One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Greece and was once a bastion of the Venetians who left a mighty legacy in the large Fortezza
Rethymno’s history can be traced back to the Neolithic years where a plethora of archaeological findings including coins, signs, and writings of ancient historians witness the inhabitance of fishermen in Gerani Cave. Throughout the Minoan period, Rethymno and the rest of Cretan cities flourished greatly on an economic and cultural level. From the 12th to the 11th century BC, the Minoan civilization developed rapidly in trade and culture.
During this period in Crete, many towns were built, and notably, the Ancient town of Eleftherna. However, the catastrophic erection of the Santorini volcano marked the end of this prosperous period. In the following years, the beautiful cities of Crete including Rethymno were conquered by the Dorians, Romans, Venetians, Turks, and Germans and the brave Cretans were unable to maintain their independence.
Today, Rethymno maintains its aristocratic character and is one of the best-preserved towns in Crete. Rethymno has a plethora of elegant buildings dating back to the 16th century, narrow alleys, arched passages, and Byzantine monuments. Still, the most important Venetian work is the Fortezza above the town.
Rethymno (or Rethymnon) is Crete’s third-largest city and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Greece and was once a bastion of the Venetians who left a mighty legacy – the large Fortezza (fortress) which guards Rethymno against the top of an imposing headland. The old town is a honeycomb of cobbled alleyways, lined with cute cafes, shops selling local crafts, and restaurants dishing up the best of Cretan eats.
Ancient doorways lead to enticing courtyards and churches line pretty plazas. Look out as well for the wooden balconies, or sachnisia, of former Ottoman residences. The newly-developed part of town has a vast sandy beach which gently slopes into the sea. It’s lined with hotels and restaurants and stretches 22km east to Panormo – and it is this contrast of new and old that makes Rethymno a real winner!
Punctuating the old pier in the Venetian Harbour, the 9m-high lighthouse was built in the 1830s, when Egypt ruled Crete.
Full of beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, quaint villages, and cosmopolitan resorts, Rethymno is one of the most beautiful places in Crete.
The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated on a fertile plateau 23km to the southeast of Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece. The current catholicon dates back to the 16th century and is marked by the influence of the Renaissance.
The Ideon Cave on Mt Psiloritis was one of the most important places of worship in Minoan Crete because it’s where ZEUS was born!!! During the Minoan period, crowds of Cretans would climb up 1500 meters up to the Nida Plateau, where ‘Zeus’s Cave’ is located. Here, according to the myth, Rhea gave birth to Zeus, sent him away for a little bit and fed Kronos a rock instead.
Situated almost in the centre of town and with stunning views, the 16th-century Venetian Fortezza is well-worth the €4 entrance fee. The giant Fortezza, with its hidden centuries of history, is visible from every corner of the town and offers panoramic views of Rethymnon and the coast to the west.
Giorgos Hatziparaschos, 87-year-old (in 2021), is the last traditional phyllo master who makes ultra-thin phyllo and Kataifi pastry by hand. You can find him in his workshop at 30, Vernardou Street in the Old Town. He opened his workshop in 1958 and since then he’s been there making phyllo pastry every day.
In its enchanting flower-filled courtyard, owner Katerina Xekalou serves exquisite Cretan-inspired dishes. Using the freshest ingredients in time-honored recipes and modern creative fusions, Avli’s award-winning alchemy creates a dining experience second to none.
Mili Gorge is 7 km outside Rethymno by car/taxi (or the red city tour bus) and perfect for a hike in the unspoiled countryside. The 4k walk will take you through olive groves and citrus trees, along streams that used to power the now deserted watermills (hence the name Gorge of Mills). There were once around 30 mills supplying the area with flour, a number of churches and there’s a tavern which has been renovated by one of the original owner’s descendants.
20 minutes drive from Rethymno is a beautiful winery in the beautiful village of Alikampos. The winery itself is set in a grove at an altitude of 450m, with a view stretching from the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) to the Sea of Crete. After a tour that encompasses the vineyard and production facility, you can sample sundried wine from the red Romeiko variety and the aromatic white Malvasia.
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