If you're looking for a beautiful town to explore in Crete, Rethymno should definitely be on your list. Located roughly halfway between Chania and Heraklion, this charming Venetian town makes a gorgeous getaway, with its winding cobbled streets, historic architecture, and Venetian harbour to discover.
I visited Rethymno on a day trip from Chania, travelling by bus, and honestly, I think I liked it even more than Chania! I loved getting lost in the narrow streets of the Old Town, which offered a lot of shade in the afternoon heat.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, there's plenty to see and do. From exploring the impressive Fortezza and wandering around the Venetian Harbour to discovering boutique shops, here's everything I'd recommend adding to your Rethymno itinerary.
Where to stay in Rethymno: Top picks
| For beautiful views overlooking the harbour | Μuses Suites |
| For a relaxing resort to unwind | Atermono Boutique Resort & Spa |
| For a budget-friendly apartment stay | Mardinik Hotel Apartments |
Coastline of Rethymno
Is Rethymno worth visiting?
Absolutely! I loved my day trip to Rethymno and think it's one of the prettiest towns in Crete. It also felt a little less touristy, though that might be because we visited during the day rather than staying overnight.
The ocean views were incredible and I loved wandering through the cobbled streets, stumbling across photogenic spots and exploring the narrow alleys lined with cafes, shops and restaurants. There's something really charming about Rethymno Old Town, and you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in its maze of little streets.
I'd recommend adding it to your Crete itinerary wherever you're based on the island. If I were to visit again, I'd love to spend a night or two here around the Venetian Harbour and enjoy the restaurants in the evening, when the town has a different feel.
Best things to do in Rethymno
Explore Rethymno Old Town
Even though Rethymno is a relatively small town, there's plenty to explore, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering on foot. I loved browsing the little boutique shops and stumbling across pretty corners along the way.
I even found a really cute swimwear shop and couldn't resist picking up a new swimsuit from Blu4U. If I ever go back to Greece, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this brand!
The Venetian architecture gives Rethymno a romantic, picturesque feel, with its historic buildings and colourful alleyways. My tip is to put your map away for a while and just enjoy getting lost!
The walk into the Old Town, passing the ocean, was just as beautiful everywhere I turned. I also loved the intricately decorated outdoor seating areas at many of the restaurants and cafes; it made it the perfect place to relax and explore for the day.
Rimondi Fountain
Located in the heart of Rethymno Old Town, the Rimondi Fountain is one of the town's most historic landmarks. I actually walked straight past it during my visit without realising how significant it was!
Built in the 17th century, the fountain features three stone basins and decorative lion heads, which were originally used to supply drinking water to the town. It's a lovely spot to stop for a photo, so keep an eye out for it as you wander through the Old Town.
Fortezza of Rethymno
Located on a hill overlooking the Old Town, the Fortezza of Rethymno is hard to miss! Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, this impressive fortress was designed to protect the town from invasions.
Inside, you can wander through the historic grounds, explore the old passages and visit the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, which was originally built as a church before being converted into a mosque.
From the fortress, you'll get panoramic views across Rethymno, including the Old Town, Venetian Harbour and the ocean.
Fortezza of Rethymno
Rethymno Lighthouse
Standing at over 9 metres tall, the Rethymno Lighthouse is one of the town's most distinct landmarks. Although it's no longer in use, it's worth visiting while exploring the Venetian Harbour.
It's also a lovely spot to have a stroll along the waterfront, especially around sunset. Fun fact: it's the second-largest lighthouse in Crete, after the one in Chania!
Neratze Mosque
The Neratze Mosque has a rich history, having originally been built as a church before being converted into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation of Crete.
Today, the building has been repurposed as a music school and is also used to host concerts and events. Look out for it while you’re exploring Rethymno Old Town, especially if you enjoy discovering the different layers of history behind the town's architecture.
Location: Emmanoil Vernardoy 2, Rethymno.
Rethymno Beach
I didn't get time to visit Rethymno Beach during our day trip, but if you're staying in town for a couple of nights, it's definitely worth considering. Stretching for around 12km along the coastline, the long sandy beach has plenty of facilities, including sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
There's also a lovely promenade running alongside the beach, making it a great place for a morning stroll if you have an extra day in Rethymno and fancy some time by the sea.
Restaurants in Rethymno
You're honestly spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. From traditional Greek food to fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the harbour, there are plenty of amazing places to eat. Here are a few worth adding to your list:
Adama
Located in the Old Town, Adama is where we stopped for lunch during our visit. I ordered the sea bass, which was absolutely delicious! I also loved the restaurant's interiors and even took a few inspiration photos in case I ever do a home renovation project. Definitely a lovely spot to relax for a couple of hours.
Adama restaurant
Achinos Rethymno
Set along the Venetian Harbour, Achinos is a tasty option if you're in the mood for fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. With its gorgeous waterfront setting, it's worth considering for dinner, when you can enjoy a meal while watching the sunset over the harbour.
Nostos
If you're looking for an authentic Greek dining experience with amazing sea views, Nostos is another great option for either lunch or dinner. They have a range of options on the menu.
Can you visit Rethymno as a day trip from Chania?
Absolutely! Rethymno is an easy day trip from Chania if you don't have a car. Or you can drive yourself in around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you're visiting for the day, I'd focus on exploring Rethymno Old Town, wandering around the Venetian Harbour and visiting the Fortezza if you have time. There's lots to see, but you can cover the main highlights in a few hours without feeling too rushed.
That said, if you have more time, I'd recommend spending a night or two in Rethymno or even basing yourself there. It's a lovely town to explore at a slower pace and also makes a convenient base for discovering other parts of Crete.
If you're planning to hike Samaria Gorge, there are organised tours with pick-up options in Rethymno. You could also visit Heraklion, which is roughly an hour away by car or bus. If you love exploring historic old towns, spending a couple of days here rather than squeezing everything into a day trip can be worth it, and it’s something I’d do if I go back.
Cute places to dine
How to get to Rethymno from Chania
You can catch a bus from the main bus station in Chania, with regular services running between Chania and Heraklion throughout the day that stop in Rethymno. When I visited, buses were running roughly every hour, and we paid €28.40 for two return tickets.
One thing to keep in mind is that this route can get really busy. On the way back, our bus was full, and the driver had to turn some passengers away at the stops between Rethymno and Chania. If you're planning to travel by bus, I'd recommend checking the latest timetables on the KTEL website and allowing some flexibility in your plans. (Note: this is the correct link, but for some reason the website goes out of service from time to time.)
If you'd prefer more freedom to explore, hiring a car is another option. On the way back, I spotted Episkopi Beach, which looked like a lovely, relatively quiet stretch of sand with hardly any crowds. I didn't get a chance to stop, but if you'd like to visit places like this along the way, having a car makes it much easier to explore at your own pace.
Search for car rentals in Crete
Where to stay in Rethymno
Μuses Suites
A stunning apartment stay in the heart of Rethymno and a short walk from the Venetian Harbour. The spacious apartments are modern and comfortable, with some featuring balconies overlooking the harbour. Many of the rooms have a hot tub, and some even have a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across the town.
Atermono boutique resort & spa
A stylish and relaxing place to stay right next to Platanes Beach, just a short drive from Rethymno Old Town. The hotel has two swimming pools, including a rooftop pool, as well as a spa if you're looking to unwind. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with some offering lovely sea views or private pools. With a restaurant on site and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, it's a great choice if you're looking for a relaxing beach stay within easy reach of Rethymno.
Amalen Suites - Adults only
A gorgeous boutique hotel on the edge of Rethymno Old Town, making it a great base for exploring the town on foot. The suites are cosy and chic, with some featuring private pools. There's also a lovely outdoor swimming pool and a generous breakfast featuring traditional Greek dishes.
La Montre Luxury Boutique Suites
A stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Rethymno Old Town, with beautifully designed suites that feel modern, elegant and sophisticated. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Its central location makes it easy to explore the Old Town, with restaurants, shops and the beach all within easy reach. With thoughtful touches throughout, it's a great choice if you're looking for a stylish place to stay in Rethymno.
Mardinik Hotel Apartments
A great budget-friendly option if you're looking for a comfortable apartment stay in Rethymno. Located just a short walk from the beach and around 15 minutes from the Old Town, it's in a convenient spot for exploring the area. The apartments are well equipped with kitchen facilities and everything you need for a comfortable stay, with some also including a washing machine.
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