Discover a secluded culinary & wine tasting journey in a restaurant hanging from the side of a Cretan gorge. Indulge in the finest Greek wines, traditional Cretan dishes, and explore the history of this enchanting land. Reservations only.
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on this day trip from Rethymno to Elafonissi. Experience a heaven on earth, with soft white and pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water, and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline. Visit traditional villages like Elos and Kaloudiana.
Get picked up from your hotel area in the morning, then stop for a short break in the traditional village of Elos. Time permitting, enjoy time to have breakfast or a coffee (cost not included). Afterward, depart for Elafonissi.
On the way, see small traditional villages combined with typical Mediterranean scenery. Admire the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge. At Elafonissi, get 4 hours of free time to soak in the sun and enjoy the spectrum of shades of blue that this beach has to offer.
At the end of your tour, stop at the village Kaloudiana, where you can explore the village and have refreshments or food (not included). Later, get driven back to your accommodation in Rethymno.
Visit the famous pottery village of Margarites in western Crete. This important center of regional pottery invites you to explore its narrow streets and hidden cafes. Enjoy the wonderful view and the harmonious coexistence of old and new.
Visit the fascinating city of Rethymnon, which has maintained its unique flair. The Venetian fortress is particularly impressive as well as the so-called “Fortezza” at the city harbor, and the minarets from the Turkish era. Stroll through the city center and soak up the special atmosphere.
Finally, visit Argyroupoli with its beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy a coffee in the shade of the imposing sycamore trees and learn more about the former ancient city of Lappa, which, according to myth, was created by Agamemnon. Admire a mosaic from the Roman period and see an existing Venetian portal with the inscription “All things of this world are smoke and shadows”.
Explore two of the most picture-perfect destinations on Crete during this half-day private tour that visits Rethymno and the Lake of Kournas. Take off directly from your accommodation in Chania via an air-conditioned vehicle fully equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports.
After pickup, start your journey in Rethymno, a romantic city with a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit.
Marvel at the large Venetian castle Fortezza, the old lighthouse, and countless churches, mosques, and arches. Walk along cobbled paths leading to other hidden spots of the old city.
The next stop is the famous Lake of Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. This place is ideal for relaxation and walking.
Take in the one-of-a-kind view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters while drinking a cup of traditional Greek coffee. Choose to rent a pedal boat to spend some time in the water looking for the turtles that live in the lake.
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.
Kamari Beach is situated roughly 7km west of Rethymnon, close to Gerani village, at the entrance of Vederi Gorge. The coastal highway linking Chania and Rethymnon runs adjacent to the beach and over the Gerani bridge.
The beach is relatively compact, featuring pebbles and rocks in certain areas, making it a favourite among snorkelers. Despite being exposed to frequent northerly winds, it offers some amenities such as a few umbrellas, taverns, and rooms. Additionally, a quaint harbour and the charming Panagia Kamariani church can be found nearby.
A short distance south of the beach, one can find the sealed entrance to the Gerani cave, a significant archaeological site in central Crete, discovered unexpectedly during the construction of the main road. Moreover, visitors can explore the scenic narrow streets of Gerani village and visit the St George church along with several smaller churches.
Rethymno beach is the organised town beach of Rethymno, a strip of golden sand and shallow, clear water on the city’s seafront about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. Rethymno beach forms the westernmost edge of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront, which runs east from the harbour toward Skaleta. The beach stays busy through the day yet rarely feels packed, and the seafront road, Eleftheriou Venizelou, runs right alongside it for an evening walk.
Rethymno beach sits on the north coast of Crete, at the edge of Rethymno town. Rethymno beach is a short walk east along the seafront from the old town and the Venetian port. You can keep walking east past the town beach toward the suburbs of Perivolia and Platanes and on to Skaleta, since the town beach is the western end of the bay’s continuous sandy beachfront.
Rethymno beach is well organised, with amenities lined up along the sand and the promenade behind it:
The beach is wheelchair accessible, sits on a paved road, and is served by local buses, so you can reach it without a car.
The water is shallow and clear, which makes the beach suitable for swimming and a safe choice for families with children. The sea surface can turn choppy when the wind picks up, so calmer mornings are the easiest time to swim. In peak season the beach fills quickly, and arriving early is the surest way to get a spot with shade.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three most important nesting areas for the species, with more than 400 nests recorded here each year. During nesting season you may see roped-off patches of sand where eggs have been found and protected, so keep clear of the marked areas and leave them undisturbed.
Reaching Rethymno beach is simple. Walk east from the old town and the Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road that runs beside the sand. A car makes it easy to reach the quieter beaches further east along the bay and the villages inland; you can arrange one through car rental in Crete.
Rethymno beach is on the north-coast seafront of Rethymno town in Crete, about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. It is the westernmost part of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront.
Yes. The water is shallow and clear, which suits both swimmers and children. The surface can get choppy on windy days, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Yes. The shallow, clear water, the lifeguard service and the cafes and facilities along the promenade make it a practical choice for families with young children.
The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, a seasonal lifeguard, showers, changing rooms, water sports, and beach bars, cafes and restaurants along the seafront. It also holds Blue Flag status.
You can walk east from the old town and Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road beside the beach. The beach is also wheelchair accessible.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Roped-off patches of sand mark protected nests where eggs have been found, so swimmers are asked to keep clear of them.
The beach is busiest in peak summer, when it fills quickly during the day. Arriving early in the morning is the surest way to find shade and a quieter spot, and mornings also tend to have the calmest water.
Situated at the eastern edge of the expansive Episkopi beachfront, Petres beach, or Stones beach, is a 46km journey east from Chania and 13km west from Rethymnon. The beach owes its name to the majestic Petres Gorge that concludes at this point. The area is dotted with facilities such as accommodations, eateries, and even a diving school. The Vythos cove, positioned north of the other areas, offers umbrellas and a less sandy terrain. The rocky underwater landscape makes it a hotspot for fishing and snorkelling. However, the frequent northern winds can cause the sea to become wavy.
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 been founded by Agamemnon in Crete. The citizens of Lyttos fled to Lapa after the massacre of Lyttos by Knossos. In 193 BC, Lappa became an ally with Teos, and in 183 BC with Pergamon.
The city thrived until 68 AD when the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus destroyed it. It was later revived as a Roman town with special privileges at the end of the Roman Era. Its glory is reflected in the magnificent monuments that have been discovered and the coins minted. In the area, Roman baths and basilicas with mosaics have been identified, as well as inscriptions and statues of Zeus, Aphrodite, and Dionysus. The Cave of Agia Dynami also appears to have played a significant role, with its essential spring that gushes through the rock.
Additionally, near the village is the temple of the Five Virgins (Thekla, Marianna, Ethane, Martha, and Mary), who are believed to have died there. Beside it lies the Roman necropolis with carved tombs, in a green area with a water spring and a plane tree that has been designated as a natural monument.
After the arrival of the Arabs in Crete, the town and the Diocese founded by Apostle Titus were destroyed. During the Venetian period, the city passed from the hands of the Hortatsis family to Alexios Kallergis. It then thrived once more, which is strongly reflected in the splendid Venetian buildings of the village. The Turks called the town Gaidouropoli (i.e., Donkey Town) until 1822 when the rebels renamed it Argyroupolis. The General Assembly of Crete took place in Argyroupolis in 1867 and 1878, the year that Cretans declared the Union of Crete with Greece, though the attempt ultimately failed.
Located near the quaint village of Fylaki in the Apokoronas region of Chania, you’ll discover the vaulted tomb of Fylaki. Constructed during the post-Minoan times (after 1200 BC), it shares many similarities with the domed grave of Stylos at the Azogyres site.
This well-preserved and clean tomb features a lengthy entrance aisle, and its pyramid-like roof is truly striking. One particularly fascinating element is the massive carved boulder situated at the upper part of the entrance.
Finding the tomb can be somewhat challenging. Just 30 meters past the turnoff to Kastelos village, you’ll spot a small group of cypress trees near the tomb.
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, and by 2012, 231 tombs, including one tholos (domed grave), had been uncovered. A unique feature of the Armeni necropolis is that it initially had an overall plan, with specific areas designated for wealthy noblemen and the less fortunate. However, this plan was abandoned during the Late Minoan III B Period (1300-1200 BC), resulting in a mix of large and small tombs throughout the cemetery.
All the tombs were carved into the rock and consisted of a corridor and a chamber. The corridor was either a staircase or a ramp. Some tombs were left incomplete, with only a corridor and no burial chamber. The more affluent tombs had tombstones of varying sizes, with eleven found away from their original locations.
Each tomb likely represented a family group. Osteological (bone) analysis revealed that the average age at death for adult males and females was approximately 31 and 28 years, respectively. Most female deaths occurred between the ages of 20 and 25, likely due to the dangers of childbirth. Chemical analysis of bones indicated that the people buried at Armeni did not consume marine food, but their diet generally consisted of a fair amount of animal protein and plants. They suffered from various infectious and nutritional/metabolic diseases, as well as dental caries.
The primary discoveries in the tombs included clay larnakes, finely decorated pottery, bronze arms, utensils and ornaments, sealstones, and necklaces made from semi-precious stones. Among the most notable finds were a boar’s tusk helmet, a basket made of reeds and adorned with small bronze pins, a steatite pendant with Linear A script, and a stirrup jar with Linear B script (mentioning the name wi-na-jo).
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 the province of Agios Vasilios to the south.
Excavations at this open-air sanctuary have uncovered extremely important findings dating from 1900-1050 BC. The Minoans offered hundreds of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic clay offerings to their goddess. In 2011, a red steatite seal was discovered, engraved with the oldest known Minoan language, the hieroglyphic script. This is the only known example of this script in West Crete.
The Profitis Elias Monastery, situated on a hill with sweeping views 20km south of Rethymno and adjacent to Roustika village, is a relatively lesser-known monastery in Crete. Founded during the Venetian Era, it is among the island’s most historic convents.
Throughout its history, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed by the Ottomans, with the last instance occurring during the 1866 revolution. The monastery played an active role in the resistance against Turkish rule. Consequently, the monastery’s buildings, aside from the temple, were constructed in their present form after 1866. Additionally, Profitis Ilias made a significant contribution to preserving Cretan history by housing the Historical Archive of Crete during the German Occupation.
The monastery features a fortress-like architectural design. At the center of the courtyard, visitors will find a three-aisled basilica with a dome dedicated to Prophet Elijah (celebrated on July 20), the Holy Trinity, and Agia Zoni (August 31). The belfry of the monastery, along with that of Arkadi Monastery, are the only surviving Venetian bell towers in Crete. Surrounding the courtyard are the two-story monks’ cells, an incomplete guest house, and the refectory.
Within the temple, visitors can admire the ancient wooden iconostasis, the throne (dated 1843), and the pulpit. Additionally, numerous relics are housed in the sanctuary, including sacred vessels, vestments, gospels, crosses, relics of various saints, a brocade epitaph, old books (dating back to 1640), and manuscripts (from 1620).
In the early 1990s, the monastery of Saints Raphael began operating on the hill of the Episcopacy (Diocese seat) of Lambi, Sivritos, and Sfakia in Spili. The primary temple is devoted to the martyrs Saint Raphael, Nikolaos, and Irini. Additionally, the monastery houses the chapels of Saint Irinaeus, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Hermit, and Archangel Michael.
Constructed atop Timios Stavros hill in the western suburb of Rethymnon called Koumbes, the Convent of Jesus Christ (Christ the Savior) likely dates back to the Venetian period, similar to numerous other temples and monasteries in the area.
Historians speculate that the monastery was originally home to the Convent of Our Lady of Erimitiani, as evidenced by a 17th-century Renaissance painting. However, the monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation of Rethymnon in 1645 and only reopened in 1935.
The monastery’s church features two aisles dedicated to the Transfiguration and St. John the Baptist. The nuns are responsible for the beautiful paintings and icons within the church. Additionally, the monastery houses a small museum and library containing books and memorabilia belonging to Bishop Titos Sylligardakis.
Located at the base of Mount Vrisinas and 5km south of Rethymnon, the Aghia Irini Monastery (also known as Santa Irene) stands at an elevation of 260m. As one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, dating back to before 1362, it currently functions as a nunnery.
Prior to the restoration efforts that began in 1990, Agia Irini was a collection of crumbling structures. However, thanks to meticulous restoration work that adhered to the original monastic architecture, the monastery is now considered one of the most picturesque on the island. In recognition of its architectural conservation, Agia Irini has received a European award for cultural heritage.
From a distance, the monastery resembles a fortress. Within its enclosure lies the relatively new church of Saint Irene, surrounded by the nuns’ quarters, an ancient olive mill, the chapel of Raphael, Nicholas and Irene, a small museum, the refectory, and workshops for painting, embroidery, and sewing. Outside the courtyard, the unrestored old three-aisled church of St. Irene, St. Catherine, and St. Euphemia can be seen.
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.
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).
Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the longest river in Rethymnon province, which is replenished by multiple tributaries that gather the waters of Kollita Gorges from the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, spanning almost half of Rethymnon Prefecture. The river flows throughout the year and forms a significant wetland of Crete, particularly near its mouth at Episkopi.
The gorge narrows down to a small section about 1km long, beginning near the village of Karoti. Despite its short length, it is definitely worth exploring. It is easily accessible and perfect for swimming in the ponds that form along its course. However, fences are installed to confine goats, so carrying a cutter might be useful in case the fences are locked. Certain areas with large rocks may require a bit of climbing and extra caution.
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.
Boasting city views, SteMa Residence, with panoramic view, roof garden & jacuzzi! offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 5.6 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The reception at the holiday home can provide tips on the area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at SteMa Residence, with panoramic view, roof garden & jacuzzi!, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 30 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 66 km from SteMa Residence, with panoramic view, roof garden & jacuzzi!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€247
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Set in Atsipopoulo and only 6.2 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Minoa apartment in the heart of a Cretan village offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
The apartment is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a toaster, a washing machine, a fridge and a stovetop. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 30 km from the apartment, while Municipal Garden is 5.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 67 km from Minoa apartment in the heart of a Cretan village.
Located 5.1 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Simplistic Holiday Home in Atsipopoulo with Terrace provides accommodation in Atsipopoulo with access to a hot tub. The accommodation is 2.5 km from the Koumbes Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned holiday home consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 29 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 49 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 67 km from Simplistic Holiday Home in Atsipopoulo with Terrace.
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€189
/night
De Light Boutique Villas I II & III – Fine retreat, by ThinkVilla features inner courtyard views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Atsipopoulo, 5.8 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, pool views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
De Light Boutique Villas I II & III – Fine retreat, by ThinkVilla offers a seasonal outdoor pool.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while snorkelling and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 30 km from De Light Boutique Villas I II & III – Fine retreat, by ThinkVilla, while Psiloritis National Park is 50 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 67 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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