Rethymno is one of the four prefectures of Crete, stretching
from the 'White Mountains' to 'Mount Psiloritis' and bordered by
the the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. It covers and area of
1,496km² and has a population of just over 81,000. The
mountain ranges of the 'White Mountains', Psiloritis, Kouloukounas,
Kedros, Asiderotas, Vryssinas form a network of valleys which
delight every visitor and provide plenty of places to explore and
thing to see.
The prefecture of Rethymno has a total of 263 villages with an
average inhabitancy of 200. Officially classed as semi-mountainous,
507km² are cultivated, 936km² are are covered by
settlements and the remaining 17km² by forest. The largest
forest can be found near the Armeni Village (oak trees), Aghios
Ioannis and Agiou Vassiliou (Cypress). Kouloukounas and south of
the Arkadi Monastrey (Thorn-Oak Trees).
The university town of Rethymno with it's 23,000 inhabitants is the
capital of the prefecture is located centrally on the North coast
of the island is a vibrant and historically interesting holiday
destination. The Venetian fortress overlooking the many Turkish
minarets reflects the turbulent history of this ancient town.
Rethymnon being destroyed in 1567 when Algerian pirates conquered,
robbed and burned it, the Turks taking over in 1646.
Rethymno, the third largest town in Crete offers something for
everyone. Disco music bars, archaeological museums, historical and
folk museums, and a centre for contemporary art. Countless tavernas
and restaurants line the picturesque streets and harbour in the old
town area. It is also a paradise for shopaholics with so many small
shops offering a wide variety of products to take home.
The Thursday market in the main square is always fun as are the
bustling stalls that line Andistasis street, selling craft items
and locally-produced foods.
The sandy beach stretches for kilometres with every facility
available, tavernas, car hire, supermarkets etc.
For the athlete, the beach offers parasailing, jet skis, banana
rides and pedalos. The less energetic can just relax and watch all
the fun from a safe distance.
Leaving the old town through the Porta Guora archway will take you
to the towns main square which is overlooked by a marvellous
church. Well worth a visit to admire the decoration and
architecture. Visitors are welcome but are expected to dress
respectfully i.e. not beach clothes.
Almost opposite the main square are the public gardens where one
can stroll in the cool under the shade of huge palms, eucalyptus,
and many other tree varieties. There is also an outdoor cafe where
one can sit and watch the world go by. The gardens also have a
children's zoo, small but it may entertain the children for a
while. The last two weeks in July the annual wine festival is held
here. For a small admission fee drink all the free wine you can
manage whilst watching the traditional entertainment of folk music
and dancing.
To the west of the town about half a kilometre from the main square
is the bus station where you can get a bus to local places of
interest.
There are lots of "hole in the wall machines" in Rethymno from
which you can obtain local currency. Machines can be found
connected to the Visa, Cirrus, Maestro. Eurocard, etc. UK and
worldwide banking networks.
Estimated journey time from the airports
|
Heraklion |
87 km |
1hr 10min |
|
Chania |
57 km |
50 min |
|
 |
