Best things to do in Rethymno
If you are planning a trip to Crete and don’t know in which town you should stay, then I hope you find this article with the best things to do in Rethymno useful and inspiring.
Rethymno, nestled in the heart of Crete, stands as one of the island’s most captivating destinations, beckoning travelers with its blend of cultural allure and serene landscapes. Whether you seek a leisurely escape or a whirlwind adventure, this charming town caters to all preferences, making it an ideal retreat for every type of traveler.
So, picture this: I’m chilling in Rethymno for a whole week, and boy, did I do my homework before hitting the streets! Now, I’m here to spill all the beans on what you can get up to in this awesome town – think history buffs’ heaven, beach bums’ paradise, and Instagrammers’ dreamland, all rolled into one.
But hey, before we dive into the fun stuff, let me drop a little nugget of wisdom – Rethymno is super walkable. Like, you can pretty much stroll your way to most places without breaking a sweat. Of course, there are a few spots that might need wheels, so I’ll hook you up with the deets on renting a car or snagging a cool tour.
Speaking of which, you’ve got two choices: car rental or guided tours. I’ll dish out some top-notch tour recommendations and spill the beans on car rental prices. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride in Rethymno – it’s gonna be epic! 🚗💨
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Table of Contents
Best things to do in Rethymno
Visit historical landmarks
I know that there are a lot of travelers that hunt all the historical buildings and landmarks all around the world. If you are one of them, then you are in luck, because in Rethymno you are going to find many places where the marks of time are still there.
Even if you aren’t passionate about history or ruins, you need to see these places for different reasons, like witnessing beautiful views or marveling in picturesque landscapes that are perfect for photos and gazing upon.
Here is a list with all the historical landmarks that you should put on your things to do in Rethymno list:
Fortezza of Rethymno
Rethymno Fortezza is one of the most important historical landmarks in Crete and visiting it is one of the things to do in Rethymno. Imagine this: sitting high up on a hill, gazing out at the shimmering sea, this fortress is seriously impressive. It was put together by the Venetians back in the 16th century, between 1540 and 1570, and let me tell you, it’s a big one!
Now, the views? They’re something else! You’ll get sweeping panoramas for days, and there’s plenty to explore, like the old Ibraham Han Mosque, the Santa Maria Bastion, and the Church of Agios Theodoros Trichinas. Oh, and keep an eye out for those cute little shrubs and cacti scattered around – they really add to the vibe.
But the best part? That stunning sea view. It’s the kind of sight that makes you stop dead in your tracks and just soak it all in. Rethymno Fortezza – where history and beauty come together perfectly! 🏰🌊
Egyptian Lighthouse
Ah, the Egyptian Lighthouse – hands down one of my favorite historical spots in Rethymno. Now, hear me out, I’m not one for getting all poetic, but there’s just something about lighthouses, you know? They’ve got this vibe, this mysterious aura that’s hard to put into words.
I mean, think about it – whether you’re watching them in movies or spotting one in real life, there’s this mix of solitude and tranquility that washes over you. And call me crazy, but I’ve always had this sneaky suspicion that every lighthouse has a ghost story or two lurking in its shadows. I know, I know, it’s a bit out there, but hey, let a girl indulge in her supernatural fantasies, right? 👻
Anyway, back to the Egyptian Lighthouse, you need to add this place on your list with things to do in Rethymno, ghost stories, or not. It is located at the edge of the Venetian Harbor and was built in 1838, when the Turks gave Crete to the Egyptians.
The view surrounding the lighthouse is beautiful and it’s perfect for photos or for slowing down and admiring the landscape. I recommend you visit it in the afternoon, because the light is going to do wonders for your photos.
Venetian Harbor
The Venetian Harbor is such a lively place and you need to visit it, because it is one of the best things to do in Rethymno. The port was built by the Venetians in the 14th century and it was a hub for trade for a very long time.
The Venetian Harbor is located in the Old Town and it is surrounded by Venetian buildings.
But here’s what’s really cool about this spot: it’s not just a pretty face. Nope, it’s a bustling hub where local fishermen haul in their catch of the day, bringing in the freshest fish you can imagine. And guess what? You can taste that freshness right at the waterfront taverns lining the harbor.
So, if you’re up for soaking in the sights – from the majestic lighthouse to the lively hustle and bustle of people and boats – I highly recommend making a pit stop here for lunch or dinner. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! 🐟🍽️
Guora Gate
This beautiful landmark also named Megali Porta, was the entrance in the Old Town and it still has a certain appeal. If you want to add seeing Guora Gate on your list of things to do in Rethymno, then I suggest you look very carefully, or use your map to make sure you don’t miss it. If you visit during peak season, the streets of the Old Town are crowded and Guora Gate can be easily passed.
Rimondi Fountain
The Rimondi Fountain, similar to the Guora Gate, is easy to pass by if you don’t know what you are looking for. Is situated in the Old Town at the intersection of small streets that are crowded and full of taverns and cafes. This is probably the liveliest area of the Old Town.
This elegant and discreet fountain has beautiful architecture and sculptures, but the most exciting fact about it is that it still runs water from the 3 lion’s heads.
Venetian Loggia
The Venetian Loggia was used as a town hall for political meetings and was built in 1538. Over the years it played many roles and hosted different institutions. During Turkish rule it was turned into a mosque and after that it was the location for the Archeological Museum of Rethymno.
Nowadays the Venetian Loggia is a shop, so if you plan on buying books or souvenirs, then put this place on your list with things to do in Rethymno.
Walk the streets of the Old Town
Walking the streets of the Old Town is probably one of the best things to do in Rethymno. There’s just something magical about exploring this area on foot – you never know what hidden gems you’ll stumble upon, whether it’s cozy cafes, charming flower-adorned alleys, or intricate architectural details begging to be admired.
During our week-long stay in Rethymno, we made it a ritual to wander through the Old Town almost every day. And let me tell you, each time was like uncovering a new adventure! From stumbling upon vibrant markets to spotting pomegranate trees dotting the streets, we got a glimpse into local life like never before. Plus, we stumbled upon great fruit markets, antique shops, and idyllic little lanes that looked straight out of a postcard.
And here’s another tip: make sure to explore the Old Town in the evening, especially if you’re up for immersing yourself in the lively Greek nightlife scene. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like people-watching and meandering down every quaint path as the sun sets.
While walking the streets you can visit souvenir shops, antique shops, take photos and stop to drink coffee or enjoy delicious traditional Greek food.
Explore stunning beaches
If you want to add sunbathing and beach exploring to your list with things to do in Rethymno, you are going to find a lot of choices.
Depending on where you’re staying and whether you’ve got wheels or not, it’s worth checking out the map to scope out the beaches nearby. Your choice of beach can totally depend on what you’re after on your trip. If you’re all about kicking back on a comfy lounger, diving into a good book, grabbing a bite to eat, and dipping into the ocean whenever the mood strikes, you’re in luck – there are plenty of options, many of them just a stone’s throw from your digs or the Old Town.
But hey, if you’re on the hunt for those off-the-beaten-path, picture-perfect beaches with jaw-dropping views and scenery straight out of a dream, you might need to venture a bit farther out. In that case, you’ll want to figure out your wheel’s situation – whether it’s renting a car or hopping on a guided tour to get you there. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort for those Instagram-worthy moments! 🏖️🚗
There is a list with gorgeous beaches that you need to see, but keep in mind that you will need to drive there:
- Beach Spliles
This beautiful and picturesque beach is located at a 30 minutes drive from Rethymno. The water is amazing, but what will impress you the most are the views from uphill.
- Preveli Beach
Hands down, this beach is a true gem of Crete. It’s nestled in the protected area of Preveli Dimon Foinika kai Lampis. What sets this paradise apart is its stunning location amidst a lush palm grove.
Once you arrive, don’t miss the chance to explore the palm grove on foot – and be sure to have your camera handy! As you stroll along the small paths, you’ll stumble upon breathtaking spots framed by towering palm trees, perfect for capturing those sexy and stunning photos.
Just a heads up though: when you take a dip in the water, watch out for the rocky formations that could give your legs a bit of a rough time. It’s a good idea to wear some sturdy water shoes for added protection.
To reach Preveli Beach from Plakias, you can hop on a boat, or check out this guided tour that not only takes you to Preveli but also includes stops at two other beautiful beaches. (Link below) 🏝️
- Damnoni Beach – beautiful beach, perfect for going for a swim and relax;
- Plakias Beach – it’s one of the most relaxing beaches in Rethymno. The water is perfect, clear and easy to access. Facing the beach there are taverns with delicious food, so you can also eat lunch there.
If you want to visit Preveli Beach, Damnoni Beach and Plakias Beach, then you need to check out this tour. This is the one we took there and it was such an awesome experience. I can’t recommend it enough.
Visit religious places
There are many religious places to choose from, but I will list only a few examples. Chances are you are going to randomly walk by them in your explorations of Rethymno.
Here are some examples:
- Church of Saint Nicholas
- Church of the Four Martyrs
This church is located next to the main street in the Old Town, so is very easy to visit. Some tourists say that this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Old Town. There are cafes surrounding the square where the Church of the Four Martyrs is. You can enjoy your favorite drink while admiring this religious place.
- Church of our Lady of the Angels
- Kara Musa Pasha Mosque
- Neratze Mosque
- Arkadi Monastery
I highly recommend you add Arkadi Monastery to your Rethymno itinerary. This place is simply gorgeous, with many picturesque angles that will make your photos look spectacular. The monastery is a very peaceful and welcoming space, so take your time while walking around.
If you don’t have a car, but want to visit Arkadi Monastery, I recommend booking a guided tour that also includes Margarites, a gorgeous village located uphill in Rethymno. This picturesque village is known for its pottery studios, a tradition that goes back many generations here. Margarites will definitely win you over with its stunning architecture and genuine vibe.
You can check out the tour prices here. Remember that you can book it now, but if you change your mind you can cancel 24 H prior to your visit.
I know, the list of things to do in Rethymno gets bigger and bigger.
Eat traditional Greek food
If you know me, or read any of my articles, then it’s not a big surprise that I included eating food on the list of best things to do in Rethymno.
Jokes aside, I hope you agree that foodie or not, Greek food is one of the best cuisines in Europe. And in Rethymno you are going to find many amazing places that offer authentic, fresh and traditional recipes.
No matter the budget, you will find a place that will suit your pocket and delight your taste buds.
I feel like this chapter deserves a dedicated article (coming soon, so stay tuned for that), but until then, here are some food recommendations to add to your list with things to do in Rethymno.
There are many traditional recipes that you need to try no matter if this is your first time eating Greek cuisine or not. Dishes like musaka, gyros, souvlaki or those that include seafood are amazing. Crete is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood. Even the ordinary and simple Greek salad is a delicious experience that you need to try at least once. Other things to try out are Cretan pitas, Cretan cheeses, and Dakos (a traditional dish in Crete).
Best places to eat delicious food:
- Maria’s Home Cooking
If you are traveling on a budget, but want to enjoy delicious and homemade food, then this is the place to be. They cook something different every day. If you want to “read” the menu on that day, the owner will walk you through their kitchen to see all the dishes in their pots or in the oven. The food tastes just like you expect, like home, like your grandma’s classic cooking.
- Kandavlos – here we ate the best gyros in the whole Rethymno. I think that we went there at least 3 times in a week
- Nostos – amazing fried cheese
- Kyma Restaurant
This was located in Plakias facing the beach. We booked a guided tour that took us here (more about it in the day trips chapter). The food was delicious and fresh.
- Haris Creperie
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a soft spot for crepes, this spot is an absolute must-visit. Trust me, when it comes to foodie adventures in Rethymno, indulging in one of their mouthwatering crepes is hands down one of the top picks! 🥞
- Noble
This place was great for coffee and breakfast. The view is nice and the vibe relaxing.
- To Pigadi Restaurant
This restaurant falls into the pricier category, but let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. It’s pretty popular (and for good reason!), so I’d recommend booking ahead to snag a spot. We lucked out and managed to get a table fairly quickly (just had to wait a tad), and boy, were we glad we did – the dishes were absolutely fantastic! 🍽️👌
- Cow’s Milk
There are many ice cream places in Rethymno, but you need to try the one from Cow’s Milk. It was so creamy and satisfying.
Plan shopping sprees
If you love shopping then you need to add it to your list with things to do in Rethymno.
No matter what type of shopping you prefer, there is a shop for you. If you want new summer dresses, bathing suits or other beach related items, then just go for a walk in the Old Town. You are going to find a lot of shops like that.
Here is a list with everything you can buy in Rethymno:
- Clothes, beach items or accessories;
- Handmade souvenirs (we bought these beautiful coasters made from olive wood spread with epoxy resin);
- Antiques (there is this huge and amazing antique shop in the Old Town that offer a variety of item, from statues, vases, books and many more);
- Paintings made by local artists;
- Organic and natural products for skin and hair care;
- Olive oil and other local sourced products like soups, sponges and so on;
- Fresh fruit (shops that offer a big variety of fresh fruit that are delicious and great to have on hand as a snack, especially if you are traveling with a kid).
Go beyond Rethymno with day trips
If you have more time on your hands, or simply want to explore more beside the Old Town area, then I recommend you put day trips on your list things to do in Rethymno
So far in this article I already recommended a couple of tours, but I want to dedicate this part of the post just for that. In this way it will be easier for you to choose the tour that is the best for your travel goals.
These are my recommendations (you can book them now and cancel if you change your mind with 24 H before your trip):
I already recommend this tour in the beach section of this article. The tour is such a great experience, if you are looking to explore amazing beaches and nature gems. The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a wild ride because you will have to go down a lot of steps and the wind can go crazy depending on the weather. But don’t let this discourage you, because the trail is worth it.
The guide was great and explained formations and things we saw along the road. He will let you know at each stop what to do and where to eat. You are going to travel by bus and by boat as well, when you go to Preveli Beach.
The tour has great reviews, check the prices here. Also, check out below the photos I took during the tour.
This tour is perfect if you want to discover one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Rethymno. It’s time to take a break from beaches and emerge yourself in the atmosphere of small and picturesque villages and rural landscapes. If you book this tour, you are going to visit the Arkadi Monastery (the oldest one on the island), admire local pottery in the beautiful village of Margarites and discover Melidoni Cave. To all this you are going to add the experience of enjoying lunch at a family-run tavern.
If you search for things to do in Rethymno, I’m sure that you will come across the famous Elafonissi, the pink beach. By booking this tour, you are going to visit this gorgeous beach, but without the headache of planning your drive there. On the way there you are going to pass old villages, which will make the experience more interesting.
If you want to spend a day sailing and relaxing, then this tour is for you.
Engage in outdoor activities
If you are an adrenaline addict or just like to add movement and excitement to your holiday, then water activities are one of the best things to do in Rethymno.
There are so many activities to choose from, like river trekking, paragliding (which is what we did), sailing, beach safari, canyoning, scuba diving and so on.
Here is a list with some recommendations, if you are interested:
Get ready for Insta-worthy photoshoots
If you’re looking to beef up your travel photography portfolio or boost your travel influencer game on Instagram, you’re in luck – this section of the article is tailor-made for you. And hey, I’m even thinking of putting together a separate article with a deeper dive into the topic. Stay tuned! 📸✨
In Rethymno there are a lot of amazing places that are perfect for Insta-worthy photoshoots, such as:
- Egyptian Lighthouse;
- Fortezza of Rethymno;
- Streets of the Old Town;
- Arkadi Monastery;
- Preveli Beach;
- Agreco Farm;
In conclusion, Rethymno, Crete, is a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be discovered.
From exploring ancient fortresses and wandering through charming Old Town streets to soaking up the sun on breathtaking beaches, there’s no shortage of things to do in Rethymno.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie seeking culinary delights, or a travel photographer looking to capture unforgettable moments, this town has something for everyone.
So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Rethymno – where every corner reveals a new story and every experience leaves a lasting impression.
If you want more travel inspiration and destinations for Greece, then check out this Lefkada series I wrote on my blog. I’m sure you are going to add it to your bucket list!