Category Archives: Rethymno
Top attractions and places to visit in the vicinity of Rethymno and the area of Central and South-central Crete.
September 19, 2026
Areas of Crete: A Complete Guide to the 4 Regions and Their Cities
Crete is divided into four main areas, officially called regional units: Chania (west), Rethymno (central-west), Heraklion (centre-east), and Lassithi (east). Each area has its own character: Chania is the most scenic, Rethymno the most balanced, Heraklion the most historically significant, and Lassithi the most diverse, from luxury resorts (Elounda) to Europe's southernmost city (Ierapetra). The cities of Crete are organised below by region, so travellers can choose a base and plan day trips within each area efficiently. Read article
September 3, 2026
Argyroupolis Crete: Things to Do, History, Travel Guide and Car Rental
The main attraction in Argyroupolis is the Springs of Argyroupolis, an area with waterfalls and streams fed by natural springs. The village is also known for its traditional tavernas, where visitors can savor local dishes like freshly caught trout and the unique "antikristo" lamb, which is slowly roasted on a spit over an open fire. The average temperature in Argyroupolis ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F), depending on the season. Read article
August 21, 2026
Melidoni Cave: Where Is It, Myths, Rules and Nearby Attractions
Melidoni Cave, also called Gerontospilios, is a limestone cave [distance km="2"] from Melidoni village on the southern slope of Kouloukonas Mountain in northern Crete, Greece. Melidoni Cave belongs to the municipality of Mylopotamos and sits at an elevation of 220 metres. The cave charges [amount euro="4"] per person for entry, [amount euro="3"] for organised groups and students-Families etc., and opens to visitors from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. Guided tours lead visitors down a lit path into the main chamber, which measures more than 60 metres in length and more than 20 metres in height. Read article
August 19, 2026
14 Best Mountain Villages of Crete
The 14 best mountain villages of Crete are Archanes, Zaros, Anogia, Zoniana, Krousonas, Kapetaniana, Asites, Milia, Therisso, Argyroupolis, Elos, Kritsa, Krasi and Males. Kapetaniana, in the Asterousia range at an altitude of 800 metres, is the highest-altitude village in this guide. Each village below carries its own altitude, distance from the nearest city and parent mountain range, so you can pick the right stop for a day trip or an overnight stay. Read article
August 13, 2026
Lake Kournas: Crete’s Only Freshwater Lake – Visitor Guide
Lake Kournas is Crete's only natural freshwater lake - a Natura 2000 protected wetland near Georgioupolis, home to Diamondback Terrapins, herons, cormorants, and eels. Set [distance km="4"] inland from the Cretan Sea at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), the lake is a 45-minute drive from Chania, 25 minutes from Rethymno, and roughly 1 hour from Heraklion International Airport (HER) - the most popular freshwater day trip on the island. Visitors swim in clear shallow water, spot wild turtles, rent pedalos (~[amount euro="10"]/hour), and eat at lakeside tavernas. Read article
July 21, 2026
11 Best Museums in Rethymno: Tickets, Hours & Highlights
Rethymno's museums span more than 3,000 years of history - from Minoan artefacts at the Archaeological Museum and prehistoric fossils at the Paleontological Museum to contemporary Greek art at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete (CCA). Several sit within walking distance of the Fortezza in the Venetian Old Town, while a handful - the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, the Military Museum of Chromonastiri, and the monastery museums - require a car. This guide covers all 11, with opening hours, ticket prices, addresses, and highlights for each. Read article
July 18, 2026
The Best Bars in Rethymno: Beach Bars, Old Town Spots & Nightlife Guide (2026)
How we selected these bars: We visited each location personally and evaluated them on drink quality, atmosphere, value for money, location, and suitability for travellers arriving by car or scooter from other parts of Crete. Bars are grouped by category (beach, Old Town, rooftop) to help you plan an evening itinerary. Bar details - including hours and menus - change seasonally. Confirm opening times directly with the venue before visiting, especially outside the June–September peak season. Read article
July 18, 2026
Rethymno Nightlife: The Complete Guide to Bars, Clubs & Things to Do After Dark
Yes - Rethymno has a lively nightlife scene that runs year-round. The Venetian Old Town and harbor area host bars, clubs, and taverns open until 3–4 AM in summer. The 3-km El Venizelos beach strip and the pedestrian Ari Velouchioti Street are the two main nightlife corridors. The best clubs - Ice Club, Metropolis, and Fortezza Night Club - are all within 10 minutes' walk of each other near the Old Town harbor. Read article
July 5, 2026
June 19, 2026
The Ports of Crete ⚓: What Do You Need to Know?
Crete has 6 main passenger ferry ports: Heraklion (the largest), Chania (Souda Bay), Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Kissamos. Heraklion is Crete's major port, with daily overnight ferries to Piraeus (Athens) taking approximately 9 hours. The island also has smaller coastal ports - Ierapetra, Makry Gialos, Tympaki, Sfakia (Chora Sfakion), and Paleochora - used mainly for fishing and day-trip excursions, bringing the total to 11 well-known ports. Read article
June 19, 2026
Transportation Guide in Crete: Every Way to Get Around the Island!
Crete offers six main ways to get around: KTEL buses on the north-coast corridor, taxis for door-to-door trips, rental cars for rural exploration, south-coast Anendyk ferries between coastal villages, cycling in towns, and organised transfers from the airports. Each mode suits a different budget, itinerary and comfort level - and you do not necessarily need a rental car to have a complete Crete holiday.
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June 11, 2026
Spilies Beach: Everything You Need to Know (Local Guide)
Spilies Beach is a sheltered pebble cove [distance km="15"] east of Rethymno, known for crystal-clear deep water, sea caves that shelter the Mediterranean monk seal, and one of Crete's most scenic rock arches - Kamara - reachable in 10 minutes on foot. A true hidden gem among the Rethymno beaches, it sits two minutes off the E75 coastal highway yet stays remarkably uncrowded. As locals who have watched Spilies through the seasons, we can tell you: visit on a calm morning in June and the water is so clear you can see the square rock slabs on the sea floor from the surface. Read article
June 6, 2026
Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfalls: Hike, Map, Opening Hours and Car Hire Guide (2026)
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a [distance km="7"] protected canyon in southwest Crete, open year-round ([amount euro="5"]/day entry since 2025), best hiked in spring or autumn with a rental car. Kourtaliotiko Gorge took 5–10 million years to form between the Kouroupa and Xiron mountains, with limestone cliffs reaching 600 metres and a 40-metre waterfall near the chapel of Agios Nikolaos. Kourtaliotiko Gorge shelters Natura 2000-protected wildlife, including cliff-nesting raptors such as the Lammergeier (bearded vulture). Kourtaliotiko Gorge charges [amount euro="5"]/day or [amount euro="15"]/year for entry (since 2025), managed by OFYPEKA to fund conservation. Read article
January 14, 2026
Smart Guide to the 20 Best Beaches in Crete (Updated 2026)
The best beaches in Crete refer to the most ecologically pristine, culturally significant, and tourist-preferred coastal destinations on the largest Greek island. These beaches are characterized by their unique geomorphology, biodiversity, and heritage connections. Crete, with a coastline exceeding [distance km="1000"], offers over 100 officially recognized beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag certification for water quality, safety, and environmental management. Read article
January 14, 2026
14 Top Rethymno Beaches to visit in 2026: Explore Preveli, Bali and Agia Galini Beach
A Rethymno beach refers to any of the diverse coastal areas lining the northern and southern edges of the Rethymno regional unit in Crete, Greece. These beaches are known for their geological diversity, ecological richness, and cultural accessibility. Spanning over [distance km="20"] along the Cretan Sea, the coastline of Rethymno includes organized urban beaches, secluded coves, and ecologically protected zones. According to the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, Crete boasts more than 100 Blue Flag beaches, and Rethymno contributes significantly to this achievement with its clean waters and sustainable practices. Read article
September 28, 2025
Skaleta Crete: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, Beaches and Car rental
[intro]Skaleta is a seaside village on Crete’s northern coast, located [distance km="12.5"] east of Rethymno, [distance km="69.5"] west of Heraklion, and [distance km="73.6"] east of Chania. Skaleta was originally a fishing and farming community, and has grown into a holiday resort with hotels, tavernas, and guesthouses along the coast while retaining traditional homes and traces of Byzantine history. Its sandy shoreline connects to the larger bay of Rethymno, forming the main attraction. The best time to visit Skaleta is between June and September, when temperatures range from [temp c="24"] to [temp c="30"]. The village is described as quiet, safe, and practical for families and couples, offering beach access, small shops, and connections by car or bus to nearby towns. Read article
September 4, 2025
Spili Crete: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, History and Crete car hire
Spili is a traditional mountain village in Crete located [distance km="106"] south of Heraklion and [distance km="84.4"] southeast of Chania. The village has around 634 permanent residents, serving as the administrative center of Agios Vasileios municipality while maintaining its small-village charm. Spili is positioned at the foot of Mount Vorizis, and has historically developed as an agricultural and trade hub before tourism, now blending local life, agriculture, and visitor services. Its cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and plane tree–shaded squares shape the character of the settlement. The Venetian Lion Fountain, with [amount euro="9"] lion-head spouts pouring natural spring water at [temp c="13"], stands as its most recognizable landmark and central meeting place. Read article
September 3, 2025
Adelianos Kampos: Holiday Guide, Things To Do, Beach and Car hire
[intro]Adelianos Kampos is a coastal village situated [distance km="6.2"] east of Rethymno, on Crete’s northern shoreline. Adelianos Kampos is known in Greek as "Αδελιανός Κάμπος", and the name translates to “Plain of Adele,” referencing its proximity to the inland village of Adele, located [distance km="2.9"] south. The village was once reliant on olive cultivation and livestock farming, and then transitioned into a seasonal tourist destination in the 1980s. It has around 600–700 permanent residents, but the population increases significantly in summer. Visitors are drawn to its long, sandy beach, calm waters, and accessible location near the E90 highway. Seasonal infrastructure includes hotels, beach bars, mini-markets, car rentals, and restaurants, making the area especially appealing to families and couples. Peak season spans June to September, with temperatures between [temp c="24"] and [temp c="30"], making it ideal for beach holidays and slow-paced exploration. Read article
August 8, 2025
Crete With Kids: Things to Do, Family Activities, Beaches and Travel Tips
Crete is an ideal family holiday destination, an island filled with places to see and things to do for travelers with a baby, toddler, child, or young adult. Families can explore ancient ruins, interactive museums, nature parks, and calm beaches across all regions of the island. Heraklion has plenty of family-friendly attractions and is a regional hub known for education and history. Cretaquarium displays Mediterranean sea life, an aquarium designed for visual learning and interactive play. Knossos Palace presents vivid Minoan ruins, an open-air site that helps children and young adults understand ancient civilization. The Natural History Museum of Crete provides hands-on science exhibits, a facility with a discovery zone, and an earthquake simulator. The Palace of Phaistos offers spacious walking areas and a quieter archaeological site, making it suitable for younger visitors. Read article
May 23, 2025
Panormos Crete: Things to do, Beaches, Travel Guide and Car Rental
Panormos Beach is a quiet, family-friendly destination located 21.6 kilometers (13.4 miles) east of Rethymno on Crete’s northern coast. Panormos beach is set in a natural harbor and features soft, golden sand and calm, shallow waters suitable for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxation. Its wind-protected setting and proximity to the traditional village of Panormos create a peaceful environment for visitors of all ages. Panormos name comes from the Greek word "Πάνορμος", which means "sheltered harbor". Panormos village is pronounced "PA-nor-mos" in English and written "Πάνορμος" in Greek. Panormos has a population of 500 residents. Panormos beach is partially organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, and basic amenities, while the village itself hosts tavernas, cafés, and small shops just steps away. Popular nearby attractions include Spillies Beach, Melidoni Cave and Varkotopos Beach. Read article
