Set in Somatás, 7.8 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 33 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Villa Sonata offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This villa also has a private pool.
The villa has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a children’s playground.
Psiloritis National Park is 48 km from Villa Sonata, while Municipal Garden is 7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 71 km from the accommodation.
from
€266
/night
Located in Somatás, 6.8 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 32 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Villa O² offers a terrace and air conditioning. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa O², while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Municipal Garden is 6 km from the accommodation, while Centre of Byzantine Art is 6.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 70 km from Villa O².
Featuring mountain views, Superb villa, with amazing seaviews & huge pool! provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 7.2 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a children’s playground. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Superb villa, with amazing seaviews & huge pool!, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 30 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 7 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 72 km from Superb villa, with amazing seaviews & huge pool!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€48
/night
Vigla Suites has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Rethymno Town, 6.3 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
Each unit is fitted with a balcony offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with shower, bathrobes and slippers. An oven, a microwave and fridge are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests at the apartment can enjoy a Full English/Irish breakfast.
Vigla Suites offers a terrace.
Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at the accommodation.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 31 km from Vigla Suites, while Municipal Garden is 5.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 70 km from the apartment.
from
€73
/night
Set in Arménoi and only 9.2 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Sun Angelo luxury apartment in Paradise 1 offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at the apartment.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 32 km from Sun Angelo luxury apartment in Paradise 1, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from the accommodation.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, TheTree Villa, Magical Scenery Experience, By ThinkVilla is situated in Gállos. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Staff at the villa are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk.
TheTree Villa, Magical Scenery Experience, By ThinkVilla offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at the accommodation, while snorkelling and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 6.3 km from TheTree Villa, Magical Scenery Experience, By ThinkVilla, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 70 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€52
/night
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.
Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you head uphill through picturesque olive groves and make the first stop at Halevi Monastery. See the church of Panagia with its flame-shaped windows and the ruin of the monastery building, which was recently renovated.
Continue to the village of Chromonastiri and visit Villa Clodio where the Military Museum is housed. As you reach the Myli Gorge, a small oasis close to the city, set out on a short hike through a gorge with diverse flora and fauna and visit the abandoned village of Myli.
Stop and relax in the Cretan village of Roussospiti and be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes from a family run taverna. Due to the elevated location you will have a breathtaking panoramic view over Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast. After lunch, ride to the monastery of Aghia Irini to talk to the nuns there and learn more about the history of this place before slowly starting your way back.
eBike Tour is a unique experience for everyone that visits Rethymno and wants to try something different.
Get ready for the exploration of the most beautiful places inside and near Rethymno! We provide you with all the appropriate equipment and the adventure begins!
Our first destination will be the Halevi Monastery which is an old picturesque venetian monastery from the 16th century, next we head to Myli Gorge a spectacular oasis of green and nature near to the town of Rethymno. After this we go to Chromonastiri, a small local community 12km away from Rethymno to make a short break for a refreshing soft drink cherished from us and enjoy the view. While we are leaving Chromonastiri we are passing from the Military Museum with the most exceptional and interesting historic record to go to our last but not least destination, Roussospiti or else ‘’The balcony of Rethymno’’ as many people call it is also a local community near Rethymno with an amazing view and a lot of venetian houses.
From the start till the end of the tour you feel a sensation of freedom inside you and the connect between you and the nature around you, all these lovely smells and feelings combined with the view of the mountains are really what completes the tour at the end of the day.
Join an evening catamaran cruise from the Marina of Rethymno and watch the sunset from the water. Enjoy unlimited wine and beer paired with fresh fruit and cheese as you admire the view.
Meet the captain and crew at the Marina and hop aboard the catamaran for a romantic journey on the open seas. Sit back and relax as you set sail, traveling along the coast of Rethymno towards Scaleta. The highlight of the cruise – meeting sunset at the open sea. Incredibly beautiful and exciting sight.
Feel totally satisfied with a great evening out on the sea.
Holidays on a yacht is a great opportunity to enjoy wonderful sea views, have a good time and take a bunch of pictures that will delight you for a long time. The boat trip starts in the morning from Rethymno Marina. Our premium class catamaran Lagoon 450F* can accommodate up to 20 passengers.
During the cruise, you can go snorkelling, swim on a sup board or just ride the waves on an inflatable flamingo. We provide guests with all the necessary equipment.
On board, we will treat you with Cretan white wine and Mediterranean cuisine with seafood**
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Embark on a delightful 3-hour cruise along the tranquil east coast, where we’ll unveil the rugged pirate caves and the awe-inspiring “Camarola” arch, shaped by the relentless sea. Dive into the crystal-clear blue waters for a rejuvenating 30-minute swim directly from the boat. As we journey back to Rethymnon port, witness the grandeur of the Venetian fortress, “Fortezza,” and glide through the picturesque Venetian Port, adorned with timeless beauty. Experience nature’s wonders and historical charm on this unforgettable voyage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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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