Rethymno

The charming coastal town of Rethymno is located on the north coast of the stunning island of Crete, between the cities of Chania and Heraklion. Also written as Rethimno, Rethymnon, Réthymnon, and Rhíthymnos, it is the capital of the large regional unit of the same name. It has a long history spanning back to the Minoan period, and today it is a popular vacation destination.

 Full of archeological sites, Byzantine churches, scenic beaches, and quaint villages, Rethymno is one of the most sought-after destinations in Crete. As visitors sail into the harbor, they'll be greeted by a quaint Old Town, complete with narrow winding streets, charming tavernas, and beautiful Venetian and Ottoman buildings that line the waterfront. The town's rich history is evident in every corner, with remnants of its past still visible, promising unique exploration opportunities. This coast of Crete is also popular for its many picturesque sandy beaches, which stretch to either side of the town.

The Lengthy History of Rethymno

Throughout its history, the town has seen countless civilizations come and go, leaving behind a treasure trove of legends and tales. The earliest period of development in the area was during the Minoan civilization, when the nearby city of Knossos was an important center of industry, art, culture, and governance, and Rethymno existed as the settlements of Rhithymna and Arsinoe. However, Rethymno itself didn’t begin to truly expand and develop until the Venetians chose to build it up as a commercial center between Heraklion and Chania. In fact, the famous Old Town was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice and still stands today as one of the best-preserved historic neighborhoods in Crete.

After the Venetians, the next major ruling civilization was the Ottomans, who ruled for nearly three centuries after capturing Crete in 1946. Their legacy can be seen in many public structures. After the Ottomans, the independent nation of Greece was formed and has governed Crete ever since. Today, Rethymno works hard to maintain its many historic structures, which are a centerpiece of the thriving local tourism industry, while at the same time developing reliable modern infrastructure.

Wind, Water, and Anchorage Conditions

Yachtsmen will find Rethymno to be an ideal destination, offering favorable wind and water conditions. The Meltemi wind, characterized by consistent strength and direction, provides excellent sailing opportunities for enthusiasts. Though it can also make it difficult to find safe anchorage. The coast around the town doesn’t offer much in the way of natural bays, so boaters are instructed to seek out the port area for mooring.

 The well-protected harbor at Rethymno ensures a safe and calm anchorage, giving guests peace of mind while exploring the wonders of this captivating town. Within the port, the small Venetian Harbor is very picturesque, but it is unsuitable for yachts, so visiting boats must head toward the southeast side, where there is ample space and facilities for berthing. All of the pontoons have water and electricity available for a fee, and the entire port has free WiFi.

Nearly Endless Sandy Beaches

Rethymno boasts magnificent beaches that cater to different preferences. Beaches on the north coast near the harbor tend to be well organized and popular, lined with many restaurants, bars, and water sports centers. They can get a little crowded, especially in the afternoons and during the peak tourism months of July and August. These beaches also have no natural protection from the Meltemi, so it is recommended to approach them via land rather than by boat.

 Extending to the east from Rethymno Harbor for about 6 or 7 kilometers is a very long stretch of sandy beach that is broken up into separate sections that each go by different names, including Rethymnon Beach, Platanias or Platanes Beach, Adele Beach, Missiria Beach, Pigianos Kampos Beach, and Perivolia Beach. As they are all technically on the same shore, they have quite a lot in common in terms of water temperature, which is very warm from July to October, and terrain. However, as visitors travel further from the town center, the sand eventually gives way to a more pebbly texture, and the amenities change from varied and upscale to more sporadic and casual. Swimmers are advised to pay close attention to the weather flags, which will warn them if there are strong winds or currents in the area.

 The coastline extending to the west from the harbor is a lot less popular because it is quite rocky and there aren’t many beach services. However, this can be a nice place to escape the crowds.

 Things to Do in Rethymno: A History Lover’s Dream

 Rethymno is chock full of historic sites, from Minoan ruins to Venetian fortresses, from Byzantine churches to Ottoman mosques. The following are the top five must-visit spots to check out during a stopover in this fascinating town:

• Explore the Old Town: Rethyno’s Venetian Old Town is the perfect place to lose oneself in the maze-like streets, explore the charming boutiques, and indulge in traditional Cretan cuisine at one of the many local tavernas.
• Visit the Venetian Harbor: Right after berthing in the modern section of Rethymno Harbor, it is a great time to take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront of the old Venetian Harbor and admire the Venetian and Ottoman architecture. From here, it's easy to stop by the iconic lighthouse for breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
• Discover the Fortezza: The impressive Fortezza Fortress is the perfect spot to immerse oneself in local history. Visitors can explore its ramparts, visit the archaeological museum, enjoy panoramic views of the town below, and uncover the stories of battles and conquests that have shaped Rethymno's past.
• Visit the Rimondi Fountain: The Rimondi Fountain is a beautiful Venetian fountain dating back to the 17th century, and it is an Instagram-worthy spot and a perfect place to relax.
• Explore the Monasteries: The historical monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are beautiful structures with long histories that are significant to the town. Each has many scenic spots for photos and its own fascinating story to discover.