Between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion is located the prefecture of Rethymno,on the western side of Crete island.
Rethymno has a variation of landscape and natural wealth.Its mt. Psiloritis is the most mountainous part on the island.Rocky shores come after long sandy beaches,harsh mountain scapes follow flourishing or leafy valleys,small rivers cutting through the mountains,steep gorges,canyons and wild life refuges will impress you.
The capital isRethymno town built around the impressive Forteza castle. The old town, built on the site of ancient Rithymna.The most of the commercial and tourist activity takes place around the picturesque harbour.
It is a town with great history. Visitors can find beautiful Byzantine and Venetian churches,fountains and mansions with carved wooden doors,minarets of mosques,arched passages and narrow beautiful streets. It is an attractive location to sit in one of the many fish tavernas.The Venetian port is surrounded by houses with arched ground floors and old cannons scattered around as street decor.
The coastal road is fringed with palm trees and has the greatest activity. Next to the town there is a wide beach,very developed for tourists with many cafes and bars set up along the sea front.
The villages of Rethymno keep their traditional beauty
Anogia village was founded the 13th century.Its inhabitants follow the old traditions.
Argyroupoli is located on the slopes of the Psilotitis mountain range in an area of natural beauty. The village is built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa.
Plakias is a village resort, its sandy beach has crystal clear waters.
Panormos is a village resort built on the site of the ancient town of Elefthernas. Within the village is the church of St Sophia built in the early Christian era.
Bali is a fishing village resort with a small organised sandy beach.
Beaches
Along the coasts of Rethymno prefecture are found many magnificent beaches.The most popular are:
The sandy long beach in Rethymnon town.
The beach of Geropotamou is quite deep with crystal clear water,that has a mixture of pebbles and sand.
The beach at the resort of Bali with many beautiful coves.
Damoni settlement has a large organised sandy beach.
Ammoudi is a small pebbled beach,protected from strong winds.It is popular with nudists as it is quite isolated.
Preveli is an exotic palm tree beach where a river flows into the sea.
Triopetra is a sandy beach noted for its spectacular sunsets.
The beach of Agios Pavlos is a quiet beach with small pebbles and crystal clear waters.
Panormos beach is an organised sandy beach and offers many sea sport activities.
The resort of Agia Galini has two beaches. Both are well organised and offer a variety of sea sport activities.
Worth to visit
Fortezza,the fortress of Rethymnon town worth a romantic sunset gazing
Museums: The Archeological Museum, the Ecclesiastic Museum, the Historic-Folkloric Museum the Marine Museum and the Centre of Contemporary Art attract many visitors each year with their exhibits of various findings and collections.
Arkadi one of the most famous monasteries in Crete.It is a sacred symbol of the Cretans fight for freedom.The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt in 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children,sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen(abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.
The historic Monastery of Preveli was founded in the 17th century and it had an important role in the Cretan fights for freedom.
The Ideon Cave is the place,according to mythology, where god Zeus was raised, hidden from his father Cronus.
The ancient town of Eleftherna is located on the northern slopes of Psilotitis, 30 km south of Rethymnon.
Getting there
By ferry from the port of Pireaus (Athens) or by plane to the airports of Chania or heraklion.
Greek highlights 