Rethymnon is a jewel in Crete, the most beautiful of its towns together with Chania. It has a multicultural character, which brings together East and West, the Ottoman, Venetian and Greek past of this city that charms the visitor with its neoclassical mansions perfectly combined with the mosques and the castles. A walk in Rethymnon, even if you don’t live there, is a must. Rethymnon is located between Chania and Heraklion, in the middle of the island. Explore it!
Old Town
The Old Town of Rethymnon is truly the best thing to see there. A magnificent port, elegant houses, paved narrow paths, old churches and neoclassical architecture create a beautiful and aristocratic atmosphere, which is ideal for a stroll, relaxation and entertainment. In the Old Town, you will find many traditional taverns, coffee shops and bars to eat, drink and have fun all day long. In the Old Town, you will find the Ottoman Baths or Hamam as their Turkish name is. They date from the 17th century, their floor is made from marble, and the construction is well-preserved. However, you can visit the place only to admire the local tradition since the baths are not open to the public.
Fortrezza
Fortrezza (the Venetian word of fortress), the castle of Rethymnon, was built in 1573 by the Ottomans in order to protect the town from the pirates and other enemies. Today, it is the trademark of Rethymnon, standing imposing at the edge of the town. It is a nice spot to walk around the Ottoman constructions and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the cliff. In Fortrezza, you can also visit the Ibrahim Han Mosque with the high minaret. This place shows you the multiculturalism of this town, which combines elements of several periods.
Monastery of Arkadi
The Monastery of Arkadi is located 23 km from Rethymnon and is the symbol of the Cretan revolution against the Ottoman Empire. In 1866, when the Turkish soldiers violated the monastery after many days of siege, the besiegers, with a monk as a leader, put on fire a room with gunpowder. The explosion killed all the monks and the Turkish soldiers and is until today a symbol of the battle of the Cretan people to gain their freedom.
Ideon Cave
Ideon Cave is located near the village of Anogeia, in the prefecture of Rethymnon. According to the mythology, this was the place, where Zeus was raised by a goat, hidden from his father, Cronus. Until the Roman times, this cave was sacred, and archaeological excavations unearthed many votive offerings. The route to the cave is impressive and wonderful, with high mountains and wild rock formations. Inside the cave, are many caverns, which have been sculpted naturally by the water and the snow, as well as stalagmites and stalactites. You will be impressed by the fact that even during summer, you can find snow blocks inside the cave.
This is Crete, an island with numerous hidden gems, which are waiting to be explored! Just rent a car and get ready to discover each corner of Rethymnon prefecture!
