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Just 70 metres from the beach of Rethymno, Melrose Rethymno by Mage Hotels features a swimming pool and a restaurant. It offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a furnished balcony.
Each room is individually air-conditioned and provides satellite TV ,refrigerator and coffee/tea making facilities. Some units offer views of the Cretan Sea.
A breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant. Lunch is provided at the restaurant. Drinks and coffee are available at the snack bar.
A TV-lounge and an Internet Corner is also provided at the lobby area
Staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange car rental and book tickets. Shops and Cretan taverns are within a 3-minute walk. The centre of scenic Rethymno is 500 metres away.
Find below list of things to do near Melrose Rethymno by Mage Hotels:
The bus departs around 09:00 from Rethymno for the drive to Crete’s capital city of Chania, the most beautiful town on the island. Settled more than 4,000 years ago, Chania is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
On this full-day excursion you’ll have 5 hours to explore Chania, with plenty of free time for a romantic walk through the idyllic old town.
Visit historic neighborhoods, churches and museums and take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port for shopping, a cup Greek coffee and lunch (not included in the tour price).
At around 16:00 the bus will depart for the return trip to Rethymno.
In the morning, you’ll be picked-up at your hotel. Head out on an 8-hour safari, traveling both on and off-road, and take in the spectacular natural scenery of rural Crete. Visit remote villages and experience the traditional life of Crete.
Visit the famous Preveli Palm Beach and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional tavern. While you’re there you’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the Libyan Sea.
At the end of the safari, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Explore the island of Crete in a self-drive off-road vehicle. This Jeep Safari Tour is ideal for all age groups and it is a superb way of getting to know the magical island of Crete.
Spend the full day in an open-top jeep and take in unobstructed views of valleys, mountains and more. Experience the excitement of traveling off the beaten track and into the unique landscapes of Crete.
Your professional safari leader will guide you throughout the day, leading you to places that even local people haven’t seen. A stop for swimming is part of the program. You’ll also be served a typical Cretan lunch and enjoy sampling a selection of local specialties.
Hop in a Land Rover 4×4 vehicle for a full-day safari adventure and learn about Cretan traditions while indulging in delicious food. Tour the paradisical countryside and swim in the clear water of the South Cretan Sea.
Climb to an altitude of 1,100 meters and experience the quietness of the White Mountains and Cretan dances in a fascinating landscape. Keep an eye out for vultures that will take your breath away with their imposing appearance.
Visit an old village with a Byzantine Church and a café stocked with Cretan products, including herbs, raki, and honey. See a castle and swim in the pristine waters of the South Cretan Sea before heading to a tavern to try traditional dishes.
Discover the secrets of Creten olive oil at an old factory and learn how to identify various grades of olive oil.
Choose from a morning or afternoon Quad Bike safari, and benefit from a hotel pick-up from Rethymno, Bali, or Georgiopoulis. Journey to the base in Rethymno town and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment. Listen to a detailed briefing before you set off for some serious off-road fun.
Journey up into the mountains of Maroulas, and head for the summit for a 10-minute break to take in the panoramic views. Then, continue on your bike for another 20 minutes to reach a spot where you can relax over coffee at a traditional kafeneion (Greek coffee house).
Soak up the peace and quiet of Café Gidospito overlooking beautiful Lake Potami before making your way to the picturesque village of Prassies for a quick snack to refuel after your Quad Bike experience.
Return to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel to relax and freshen up after your dusty adventure.
Begin your adventure with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Rethymno.
Settle into our comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a scenic drive to Chania, guided by our knowledgeable expert who will share insights into Crete’s history and culture along the way.
Chania Exploration:
Arrive in Chania and start walking around the city’s most iconic sights, including the famous Venetian Harbor with its lighthouse, the bustling Agora (marketplace), and the maze of charming streets in the Old Town.
Discover the blend of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences that shape the city’s unique architectural tapestry.
Visit key historical sites and learn about Chania’s significance through various epochs, from ancient times to modern-day Crete.
Free Time in Chania:
Enjoy some leisure time to explore Chania at your own pace. Wander through the picturesque alleys, visit local shops for souvenirs, or relax in one of the waterfront cafes and taste traditional Cretan cuisine.
Take the opportunity to snap beautiful photos of the harbor, engage with friendly locals, or simply soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Return Journey:
Regroup in the late afternoon for the return trip to Rethymno.
Reflect on the day’s experiences as you enjoy a comfortable ride back to your accommodation, with the beauty of Crete’s landscape passing by your window.
This day tour from Rethymno to Chania not only unveils the historical and cultural riches of one of Crete’s most beloved cities but also offers a chance to experience the vibrant life and stunning scenery that make Chania a must-visit destination. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Chania’s captivating sights, guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories of Crete’s splendor.
Find below list of beaches near Melrose Rethymno by Mage Hotels:
The golden sands and crystal clear shallow waters of Rethymno city’s beach, located a mere 500m east of the city’s core and adjacent to the Venetian port, are truly captivating. The well-organized beach is conveniently located near the city’s amenities and is the westernmost edge of Rethymno Bay’s 13km beachfront that extends eastwards to Skaleta. Despite being constantly bustling with activity, the expansive beach never feels excessively crowded. The city’s seafront road, Eleftheriou Venizelou Str., which runs parallel to the beach, provides an idyllic setting for evening strolls.
The beach offers numerous services including umbrellas, lifeguards, beach bars, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. A noteworthy fact about this beach is the presence of the loggerhead sea turtle (Carretta carretta) that nests here. Therefore, don’t be surprised to encounter roped-off areas; these are spots where eggs have been discovered and are safeguarded from swimmers. With over 400 nests annually, Rethymno Gulf ranks among Greece’s three most significant loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites.
Three neighbouring suburbs of Rethymnon, Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias (also known as Platanes) are situated 3-5km west of the city. Initially independent settlements, they have been subsumed into Rethymnon’s urban region due to expansion in residential development.
A lengthy sandy beach, part of Rethymnon bay’s expansive beachfront, extends in front of these suburbs. The beach begins near Rethymnon’s harbour and continues eastwards for 13km until reaching Skaleta. The beach is well-maintained and offers a wide selection of food, drink, and lodging options.
A notable feature of this beach, like the entirety of the vast beachfront, is the nesting activity of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. These turtles, protected by international law, lay their eggs in the sand. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three critical habitats for Caretta caretta, with over 400 nests documented annually.
Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, form a trio of suburbs that adjoin the city of Rethymnon, and are situated 3-5km west of the city. Previously individual settlements, they have now merged into Rethymnon’s urban district due to the growth of residential areas.
A sprawling sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of a 13km long coastal strip that begins near Rethymno’s harbour and reaches as far as Skaleta beach. This well-maintained beach offers a wide variety of options for dining, drinking, and lodging. Along this extensive stretch of coastline, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) come to nest. These turtles are at risk of becoming extinct, but the Rethymno Gulf stands as one of the three most crucial habitats for the species in Greece, hosting an average of over 400 nests each year.
The name Misiria originates from the Arabic term ‘Misr’, referring to a suburb of Cairo known for its fertile soil. In a similar vein, Misiria is so named due to its productive land, which continues to yield a bounty of vegetables.
Koumbes, situated 2km west of Rethymnon’s center, is the only beach on the city’s western side. The beach offers stunning vistas of the impressive Fortezza fortress, located several hundred meters to the east. Koumbes derives its name from the Turkish word ‘Kubbe,’ which translates to ‘dome.’ This expansive beach, adorned with sand and fine pebbles, has seen significant growth in recent years, and its development has become a top priority for the Rethymno Municipality. This growth has led to numerous improvements, including the addition of walkways and similar enhancements along the coast.
At Koumbes, visitors can avail themselves of all necessary tourist amenities, such as lifeguard services, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. The area also boasts numerous hotels, accommodations, restaurants, taverns, snack bars, and cafes. Access to Koumbes from the city center is convenient, either by bus or on foot. Walking takes no more than 20 minutes.
Find below list of gorges near Melrose Rethymno by Mage Hotels:
Located near the town of Rethymno, Mili Gorge is an enchanting green oasis. It’s essentially a ravine that houses a vast array of plants and trees, forming a genuine botanical garden. The gorge gathers water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas, beginning north of the Chromonastiri village and south of the Xero Chorio settlement. In recent times, it has become a popular spot for hikers who enjoy the pleasant trail that spans the entire valley.
Within the heart of the canyon lies the abandoned village of Mili, named after the water mills that were once situated in the gorge. The village is split into two areas, Ano Mili (Upper mills) and Kato Mili (Lower mills). The majority of villagers were millers, with nearly all the cereals from the region and surrounding villages being milled at Mili.
Nowadays, only one renovated watermill remains in good condition for visitors to understand its operation. Besides the numerous mills, the area is home to gardens filled with fruit trees and vegetables. Water continuously flows from the springs scattered throughout the canyon, with the largest springs being Saint Anthony and Five Virgins. The water along its course forms small waterfalls and lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip under the shade of towering plane trees.
The village of Mili was deserted in 1972 due to fear of landslides, with some mills being renovated into residences and a cafe-restaurant for guests. The villagers moved and built the village Nei Mili (new mills) high above the gorge on the west. The gorge also boasts a significant number of striking churches, including the cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis), as well as the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes).
Further along Kato Mili, you’ll encounter the cavernous chapels of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).
The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town, channeling water from the Armeni region to the Koumbes beach. It stretches over a distance of 5.5km, with the journey taking you through a lush ravine. Regrettably, there are multiple spots where shepherds have put up wires to confine their herds, making the trek along the stream challenging.
Close to the entrance, you’ll encounter the ancient Saounatsides watermill, which was operational until the 20th century. You can also see remnants of an old chapel nearby. A few meters south of the mill, another path leads to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony.
The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.
The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.
The Prasses Village
Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.
In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near Plakias), a petite ravine teeming with plane trees gives way to a wild and untamed gorge at Kaminolakos. The gorge is typically dry, only filling with water after significant rainfall. It is accessible only with canyoneering gear. This gorge remained unexplored until March 22, 2013, when Christopher Cheiladakis, Argyro Koghylaki, and Rudolf Riegler ventured into it for the first time, installing safety rings in the process.
The initial stretch of the gorge is particularly wild, leading to a series of small rappels before reaching the final waterfall, a towering 55 meters high. This waterfall is nestled under an umbrella of large trees, hidden away in a shadowy enclave. The gorge culminates at the renowned stone bridge of Simas, which is situated on the road to Amari. This bridge, the highest in Crete, is considered an architectural marvel of its time.
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