Rethymno Greece: Travel Guide 2026

EXPLORE RETHYMNO!

Full of beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, quaint villages and cosmopolitan resorts, Rethymno is one of the most beautiful places in Greece.

In our travel guide, you can find out everything about your holidays in Rethymno, Greece.
Discover the best things to do, exciting tours & activities, breathtaking beaches, impressive sights, the best hotels & restaurants, as well as a wide selection of amazing photos!
In order to get there, you can fly to the airport of Chania or Heraklion or take a ferry from Santorini.

How to Get there?

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do(9)

Where to Swim?

Sightseeings

Where to Eat & Drink?

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN RETHYMNO

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ABOUT RETHYMNO GREECE

Rethymno is a laid-back prefecture located between the regions of Chania and Heraklion. Despite its continuous tourist development, it hasn't parted from its traditional and elegant charm.
The cosmopolitan seaside resorts, such as Bali, Panormos, and Platanias are mostly located on the northern side. They are perfect for your stay, as they offer a wide selection of hotels and villas. However, if you seek a laid-back place to stay, a drive towards the southern side will get you to more tranquil places, such as Agia Galini and Plakias.

The center of life and activities is the Old Town. The architecture is strongly influenced by the Venetians, who ruled the island in the past. The picturesque town is full of narrow alleys, elegant mansions, and arches, and is home to a beautiful Venetian port. The charming port is lined with cafeterias and restaurants, while the promenade is perfect for evening strolls. Another vestige of the Venetian occupation is the Fortezza, an imposing medieval castle that stands on a hill above the town.

The northern and southern areas are fringed with lovely beaches. The beaches are not the only standout of the region, though. The inland holds many surprises: traditional villages, awe-inspiring gorges, and impressive monasteries, such as Preveli and Arkadi.
If you want to introduce yourself to the local culture, a visit to the villages is a must!

Regarding accommodation, Rethymno provides plenty of options to all types of travelers and all budgets. From stunning modern villas to traditional minimal rooms, there is a place to stay for everyone!

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

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PHOTOS OF RETHYMNO / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Rethymno island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Villas, suites, all-inclusive resorts and seafront hotels are among your options for accommodation in the region of Rethymno. In the center of Rethymno Town, you will mostly find boutique hotels, as opposed to the large building complexes situated near the beaches.
Discover all the amazing accommodation facilities in Rethymno!

Some of the most popular hotels are:
• Nautilux • Atermono Boutique • Jasmine Holiday Villa • Rimondi Boutique

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HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

There are no direct ferries or flights to Rethymno from Athens. The best way is to reach Heraklion or Chania by plane or ferry. Alternatively, you can go to Santorini by plane or ferry and then take a ferry to Rethymno.

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Discover more about the different ways to get to Rethymno & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights to nearby location • Move around

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HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF RETHYMNO

Discover the highlights of Rethymno to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, here are the best suggestions for the ultimate experience!
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Picturesque town
Rethymno Town is a beautiful place to walk around. Due to the almost four-centuries-long Venetian occupation, it has an evident Medieval style. The old port is the town's trademark and most eye-catching spot.
Bali beach
The region of Bali is the most tourist-developed place in the region. It has organized beaches with sandy coasts and many tourist facilities for visitors.
Preveli Monastery
The Monastery of Preveli is of great historical importance for Crete, as during World War II, its monks helped the Cretans and British to escape to Egypt.
Rimondi fountain
The Rimondi Fountain was built in 1626. It is a small yet elegant structure standing in the heart of Rethymno Town.
Anogia village
Anogia is a picturesque village in the inland of Rethymnon. This village is mostly famous as the homeland of Nikos Xilouris, an important Cretan signer.
Plakias beach
On the southern side of Crete lies the long and sandy beach of Plakias. Although this place has many tourist facilities, it is also great to enjoy total privacy. Charming secluded beaches are found in the region.
Arkadi Monastery
The Monastery of Arkadi has historical importance for Crete. During the Cretan Revolution of 1866, monks and soldiers who were hiding in this monastery exploded themselves so that they did not surrender to the Turks.
Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a nice tourist village on the southern side of Crete. Many tourist facilities are found there, while the beaches are both organized and secluded.
Fortezza
On a hill above the Town stands an imposing Venetian Fortress called Fortezza. This fortress was originally constructed by the Venetians and reconstructed by the Ottomans.