountain village of Melidoni, several ancient churches.
Spilies Beach
The beach is located next to the Rethymno-Heraklion highway. If you drive in the direction of the capital of Crete, you will meet a sign. There is no sign on the road from the capital. The best way to get there is by car. The water is clean, there are practically no people on the shore. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available on the beach, and there is a small tavern. The descent into the water is pebbly, gentle. One sun lounger and parasol costs 5 €. Prices in the tavern are very affordable, and the food is very tasty.
It is important! There are a lot of rocks on the beach and on the sea floor, so this place is not very suitable for families with children.
A huge number of fish live among the rocks at the bottom, so they come here to dive in a mask and with a snorkel.
Accommodation and meals
Throughout Rethymno, there are hotels ranging from budget to luxury. The choice of hotel depends on your personal preferences. Hotels in the old part of the city are suitable for tourists who like to relax fun, noisy and spend time in nightclubs. Second-line hotels are less noisy.
The minimum price for a double room in a three-star hotel is 84 € per night. On average, a stay in Rethymno hotels will cost 140 € per night.
A room in the apartment can be rented for 46 € per night. On average, the cost of staying in an apartment will cost € 85 per night.
Best hotels by users on booking.com:
- “Blue Sea Hotel Apartments — – located 1 km from the city center, a minute walk to the beach, user rating-9.4;
- “Fortezza Hotel — – located in the historical part of the city, the road to the beach takes only 4 minutes, user rating-8.7;
- “Hotel Ideon — – located in the old town of Rethymno, the beach can be reached in 4 minutes on foot, user rating-8.6.
A full meal for one person in a mid-level restaurant or cafe will cost from 5 to 12 €. Dinner for two people in the restaurant costs from 22 to 40 €. Budget food option – in the McDonald’s restaurant chain-from 5 to 7 €.
Shopping experience
There are no shopping centers or outlets in the resort town in Greece, but there are many boutiques and original souvenir shops. Shopping in Rethymno is best to start in the old part of the city, following the embankment in the direction of the surrounding streets.
Useful to know! The main shopping street is Solido. A large number of shops with perfumes, costume jewelry, clothing, shoes, and books are located here.
There are also many shops on the streets:
- Arkadiou – runs parallel to the beach;
- Ethnikis Antistaseos-starts at the city park and stretches to the port;
- Sophocles Venizelou-runs along the coast;
- Kountourioti-runs along Arkadiou Street.
Fur products can be purchased at Negmes Furs and Royal Shoppingd stores. Products of European brands are presented in the Votre boutique. Original souvenirs can be picked up at Treasure Island on Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, while Aquamarine on Arkadiou Street offers a large selection of jewelry. Fresh food is best bought at the market, and you need to find out the opening hours in advance from the ads at bus stops.
Useful to know! From Rethymno as a souvenir, be sure to bring olive oil, honey, cosmetics based on olive oil, antiques, ceramics, porcelain, jewelry.
Weather and climate. When is the best time to arrive
The entire territory of Rethymno in Greece is dominated by the Mediterranean climate. In summer, it is hot and dry, with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures in summer range from +28 to +32 degrees. In winter, it is noticeably colder – no higher than +12 degrees. In summer, the water in the sea warms up to +27 degrees, and in winter it cools down to +17 degrees.
The climate of the flat and mountainous parts of Rethymno is very different. In the mountains in winter, the air temperature drops below +0 degrees, snow falls. The flat part of the resort is protected by a Venetian fortress, so the wind cannot penetrate its walls. Thanks to this, the central part of the resort is always warm and there is no wind.
It is important! The peak tourist season is June, but the best time for a beach holiday in Rethymno is July and August. At this time, the water in the sea warms up to a comfortable temperature +24-+26 degrees. Hot weather is easily tolerated, since the island is blown by winds from all sides and is located north of the equator.
Rethymno (Crete) is a mysterious place on the map of Greece, full of contrasts and secrets. On the embankment, noisy taverns, cafes and fishermen sorting gear and catch peacefully coexist. Old houses are harmoniously interwoven with modern buildings. Rethymno gets a special flavor in the evening, when thousands of lights are lit, night clubs and discos start working – life here boils around the clock.
