Rethymno Villages

Many picturesque and authentic villages as well as a few calm tourist resorts can be found in the prefecture of Rethymno.

In brief, Rethymno Town is the most cosmopolitan place, succeeded by the resorts on the northern side of the prefecture.
Agia Galini and Plakias present a coexistence of modern amenities in an authentic setting, while the most renowned traditional villages are Anogia and Spili.

Below, you will find a list of 13 Rethymno villages sorted by popularity.
After exploring them, don't skip checking out All Things to Do in Rethymno (best sights, beaches, restaurants, and more).

Location: On the northern side of Crete
Description: Rethymno is a lovely town showcasing a blend of Venetian and traditional architecture. The most characteristic sight it has is the Fortezza, a castle built in Medieval times.

Location: 55 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: This is a lovely village built on the slopes of Psiloritis. It is considered one of the most authentic villages on the island, and it is a great starting point for excursions to the Ideon Cave, Sfendoni Cave and the Skinakas Observatory.

Location: 55 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: Agia Galini used to be a small fishing village, but it has now developed into a tourist resort but the atmosphere has remained calm and relaxing. Excursion boats leave from there for other destinations in southern Crete.

Don't miss our recommendations of the best hotels in Rethymno sorted by category, location, facilities, prices, and more. Book online now!

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Location: 40 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Plakias is a lovely fishing village on the southern side of the prefecture. The surrounding area has lush natural beauty and calm beaches.

Location: 21 km southwest of Rethymno Town
Description: Argiroupolis is a small mountain village, surrounded by pristine nature. Its inhabitants are mostly farmers and cattle breeders.

Location: 30 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: Spili is an enchanting village built on the slopes of a green mountainside. Authentic and traditional, Spili is a nice introduction to the daily life in Crete.

Location: 27 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Agios Vasilios is a tiny village in the inland of Crete. It is surrounded by lush greenery and two stunning gorges.

Location: 5 km west of Rethymno Town
Description: Atsipopoulo mainly stands out for its architecture. Houses were built so close to each other to form a fortification wall in Venetian times.

Location: 50 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: Melambes village lies on the way from the Town to Agia Galini. It is a quaint mountainous village with traditional architecture, labyrinthine alleys, and old churches dating from the Venetian period.

Location: 7 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Myli sits in the heart of the homonymous gorge. Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, the gorge is a popular trekking destination.

Location: 20 km south of Rethymno Town
Description: Located at an altitude of 443 meters, Myrthios is a tiny village with traditional architecture. The surrounding area is of great natural beauty.

Location: 12 km southeast of Rethymno Town
Description: Prasses is a small village surrounded by lush vegetation. It has been built next to the impressive Prassano Gorge.

Location: 25 km east of Rethymno Town
Description: Melidoni is a quaint village, mostly known for its namesake cave, which presents both an archaeological and a historical interest.