Stad Rethymnon, Kreta

The medieval town of Rethymnon (ancient Rithymna), with it’s rich presentation of Minoan, Cretan, Venetian and Turkish architecture, offers a breathtaking view to the high mountains and the astonishing blue of the Aegean Sea.

The Venetian fortress (Fortezza) and the picturesque harbour constructed from the Venetian colonists, mosques with minarets located on the small and narrow path walks of the old town, Venetian mansions with strong oriental configurations that give a special character to the city of Rethymnon.

Visit Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 by the governor of Rethymnon, sports three lions with bulging eyes that still spout water from their mouths into a marble bowl.

Take a leisurely walk around the fortress and let your imagination run wild and picture yourself in front of the many cannons defending the city from the pirates that would be trying to invade it.

Opposite the fortress is the Archaeological Museum, which is now housed in an old converted prison, exhibits from the surrounding area include Neolithic finds, Minoan pottery and an interesting collection of Greek and Roman coins.

In the town there are other museums, national gardens and the centre of modern art (Lefteris Kanakakis picture gallery).

Shop till you drop in a variety of traditional and modern shops from local products and handicrafts to designer jewellery and leather goods. Unique museum copies are available in the old town, and don’t forget to take with you a bottle of the best olive oil in the world.

Hotels, Villa's en Appartementen in Rethymnon