Rethymno Essentials

Rethymno's historical layers span from the Late Minoan cemetery at Armeni to the 16th-century Venetian Fortezza. This selection highlights the city’s architectural evolution, featuring the 17th-century Rimondi Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, and the Ottoman-influenced Old Town. Beyond the urban center, the Monastery of Arkadi and the ancient city-state of Eleutherna offer insights into Crete's heroic history and archaeological depth. The list concludes with the city's coastal side, including the scenic promenade and the expansive Rethymnon Beach.

Monastery of Arkadi

The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated on a fertile plateau 23 km to the southeast of Rethymnon on the island of…

Fortezza Fortress

The Fortezza is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was captured by…

Ancient Lappa

Archaeological site in modern-day Argyroupoli featuring Roman-era ruins, mosaic floors, and rock-cut tombs.

Rimondi Fountain

A 1626 Venetian fountain featuring three lion-head spouts and Corinthian columns that once provided water to the city.

Eleutherna

Eleutherna, also called Apollonia, was an ancient city-state in Crete, Greece, which lies 25 km southeast of Rethymno in Rethymno regional…

Armeni Nekropolis

Armeni is the archaeological site of an ancient Minoan cemetery on Crete, roughly eight kilometers south of the modern town of Rethymnon.

Venetian Loggia

16th-century Palladian-style building used as a meeting place for Venetian nobility and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period.

Central Gate

The 16th-century Guora Gate is the surviving inner archway of the main entrance to the Venetian land fortifications.

Historical folk-art museum of Rethymno

Housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion, this museum showcases traditional Cretan weaving, embroidery, ceramics, and historical tools.

Promenade Rethymnon

A palm-lined coastal walkway stretching from the Venetian harbor along the city's sandy coastline.

Rethymnon Beach

A wide, sandy beach stretching several kilometers east from the city center, featuring shallow waters and organized facilities.