Are you planning a trip to Rethymno, Crete and don’t know where to stay, what to do, or what to pack? Then you came to the right article. In this complete Rethymno Travel Guide, I will share all the useful information that is important and nice to know before traveling to Crete.
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Table of Contents
Getting to Know Rethymno: Essential Information for your trip
The Enchantment of Rethymno: Why You’ll Fall in Love with this Cretan Gem
I don’t know if Rethymno is an underrated destination, but I know that it isn’t one of the most popular ones in the Greece travel portfolio, so to speak. In fact, places like Lefkada and Thasos are more famous, because I see a lot of people having these two on their travel bucket list more often than Crete. In fact, I think that Crete is that place where you go after you see the most popular Greek islands.
We traveled to Rethymno, Crete for a wedding and took the opportunity to explore the town and spend a week there. We loved it so much that we want to go back and explore other popular towns in Crete, like Chania and Heraklion (and we will, soon).
Rethymno will make you fall in love with its natural and raw beauty. The beautiful cobblestone streets, the vibrant atmosphere, the epic views, and stunning beaches will make you want to come back to Crete as well.
So, if you are like me and love to explore all that Greece has to offer, then check out my Rethymno travel guide and start planning your next adventure in Crete.
Ensuring Safety and Security in Rethymno
Rethymno is a safe destination; harassment and pickpocketing are quite uncommon or very rare occurrences. Plus, during the night, the streets are well-lit and populated. However, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the narrow streets during the day, just to know your way around and feel more confident at night.
Regardless of whether Rethymno is safe or not, I would not advise you to go anywhere without travel insurance.
You are far from home, and even if you think nothing will happen in a few days or a week, believe me when I say that it is better to be safe than sorry. To be honest, I have never used my travel insurance (thank God!), but I buy it every time because you never know. I feel like I travel more relaxed if I know that I’m covered for emergencies.
Travel insurance isn’t that expensive (I know some airlines offer their own, but I feel like it’s a little too much), and there are a lot of great options on the market. You can check out travel insurance prices here.
Navigating Rethymno: Transportation and Getting Around
Getting from the airport to the accommodation
I feel like any Rethymno Travel Guide should include this important, but often forgotten, aspect: how to get to Rethymno.
Rethymno doesn’t have an airport, so you will need to travel from either Chania or Heraklion, where the two airports in Crete are located, to your accommodation.
From the airport, you have two options: rent a car or book a transfer to Rethymno.
This really depends on your travel style and preference. If you want the freedom of movement and the ability to make your own itinerary, then definitely rent a car that you can use during your stay.
If you want to avoid the stress that comes with a car, like finding free parking, refueling, or the ordeal of keeping it safe, then book a transfer from the airport to Rethymno.
Exploring Transportation Options in Rethymno
When it comes to transportation during your stay in Rethymno, you have three options, which again depend on your budget and travel preferences. Don’t worry, in this Rethymno travel guide you will find information for all of them.
Before we explore all the ways you can get around Rethymno, you need to know that Rethymno is a very walkable town. You don’t need a car or public transportation to get around, just comfortable shoes.
So, if you don’t plan to leave Rethymno, you can skip the rest of this chapter (just book the transfer from the airport).
But, if you want to go beyond Rethymno and explore other places (which I recommend you do), then you will need to secure a way of transportation.
Exploring Rethymno by car
If you want to have absolute freedom and plan your itinerary as you see fit, then you should consider renting a car. Additionally, having a car means that you can be spontaneous and do what you want when you want. You can change plans on the go and enjoy comfort during your explorations.
You can check out rental prices here. Even if you are traveling on a strict budget, don’t worry—you will find a car that suits you. There are a lot of cars to choose from, and also, additional items are available to include. For example, we had to book a car with a child seat for our toddler.
Exploring Rethymno with booked guided tours
There are a lot of tours to choose from, and of course, some of them are pricey. That being said, with the right research and platform, you are going to find some gems of guided tours that will make your holiday amazing. Check out this article here, where I mentioned the best guided tours to book in Rethymno.
Exploring Rethymno on your own/public transportation
If you don’t have a driver’s license, or you want to stay on a budget and not rent a car, you can opt for public transportation to visit places that are not easily reachable on foot.
For example, if you want to visit Preveli Beach, you can take a bus from Rethymno to Plakias and from there hop on a boat. Find more details about public transportation here.
That being said, remember that Rethymno is a very walkable town with many things to see and great beaches. You don’t need any form of transportation besides your legs, of course.
Where to stay in Rethymno: Accommodation Options for Every Traveler
Finding the perfect accommodations is like the missing puzzle piece that completes the beautiful final image. Choosing a place to stay in Rethymno according to your preferences and, most importantly, your budget will enhance your overall travel experience.
Of course, this Rethymno travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a few recommendations for accommodation.
During our week in Rethymno, we stayed in two places: Theartemis Palace Hotel and the White Swan, and I recommend both.
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, where food and a peaceful atmosphere are at your fingertips, then I highly recommend booking Theartemis Palace. With this gorgeous establishment, you can choose all-inclusive, or just breakfast and dinner.
Let me tell you, the food is wonderful: delicious, fresh, homemade, and very diverse. However, Rethymno has many amazing taverns, so if you want to taste more of Greece, I suggest you opt only for breakfast or breakfast and one other meal.
Regarding the rooms, they align with 4-star hotel expectations: very clean, spacious, and comfortable. They offer a variety of rooms, from standard, double, family, to more luxurious ones, like the family room with an outdoor jacuzzi, rooms with pool views, and so on. We had a big family room, and it was perfect for our needs.
They have an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and areas designed for games and relaxation. The overall atmosphere at the pool is relaxing, and sometimes they have special events in the evening held near the pool.
Our experience at Theartemis Palace exceeded our expectations. We loved the food a lot (it is rare to have such a variety of delicious foods, desserts, and fruits at an accommodation) and enjoyed many nice afternoons and evenings at the pool.
If you are looking for the things I mentioned, then this place may be the perfect accommodation for you in Rethymno. Keep in mind that this hotel is on the pricier side, but totally worth it!
This Rethymno travel guide can’t be complete without a recommendation for a more budget-friendly accommodation.
If you are looking for a place that is close to the Old Town in Rethymno, has a charming aesthetic, and is more budget-friendly, then the White Swan is for you. We spent the other half of our holiday here and loved the vibe that the White Swan offered. Again, we had a family room that was big enough for us and also offered a small kitchenette where we could prepare our toddler’s snacks.
What we loved about this place was the rooftop pool and the overview of Rethymno that we could enjoy while lounging in comfortable chairs. To be honest, the pool wasn’t ideal because it was small, but I think the owners did a great job decorating and transforming the rooftop into a beautiful, relaxing area. It is nice to spend the evenings there with your tablet or laptop, watch a movie, or eat takeout.
Check availability for your dates below:
Delving into Rethymno’s Delights: Activities and Experiences
Unforgettable Experiences Awaits: Things to Do in Rethymno
There are so many things to do and see in Rethymno that you can plan an entire trip just in this part of Crete. From exploring the captivating Old Town and visiting famous and picturesque historical landmarks, to eating delicious food and visiting gorgeous beaches and hidden gems that will make your photos look glamorous.
If you want to check out a detailed article on all the things you can do in Rethymno, then check out my article here.
In this Rethymno travel guide, I will provide a summarized list for you to get an idea:
- Visit historical landmarks like:
- Fortezza of Rethymno
- Egyptian Lighthouse
- Venetian Harbor
- Guora Gate
- Rimondi Fountain
- Venetian Loggia
- Walk the streets of the Old Town
- Explore stunning beaches
- Beach Spliles
- Preveli Beach
- Damnoni Beach
- Plakias Beach
- Visit religious places
- Church of Saint Nicholas
- Church of our Lady of the Angels
- Kara Musa Pasha Mosque
- Neratze Mosque
- Arkadi Monastery
- Church of the Four Martyrs
- Eat traditional Greek food
- Plan shopping sprees
- Go beyond Rethymno with day trips
- Engage in outdoor activities
- Get ready for Insta-worthy photoshoots
Savoring the Flavors of Rethymno: Dining and Culinary Delights
Indulging in Rethymno’s Culinary Scene: Where to Eat in Rethymno
If you’ve read any of my other travel guides and itineraries, then you already know how much I love food and how I always include restaurants and culinary delights in all my travel journeys.
For me, trying out food is a way of exploring new cultures and places. Every country or culture has interesting habits regarding the way food is prepared or served, which is fascinating.
Now, getting back to this Rethymno travel guide, we all know that Greek food is one of the best. The aromas, the freshness of the ingredients, and the way they are cooked make Greek food simply amazing.
I sometimes miss Greece only for the food. Rethymno doesn’t disappoint in this chapter for sure.
You will find many traditional restaurants and also more fancy ones, depending on your budget, that will serve you delicious dishes.
If you are like me and love food, then check out these places that offer one of the best foods in Rethymno:
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.
Retail Therapy: Shopping and Souvenirs in Rethymno
If you are looking for a little retail therapy during your trip, then Rethymno is the perfect place for that. If shopping is a big part of your travels, then you need to check out this chapter in my Rethymno travel guide.
Exploring Souvenirs Shops in Rethymno
If you like shopping or include buying souvenirs in your travel experience overall, rest assured, Rethymno offers plenty of opportunities for you to spend your money. Just by walking the Old Town’s streets, you will find many souvenir shops with both classical Greek tourist items and more traditional Cretan items. From handmade kitchen staples to little statues, cosmetics, and more.
The range of prices varies, and you can easily find something that fits your pocket and desires.
That being said, there is something that I strongly advise. If you want a more authentic travel experience, I highly encourage you to buy items that are handmade or locally sourced, things that represent Crete and use natural materials. In this way, you are supporting the local economy and family traditions.
I used to be the person who bought a lot of ‘junk’ classified as souvenirs, just because the name of the city or country was written on it. As I grew as a traveler, I understood the value in supporting the local economy or family businesses. You take home an original item that will make a beautiful statement in your home, and at the same time, you contribute to the development of the communities you are visiting.
For example, my husband and I got into the habit of searching for antique shops or small boutiques with local products.
Exploring Local Gems Shops
Speaking of antique shops, I consider these local gems that you need to check out if you are a fan of this kind of thing. If you are interested, here is a shop that we discovered where we bought two small items.
If you love art, consider visiting boutiques that sell canvases or small paintings that support local artists. You can find proper shops or people selling them directly on the street. Keep in mind that the paintings from local artists may be more expensive, but depending on the value you place on a painting, you may think differently.
On the list of local gem shops, I need to include fruit shops. I know this may sound boring, but fresh and delicious fruit is very hard to find in many countries, especially in Europe. More than that, if you are traveling with a kid or toddler, fruit markets or shops are your friends. Having healthy snacks while exploring Rethymno will save you a lot of headaches, especially if your kid is a snacker like mine.
I can’t write my Rethymno travel guide without telling you about the fruits. I love fruits more than cake, and I know there are a lot of fruit lovers out there. So, whenever you see a market or small shop, stock up on the fruits. It is the best snack to have on the road that will also give you energy.
Family-Friendly Fun: Family-Friendly Activities in Rethymno
What to do with a baby or toddler in Rethymno
If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, don’t worry—Rethymno, like most Greek towns, is a family-friendly destination. We traveled to Rethymno with our toddler, who was 1 year and 7 months old at the time. This is why I can assure you with certainty that visiting Crete with a kid is doable and also fun.
Depending on your travel goals and your kid’s preferences or feelings, you can do a lot of things like:
- Spending time at the beach: Enjoy any beach in Rethymno, or explore more famous ones like Preveli Beach.
- Book an all-inclusive accommodation with a pool: This way, you can spend your days relaxing at the pool while your kid is having fun. Also, you will have food and snacks at your disposal, so you won’t have to worry about buying food for your kid, which can sometimes be difficult and stressful.
- Walking around the Old Town: Rethymno is very walkable and kid-friendly, even with a baby stroller.
- Visit historical landmarks: Keep in mind that Rethymno Fortezza can be a little challenging to explore with a stroller, but not impossible. For us, it was possible, though there were areas where my husband had to lift the stroller.
- Book a guided tour and explore the surroundings of Rethymno: Make sure to check the tour’s recommendations because most trustworthy companies specify if a certain trip is safe for kids and if strollers are permitted. If you are interested in checking out the tour we booked with our toddler, [here it is]. It was a great experience for our kid and for us as well because we got to see three beaches, including the amazing Preveli Beach (Check out my Preveli Travel Guide), and a beautiful gorge. It was exciting for David because he experienced traveling by bus and boat, which was very captivating for him.
- Rent a car and explore Rethymno’s surroundings on your own: If you need a car with a child seat, check out the rentals at Discovercars.com. We took advantage of this and went to Arkadi Monastery and another place near Rethymno.
Traveling with a toddler in Rethymno can be a wonderful experience, filled with fun and exploration for the whole family.
Essential Tips for Your Rethymno Adventures: Planning and Preparation
Best Time to Visit Rethymno
As you may already guess, the best time to visit Rethymno is during the summer. Some people recommend the period between May and October. I think that it really depends on what you expect. Yes, during the summer, the warm weather and nice water are very tempting, and the chances of rainy or cloudy days are smaller.
However, the crowds may be a little difficult to navigate, and the prices may be higher.
We went in September, and let me tell you, it was the perfect choice. The weather was really nice. We had sunny days but also cloudy ones that were perfect for exploring all day long without suffering from the heat. We aren’t fans of extreme heat and don’t love to spend days at the beach if it’s too sunny, which is why the weather in September is more appealing for our family.
Another cool thing about visiting in September is that the prices are lower. For example, most of the beaches are free to rent, and the chances of finding budget-friendly accommodation are higher.
Managing Your itinerary: how many days are enough to explore Rethymno
I would say that 5-7 days are more than enough to explore Rethymno. Spending a week in Rethymno will give you plenty of opportunities to visit and see places, as well as ample time to leisurely stay at the beach or your hotel to relax.
Whenever I go to any place in Greece, the perfect holiday for me is to combine relaxing and slow days with visiting ones. If you are interested in exploring another island in Greece, then check out my articles about Lefkada.
Back to Rethymno, I’m working on the best travel itinerary based on my own trip there and the things that I learned during my visit. So stay tuned, because my Rethymno travel itinerary is coming. It will be the perfect combination of active and slow traveling.
Exploring Beyond Rethymno: Day Trips and Excursions
If you want to go beyond Rethymno and explore more of its surroundings, then you should plan day trips and excursions in your itinerary. You can do that by renting a car (check out rental prices here) or by booking a guided tour that will alleviate your planning stress.
If you are interested in booking the best guided tour, please check out my recommendations. You can book them now and cancel if you change your mind 24 hours before your trip. The first tour is the one we booked with our toddler and friends when we visited Rethymno.
Preveli Beach Damnoni Beach Kourtaliotiko Day 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.
Arkadi, Melidoni and Margarites 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.
Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach Tour
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.
Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks
If you want to spend a day sailing and relaxing, then this tour is for you.
Packing for Paradise: Essentials for Your Rethymno Adventure
Essentials Items you need in Rethymno
I know how stressful the packing process is before any trip, and I think that in general, we need to pack mostly the same items, with some particularities of course.
If you don’t like the packing process, making lists, or if you are always afraid of forgetting something important, then check out my Ultimate Travel Packing List.
Regarding Rethymno, even though my packing guide is very comprehensive, there are some items that I want to point out specifically for this travel destination.
When packing for paradise, please include the following essentials:
- Sunscreen: This is an absolute must whenever we travel to warm and sunny destinations.
- Hats for every member of the family
- Comfortable shoes: If you are planning to explore Rethymno by foot, which is the best way to explore in my opinion.
- Swimsuits
- Sunglasses
- Portable charger: For long exploring days.
- Driver’s licenses and credit card: Very important for the process of renting a car.
- Nice outfits: This might not be essential for everyone, but in my Rethymno Travel Guide, I need to include them. Rethymno is a destination with many amazing Instagrammable places. If you want to check them out, visit this article here.
Must-Haves for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
When traveling with a toddler or a baby, some things can really make a difference in making your trip stress-free.
If you are traveling to Rethymno with a baby or toddler, here are the things that you need to include on your packing list:
- Small, portable snack box: As I already mentioned, in Rethymno you can find delicious fresh fruits that are perfect for snacking on the go. If you have a small box, you can prepare them before you leave the accommodation and have them with you when needed. Also, in the box, you can put other snacks like nuts, biscuits, and so on.
- A small, but roomy backpack: When traveling with a kid, having wet and dry wipes with you is a must. In the backpack, you can also put diapers, toys, your snack box, spare clothes, and hats.
- Small and easy-to-manipulate stroller: I recommend one that you can fold and is easy to carry around.
- Traveling with these essentials will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Rethymno.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Rethymno is a beautiful and versatile travel destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and rich historical landmarks to charming streets and delightful local cuisine.
This Rethymno travel guide has covered all the essentials you need to know before visiting, including the best times to visit, transportation options, accommodation recommendations, and essential packing tips.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Rethymno promises an unforgettable experience. So, start planning your trip to this amazing part of Crete and enjoy all the wonderful adventures it has to offer.
Happy traveling!