Rethymnon, Crete, Greece

Rethymnon is the capital of the Rethymnon Prefecture and is located just 80 kilometers east of Iraklion and 60 kilometers west of Hania on the northern coast of Crete. To the east of Rethymnon you will find one of the largest sand beaches in Crete, a 12 kilometer beach, and to the west there is a rocky coastline that leads to another 10 kilometer stretch of beautiful beach. Rethymnon’s city limits are defined by the Fortetza, a large, beautifully preserved Venetian fortress which overlooks the lovely city below.

Beautiful sights to behold while on Rethymnon include the Rimondi Fountain, which was built by A. Rimondi to provide citizens with suitable drinking water in 1626, and the Neratzes Mosque, which was formerly the Holy Virgin church, and used today as a music conservatory. The Porta Guora is the entrance to the town, and today is the only remnant of the defensive wall left.

In the Folklore and History Museum you will find a beautifully restored Venetian building that houses cultural items dating back to the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum holds clay figures, funerary coffers, statues, and other objects dating back to the Neolithic and Roman periods.

Rethymnon is the most mountainous province in Crete, and boasts a wonderfully warm and mild Mediterranean climate. Sunshine prevails most of the year and temperatures are mild during every season.