Discover Rethymno and immerse in its rich history
Although Rethymnon is not a big city, there is much to discover and the best way to do this is on foot! The most well known part is the old town, with its small Venetian harbour fringed with fresh fish tavernas and cafes, beautiful Venetian and Turkish mansions, the Fortezza, churches and mosques and many tiny hidden alleys that attract thousands of visitors every year.
On the outskirts of the old town you find the public garden and impressive ruins of factories and other hidden monuments. At the new harbour you find fishermen selling their freshly caught fish and the paleontological museum of Rethymnon is housed in an old renovated mosque.
Stay in Old Town of Rethymno, watch the other side of city
The old town of Rethymno starts just north of the main commercial high steet and extends to the great Fortezza castle on the seafront. Somehow every stroll through Rethymno old town steers you to the Rimondi Fountain, built in 1628 and gushing water ever since. It is hard to resist being photographed in front of its old marble columns and fountain mouths, with the surrounding Renaissance type architecture lending an air of authenticity to your experience.
A short climb up a steep street brings you to the entrance of the Fortezza, which offers a stunning view of the Aegean Sea. For dinner we suggest walking a few hundred yards east from the castle base to the many seaside fish restaurants in the old town. When searching for accommodation, keep in mind that in Rethymno town and in the surrounding area, there are splendid villas for rent, catering to the eclectic traveller.
