Located in Xirón Khoríon and only 3 km from Rethymno Beach, Doctor’s Home provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 6.2 km from the holiday home, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from Doctor’s Home.
from
€94
/night
Situated in Rethymno Town, 1.8 km from Rethymno Beach and 2.7 km from Platanes Beach, Nontas Ntina Villa offers air conditioning. This property offers a private pool and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this 3-bedroom villa features a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a microwave and toaster.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 5 km from the villa, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from Nontas Ntina Villa.
from
€298
/night
Set in Xirón Khoríon, 1.8 km from Rethymno Beach and 2.6 km from Platanes Beach, Nomadic Villa offers air conditioning. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 5 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 6 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Nomadic Villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 4.9 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from Nomadic Villa.
from
€59
/night
Boasting pool views, Palm Hill Villa, Royal Retreat, By ThinkVilla features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.4 km from Rethymno Beach. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 5 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 5 bathrooms with a shower.
The villa can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Palm Hill Villa, Royal Retreat, By ThinkVilla offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, cycling and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a car rental service.
Platanes Beach is 2.3 km from Palm Hill Villa, Royal Retreat, By ThinkVilla, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 4.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 74 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€696
/night
Located in Giannoudi Village of Rethymno, the traditionally-built Villa Givera features a private swimming pool surrounded by a blossomed and furnished sun terrace. The spacious villa has a seating area with fireplace and enjoys views over the mountain and the Cretan Sea.
Fitted with beamed ceilings and terracotta tiles, Givera villa is tastefully decorated with wooden furnishings and wrought-iron beds. It features 3 separate bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen with dining area and 2 bathrooms. Facilities include a stove, a microwave, a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with DVD player. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Guests can relax at the sun loungers by the pool and enjoy the unobstructed views over the sea. BBQ facilities are also available at the garden, where guests can prepare al fresco meals under the shaded dining area.
Restaurants, bars and supermarkets can be found within 3 km from the property. Rethymno Town and Port are 5 km away, while the famous Arkadi Monastery is at a distance of 12 km. Chania International Airport is 70 km away. Free on-site parking is possible.
from
€396
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a balcony, Villa Panorama is located in Xirón Khoríon. Set 6.7 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, the property provides free bikes and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 24 km from Villa Panorama, while Psiloritis National Park is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 75 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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.
Journey back in time and visit the Minoan palace at Knossos on a day trip from Rethymnon. Learn more about the ancient civilization at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Depart from Rethymnon, head eastwards along the north coast. Pass the city of Heraklion and continue towards the inland of Crete until you reach the tour’s highlight – your visit to the Palace of Knossos.
Later, continue towards the inland of Crete until you reach the tour’s highlight – your visit to the Palace of Knossos. This is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, a cradle of European culture and the center of the Minoan civilization.
Journey through the incredible history of King Minos and the Minoan civilization, and hear about some of the legends of Crete at what was once the island’s largest palace.
Hop off the bus and start your guided tour if you choose the guided tour option, or enjoy about two hours of free time through the detailed story of the Minoan period and hear about both the Minotaur and Ariadne.
Afterward, the bus brings you to the heart of the capital city of Crete, Heraklion. There you have the chance to visit the archaeological museum, where you can see and learn about the Minoan period while accompanied by your guide (if choosing the Heraklion tour option). Have two hours of free time in Heraklion.
Board the bus again at 6:00 PM the bus will depart on its return journey to Rethymnon.
Ride on a high-speed catamaran “Elite Jet’ from Crete to Santorini on this day trip. Board an airconditioned coach and take a guided sightseeing tour of the island. Visit the white-washed villages of Oia and Fira.
Hop aboard a catamaran at the Port of Rethymno and glide across the water to Thiras port. Transfer to a comfortable and spacious bus and listen as your guide provides you with information about the island and its history.
Stop in the unique village of Oia which is built on the northern part of the Caldera rim, Oia offers magnificent views of houses studded along the volcanic rock hillside overlooking both the Mediterranean and Aegean sea.
Head to the island’s capital Fira, where you will have plenty of free time to explore the picturesque alleys, admire the incomparable Aegean architecture, shop, or simply enjoy a drink.
Finally, eturn to the port for the trip back to the Port of Rethymno in Crete.
Explore the beautiful island of Santorini on a guided day trip by boat and bus from Rethymno. Visit the charming towns of Oira and Fira and take some free time to wander through the winding streets, and admire the scenic views and stunning architecture.
Start with pickup from your hotel or meet directly at the port in Rethymno. Board the open-deck boat and relax during the journey across the Aegean Sea to Santorini.
Arrive at Santorini port and board a bus for a transfer north to Oia. During the transfer, hear interesting facts about the Santorini, its history, features, and secrets from your guide.
Upon arrival in Oia, enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the charming narrow streets. Visit some of the stunning viewpoints and admire the fantastic panoramic vistas. Admire fine examples of Cycladic architecture in the form of white houses and churches with their iconic blue domes.
Next, continue south to the town of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Take 90 minutes to explore its bustling streets and admire the fantastic views of the Santorini caldera. Visit the Orthodox Cathedral located in the main square, or make your way to one of the scenic viewpoints.
Finally, hop back onboard the bus and travel back to Santorini port. Board the boat and relax on the return journey to Rethymno port.
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.
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.
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.
The suburbs of Pervolia, Missiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, are situated 3-5km to the west of Rethymnon city. Initially, these were independent settlements that have now merged into the urban region of Rethymnon, as a result of the residential growth over the previous century.
A vast sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of the extensive coastline of Rethymnon Bay. Originating near the Rethymno harbour, the beach stretches eastward for 13km until it reaches Skaleta. This well-maintained beach offers a wealth of options for food, drink, and accommodation.
Just like the rest of the lengthy coastline, this beach also serves as a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. These turtles are under the protection of the Greek State. Rethymno Bay is counted among the three most crucial nesting sites for this species in Greece, with more than 400 nests reported annually.
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.
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.
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.
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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