Rethymno Region

Travel Guide to Rethymno Region

Nestled between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno region is Crete’s captivating midpoint, where azure seas and towering peaks converge. It’s a region where history breathes through archaeological treasures and Byzantine churches, and each village offers a vignette of the vibrant Cretan tradition.

From the indulgence of its cosmopolitan resorts to the quaint charm of mountainous villages, Rethymno boasts a diversity that invites exploration. Discover its stunning beaches, dramatic gorges, and culinary delights, promising a visit that’s as relaxing as it is enriching.

Towns and Villages in Rethymno Region

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Rethymno Town

Rethymno is the third largest city in the heart of Crete and the capital of the Rethymno Region, located on the west side of the island. Rethymno holds the distinction of being Crete’s most beautifully preserved Renaissance city, where the intricate blend of Ottoman and Cretan architectural styles provide a unique spectacle found scarcely elsewhere. […]

Plakias village

Plakias is a charming coastal village located 40 km south of Rethymno, known for its stunning 1300 m long sandy beach. The bay of Plakias, nestled between the capes of Stavros and Kako Mouri, is a popular destination for swimming and water sports. The village has a population of 136 permanent residents and has evolved […]

Panormo village

Panormo is a picturesque coastal village located 25km east of Rethymno, with a population of around 400 residents. Despite its small size, the village has become a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of amenities such as hotels, apartments, taverns, and bars. The local fishing harbor is a bustling hub for the village’s inhabitants, providing […]

Agia Galini town

Agia Galini is a serene seaside resort located on the southern shores of Amari, 61km southeast of Rethymno and 68km southwest of Iraklion. The name Agia Galini translates to “Holy Tranquility” or “Holy Serenity” in Greek, and it truly lives up to its name. The resort offers a peaceful atmosphere that visitors can only find […]

Bali village

Bali is a picturesque fishing village that boasts a fascinating history and a plethora of activities for tourists to indulge in. Bali stands halfway between Rethymnon town and Heraklion, for that reason, the village serves as a convenient base to explore several areas on the island, including the southern coast. In addition to exploring the […]

Adelianos Kampos

Triopetra

Adele Village

Located on the road to the Monastery of Arkadi, about 8 kilometers east of Rethymno town, lies the charming village of Adele. Situated at an altitude of 70 meters above sea level, this small village is home to a population of 350 people. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the narrow, paved streets and […]

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Explore the best beaches in Rethymno Region

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Triopetra beach

Triopetra beach, nestled at the base of Mount Siderotas and 52km south of Rethymno, can be reached via paved roads leading from either Akoumia or Sachtouria. Part of the extensive Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, Triopetra got its name as a historical winter refuge for the inhabitants of Akoumia, who built small huts near their olive groves. […]

Plakias beach

Situated 36km to the south of Rethymno city, Plakias is a charming tourist haven nestled at the mouth of a fertile valley just beyond the Kouroupa range, where the Kotsifos river meets the sea. It owes much of its popularity to the impressive Gialia beach, stretching for 1.3km from the edge of the town to […]

Bali beaches

The coastal resort of Bali is situated in a vast bay, 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion. The National Road that connects Heraklion and Rethymno passes alongside the village, making Bali easily reachable from all parts of the island. It’s a perfect spot for family getaways and romantic vacations. Bali boasts four […]

Preveli beach

Nestled approximately 35km to the south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias, you’ll find Preveli Beach, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. This gem lies where the majestic Kourtaliotikos Gorge meets the flow of the Grand River (Megalos Potamos). Recognized as the most celebrated beach in southern Crete, it has been a summer […]

Ligres beach

Situated 51km to the south of Rethymno and 7km below the village of Kerames, Ligres is nestled at the base of the grand Siderotas mountain. It forms the northern segment of the Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, which runs from the cape of Mellissa to the south. Ligres is an expansive beach graced with rough sand and […]

Damnoni beach

Situated 35km south of Rethymnon and 5km east of Plakias on Crete island, Damnoni beach is a well-known tourist destination. The resort is fully developed and well-structured, featuring a wide bay with turquoise waters and coarse, whitish sand. Visitors can enjoy numerous facilities including umbrellas, snack bars, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. Additionally, there’s […]

Agios Pavlos Sandhills (Melissa Cape)

Among the premier beaches in central Crete, the Melissa Cape Sandhills shine bright. Situated near Agios Pavlos, at the southern tip of the expansive Akoumiani Gialia coastline, this stunning location is approximately 55km south of Rethymno city. It’s framed by the beautiful Cape Melissa to the south, the Akoumianos river, and the Triopetra beach to […]

Panormo beaches

Panormo, located approximately 20km east of the city of Rethymnon in the Milopotamos province, is a peaceful coastal village. It has experienced rapid growth in recent years while preserving its traditional charm. Its attractiveness lies in the untouched beauty of the Cretan countryside, the charming village, stunning beaches, and convenient accessibility. Panormo boasts two primary […]

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Find the best accommodations in Rethymno Region

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44 Μοάτσου 1ος

Dm studio central apartment

8.4 of 10

2 Ελευθεριασ

Freedom Apartment Rethymno

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€61 /night
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Μάχης Ποταμών

Casa Palmera Beach Apartment

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17 Μανιουδάκη

The Met Suite 3, elegant stay centrally in Rethymno!

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€118 /night

Σήφη Βλαστού 26

Loft Apartment Venga (downtown)

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€64 /night
8.3 of 10

Andrea Papadaki

Nontas Ntina Villa

From
€298 /night
8.6 of 10

Μανώλη Καλογεράκη 8

SyntheSeas Residence

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Phoenix Dive Club Plakias

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Running and Hiking in Crete

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Exclusive Chania walking tour (History, Cultural & Food tour with unique wine tasting experience)

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Chania: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour

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Chania In Quest of True Love: Outdoor Escape Game

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Chania: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Tour

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Explore Archaeological Sites in Rethymno Region

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Ancient Lappa

Ancient Lappa was built near the present-day town of Argyroupolis, situated 27km south of Rethymno. The area is now renowned for its springs with waterfalls, its old mills, and the lush green landscape that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Lappa, later known as Lappi or Lambi, is one of the towns believed to have […]

Ancient Eleftherna

The ancient site of Eleftherna is situated 25km southeast of Rethymno and in close proximity to the Monastery of Arkadi. It is the most significant archaeological location in the Rethymno prefecture, with many areas still to be excavated. The University of Crete began the first organized excavations in 1985. Eleftherna was established by the Dorians […]

Margarites Domed Tomb

About 4 km northeast from the village Margarites, in the province of Milopotamos, a dirt road leads to the Late Minoan domed tomb of Margarties dating back to 1350 BC, which is considered one of the most important sites in the area. An aisle with carved stones leads to a circular domed tomb. Inside it, […]

Armeni Necropolis

The Armeni Minoan necropolis is located 9km south of the town of Rethymnon, on the main road leading to the south coast of Crete. This significant Late Minoan III A-B (c. 1400-1200 BC) cemetery was found on a shallow hill called Prinokefalo, which translates to “hill of the wild oaks.” Systematic excavations began in 1969, […]

Vrysinas Peak Sanctuary

At the location of the chapel of Agio Pnevma (the Holy Spirit) on top of Mount Vrysinas, with an elevation of 858m, archaeologists have discovered what is likely the most significant Minoan Peak Sanctuary in West Crete, the peak sanctuary of Vrysinas. From this vantage point, one can see the northern coast of Rethymnon and […]

Korakias peak sanctuary

Above the Atsipades village in St Basil province, Rethymno, you can find a series of small peaks, with the highest being Kouroupa. The Kouroupa mountain range extends from west to east, separating the villages in the Agios Vassilios valley from the coastal settlements and creating a distinct climate. Kouroupa’s boundaries are well-defined, with two long […]

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