Rethimnon is one of the most visited places of Crete. Some guests prefer to stay all of their vacation days close by the city, the area has all amenities a guest would request to enjoy, it one of the most important cities during Venetian occupation, an old port with very important role in the Mediterranean prefecture!
Location
The town of Rethimnon is located on the north coast of Crete, the port was center of trade. This town lies close to Chania city and Heraklion city-almost 65km far from both of them. It is on the west side of the island Crete, the beaches are all beautiful.
How to go there
Rethimno is a place easy to access, you can drive-cycle-ride and go there. There are very often connections to the city, either from east-Heraklion airport-city-port or west from Chania airport- city or port.
By car
The best way to visit Ierapetra is by hiring a car. There are very competitive rates to hire a car from Heraklion airport or any other place of Crete.
By Taxi
Hiring a Taxi is a good idea when you arrive late night and have to drive a long distance.
By Bus
By bus is a good solution too. You can get one in Heraklion port main station or from the airport Heraklion. The other cities have a good connection, Chania city has a faster way to move to Rethimnon.
By Bicycle
You can cycle by Chania city-it is 65km distance and the landscape is easy, almost straight ways and some small steep short roads. If you cycle from Heraklion, the distance is 65km but very difficult to cycle, steep and long up hill roads.
Things to do during your stay
It is necessary to visit the beautiful north coast, just 17km of beach front the city, the New Marina and the connection to the old port and the old city, the bike lanes and the huge parking to park your vehicle by the New Marina of Rethimnon. It is one of the most visited excursions of Crete to drive south Rethimnon!
Accommodation-resorts
Rethimnon is hosting many visitors who come for leisure and business. The famous resorts are welcoming their guests all year round. There are very good 5 star hotels in all places.
Gorges close to Rethymnon
Preveli beach is one of the must you should do when visiting Rethimnon.
Agia Galini, the famous port whish is located between beautiful beaches.
Plakias, the famous beach lies south and the famous nude beach next to it.
Agios Pavlos, one of the most quiet beaches-places of south Crete.
Imbros gorge, 2hr 30min from Imbros village to Komitades village, close to Sfakia-South Chania. It starts from the small plateau of the village of Imbros and ends at the village Komitades offering wonderful views of the Libyan Sea. Its length is 7 km and is easy to be crossed any time of year. The time required is approximately 3 hours. Crete beautiful gorges article.
Samaria gorge – Chania – is the most famous gorge in Crete, almost 18 km long. This is the most visited gorge of Crete, located south of Chania region.
Historic
Rethimnon was a target for pirates coming from Africa, kidnapping women and young children selling them to foreign countries as slaves. The mountainous villages of Rethimnon were resisting againstast the enemies, Turks and after the Germans, all of them lost many men trying to occupy the villages, especially the Turks.
Agriculture
The plateau areas are full of green houses, olive trees and open fields with orange trees it is one of the most sunny places of Crete! There are many immigrants working by the greenhouses and open fields. The locals produce olives, olive oil, tomatoes and vegetables, water melons, according to the year period the production is varying to different vegetables and production.
Food-Restaurants by the port and city center
Rethimnon is one of Crete’s places that local fishermen bring fresh fish to the local market, everyday. You can taste delicious fresh fish dishes and taste the Cretan diet by the city’s taverns in the north side or to the magnificent villages south of it! The most important thing for you is to feel the quiet atmosphere and spend unforgettable days and nights in this area. There are numerous of famous restaurants as well as local taverns.
When is it the best period to visit Rethymnon
Crete has temperate climate, there are some places that have subtropical climate. The winter is mild and the summer is hot. You can see there is snow all year, by Psiloritis mountain, the highest on the island=2452meters.
In conclusion, I can suggest Rethimnon as one important area to spend unforgettable vacation.
