Best things to do in Rethymno in 2024: Activities and Attractions

Rethymno

Things to do in Rethymno include discovering its rich historical heritage, enjoying the stunning coastal landscapes, and indulging in the local culinary delights. Rethymno, a city steeped in heritage and natural beauty, is a haven for travelers in Crete. From the historic Fortezza Castle offering panoramic views to the serene Preveli Beach with its palm forest and lagoon, the city blends cultural treasures with natural wonders. The Old Town’s meandering alleys are lined with remnants of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, inviting explorations that feel like a walk through time.

Adventurous souls can venture into the rugged Cretan landscape, discovering trails that lead through the imposing Patsos Gorge or enjoy the lively Rethymno Beach, a hub for water sports and relaxation. Museums like the Archaeological and the Historical and Folklore Museums offer insights into the region’s past, showcasing artifacts and traditions that have shaped the island’s identity.

As the sun sets, the city’s culinary scene comes alive, with tavernas serving up authentic Cretan dishes and modern restaurants offering a twist on Mediterranean cuisine. Post-dinner, the vibrant nightlife along the waterfront provides a perfect backdrop for an evening out. Below you’ll find a selection of the best activities, dining spots, and sites that Rethymno city has to offer, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.

Where Rethymno Town is

Best things to do in Rethymno in 2024 is located at Rethymno. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.

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Top activities in Rethymno Town

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Rethymno Town

Rethymno · 1.5 km away

5.0 (11)rated 5.0 out of 5 from 11 reviews

While in Rethymno don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sea, right at the main beach…

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From Rethymno

Rethymno · 1.5 km away

4.4 (17)rated 4.4 out of 5 from 17 reviews

Discover the village of Loutro, named after the Greek word for “bath”, due to the many…

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Stay in Rethymno Town

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Modern rooftop apartment

Μοάτσου 38 · 0.1 km away

4.6rated 4.6 out of 5

Boasting garden views, Modern rooftop apartment features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around…

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Phaedra Suites

74 Gerakari · 0.2 km away

4.8rated 4.8 out of 5

Phaedra Suites features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Rethymno…

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Pal Calma Suites

24 Tzane Bouniali · 0.2 km away

4.4rated 4.4 out of 5

Located 300 metres from the centre of Rethymno Town, 1.3 km from Rethymno Beach, Pal Calma…

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Casa di Gaga

36 Tsagri · 0.2 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5

Situated in Rethymno Town, 1.1 km from Rethymno Beach and 300 metres from the centre, Casa…

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Swim in Beaches near Rethymno Town

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Rethymnon beach

Rethymnon beach · 1.1 km away

Rethymno beach is the organised town beach of Rethymno, a strip of golden sand and shallow,…

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Koumbes beach

Koumbes beach · 1.5 km away

Koumbes, situated 2km west of Rethymnon’s center, is the only beach on the city’s western side.…

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Pervolia beach

Pervolia beach · 3.2 km away

Three neighbouring suburbs of Rethymnon, Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias (also known as Platanes) are situated 3-5km…

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Misiria beach

Misiria beach · 3.8 km away

Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, form a trio of suburbs that adjoin the…

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Platanes beach

Platanes beach · 5.0 km away

Platanes beach is a long, sandy, well-organised beach on Rethymno Bay, on the north coast of…

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Kamari beach

Kamari beach · 6.2 km away

Kamari Beach is situated roughly 7km west of Rethymnon, close to Gerani village, at the entrance…

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Adelianos Kambos beach

Adelianos Kambos beach · 6.6 km away

Adelianos Kambos, also known as Adele Beach, is a seaside suburb of Rethymnon situated 6km to…

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Petres beach

Petres beach · 10 km away

Situated at the eastern edge of the expansive Episkopi beachfront, Petres beach, or Stones beach, is…

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Explore Archaeological Sites near Rethymno Town

Armeni Necropolis

Armeni Necropolis · 5.4 km away

The Armeni Minoan necropolis is located 9km south of the town of Rethymnon, on the main…

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Vrysinas Peak Sanctuary

Vrysinas Peak Sanctuary · 6.4 km away

At the location of the chapel of Agio Pnevma (the Holy Spirit) on top of Mount…

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Ancient Lappa

Ancient Lappa · 15 km away

Ancient Lappa is a Greek and Roman city site in the hills 27 km south of…

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Fylaki Domed Tomb

Fylaki Domed Tomb · 15 km away

Located near the quaint village of Fylaki in the Apokoronas region of Chania, you’ll discover the…

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Korakias peak sanctuary

Korakias peak sanctuary · 16 km away

Above the Atsipades village in St Basil province, Rethymno, you can find a series of small…

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Ancient Eleftherna

Ancient Eleftherna · 19 km away

Ancient Eleftherna is an archaeological site on a ridge in the hills of the Rethymno region…

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Margarites Domed Tomb

Margarites Domed Tomb · 20 km away

About 4 km northeast from the village Margarites, in the province of Milopotamos, a dirt road…

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Visit the Monasteries near Rethymno Town

Afendis Christos in Koumbes

Afendis Christos in Koumbes · 2.0 km away

Constructed atop Timios Stavros hill in the western suburb of Rethymnon called Koumbes, the Convent of…

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Arsaniou Monastery

Arsaniou Monastery · 11 km away

The Arsaniou Monastery can be found near Pagalochori village, just 11km east of Rethymnon, boasting stunning…

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Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery · 15 km away

The Arkadi Monastery can be found near Amnatos village, approximately 23km east of Rethymno. Situated at…

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Go hiking to the nearby gorges

All gorges

Gallos Gorge

Gallos Gorge · 2.4 km away

The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town,…

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Mili Gorge

Myli Gorge · 4.0 km away

Last updated: August 2026. Crete Locals. Mili Gorge is a green hiking ravine about 7 kilometres…

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Prasses Gorge

Prasses Gorge · 6.9 km away

The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast…

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Kaminolakkos Gorge

Kaminolakkos Gorge · 8.7 km away

In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near…

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Petres Gorge

Petres Gorge · 11 km away

Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the…

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Patsos Gorge

Patsos Gorge · 15 km away

Located in the stunning province of Amari, the Patsos or Agios Antonios gorge is situated 8…

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Moundros Gorge (Kollita)

Moundros Gorge (Kollita) · 15 km away

The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, are situated near the scenic village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km…

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Dine at the Best Restaurants in Rethymno Town

Have a Drink at Bars in Rethymno Town

Rewine

Tsagri 25, Rethymno 741 31, Greece · 0.2 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5
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Petite Fleur

Eleftheríou Venizélou 36, Rethymno 741 31, Greece · 0.3 km away

4.6rated 4.6 out of 5
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Bonobo Bar

Eleftheríou Venizélou 47, Rethymno 741 31, Greece · 0.3 km away

4.6rated 4.6 out of 5
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Chaplins

Eleftheríou Venizélou 52, Rethymno 741 31, Greece · 0.3 km away

4.6rated 4.6 out of 5
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Have a Coffee and Breakfast at a Cafes in Rethymno Town

Butler Pantry

Πλατεία 4ων Μαρτυρων, Rethymno 741 31, Greece · 0.1 km away

4.7rated 4.7 out of 5
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Museums in Rethymno Town