Rethymno is a historic port town on the northern coast of Crete, in Greece. It is best known for its well-preserved old town, which still reflects the Venetian period, and for the Ottoman architecture that stands alongside it. The harbour is the town's most familiar view, with its waterfront and the surrounding streets giving a clear sense of how the place has grown over the centuries.
What a visit offers
- The old town, with its narrow lanes and its mix of Venetian and Ottoman buildings, is ideal for slow walking.
- The harbour is a pleasant place to sit, watch the boats and look back at the town's skyline.
- Architecture on both sides of the old town rewards those interested in how different eras layered one city.
Because Rethymno is a town rather than a single attraction, it suits a visit of an afternoon or several days. Much of its appeal comes from simply wandering: stopping in squares, looking up at old façades and taking in the port.
The area around it
Rethymno sits on Crete's north coast, so it makes a natural base for exploring the island's northern shore and the wider region. Visitors who enjoy history, coastal scenery and an unhurried pace will find it a fitting place to spend time, and those interested in the layered heritage of Crete will find plenty to consider in its streets.
