After a few carefree days in Chania , we continued to our next destination, Rethymno. The prefecture of Chania had impressed us while its capital had exceeded our expectations, occupying a place in the five most beautiful cities in Greece, in our opinion. “Don’t rush”, the locals replied, “where else can you see Rethymno”!
With our expectations, therefore, being high, we headed to Rethymno, whose old town truly enchanted us! It is a charming and perfectly preserved medieval settlement, a typical example of the Cretan Renaissance (Venetian rule). Smaller, more humane, without the mass population and tourism of Chania, you love Rethymno from the first moment!
Where to stay?
Throughout the center of Rethymno, in recent years, a large wave of renovations of old mansions has been underway, which are being converted into boutique hotels. We stayed in the Avli, an incredible complex of three beautiful Cretan-Venetian mansions from the 16th century that we told you about here.
What to see
– Old town
Poetic, doll-like, romantic like an open-air museum that will make you travel mentally to Rethymnon of the Renaissance. You will get lost in the picturesque narrow streets that resemble a labyrinth and you will come across a series of small diamonds that will fill the memory of your camera. You may have to be a little indiscreet. But try to see the small courtyards of the Venetian houses full of flowers and scents! Don't miss out on visiting the Venetian port and the aEgyptian lighthouse, the Fortress (castle), the Makry Steno (Nikiforou Foka Street) Loggia, the Rimondi fountain, the church “Our Lady of the Angels”, the Historical and Folklore Museum, the Neratze Mosque, his temple Saint Francis, the Great Gate (Porta Guora), the Kara Moussa Mosque, while along Arkadiou Street you will admire some well-preserved Venetian mansions of Rethymno.
Tip: If you want a quick dip within easy reach of the city, the long sandy beach that starts on the east side of the harbor is just what you need!
– Preveli
One of the most exotic corners of Crete in a setting that you will hardly find anywhere else! Where the Kourtaliotiko The second largest palm forest in Crete is located in the gorge and forms a kind of river. It is worth walking along it or renting a pedalo and diving into its cool green waters. There are two ways to reach the beach: The first is via the Monastery of Preveli (make a stop to see it) and after you reach the parking lot which is 2 km after the monastery, you will need to go down a steep path for about a quarter of a mile. However, the view you will encounter is unforgettable! The second and easiest way is to turn left at the Preveli bridge and drive through a passable dirt road to the beach of DionysusThrough an easy five-minute path you will find yourself in Preveli, but having lost the wonderful view from above…
Tip: On the road from Rethymno to Preveli, it is worth stopping at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and seeing the large waterfall by following the signs that guide you.
– Triopetra – Agios Pavlos
There are two beaches that you will visit on the same day. The Triopetra, name and thing, stands out from the three imposing rocks that protrude from the water. The beach is huge but also exposed to the winds. That's why you will simply see it and head to the Agios Pavlos (Akoumiani Gialia)This is a stunning beach with sand dunes for which we have a special offer for you. article! Don't be afraid of the waves, they are relatively shallow. In fact, if you have a board with you, you will enjoy sand boarding. And the colors at sunset are from another planet!
Tip: On the way to Triopetra, make a stop at Cave to drink ice-cold water rich in iron from one of the 25 fountains in the square.
– Plakias
A beautiful fishing village which has evolved into a peaceful family resort suitable for excursions in the surrounding area. Beyond its large shallow beach Plakias (ideal for water sports) there are two other particularly noteworthy ones, the Ropes with amazing seabed and diving school, but also the beach Lock (next to Ammoudi) which is a little paradise! But if you want to swim in a truly instagrammable place, you will head to Pirate fjord and Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa and you will enjoy diving in crystal clear waters protected from the winds and ideal for snorkeling and diving! Then return to Plakias for fresh fish at the excellent tavernas on the seafront.
– Arkadi Monastery
Half an hour from Rethymno lies one of the most impressive and historic monasteries of Crete. It played an important role in the national liberation struggles of Crete, while UNESCO has designated Arkadi as a “European Monument of Freedom”.
Tip: Once you get there, make a stop at Kapsaliana Village Hotel. This is the village of Kapsaliana which was abandoned in the 80s and which was converted into a hotel without the settlement being altered, based on traditional Cretan architecture. Oh! And don't forget to eat at the hotel restaurant! You will remember us...
– Caves
It is perhaps the most beautiful beach in the northern part of the prefecture, which many people ignore. It is located before the beach of Geropotamos, while near it you will also find a natural arch. When there is no wave, it is ideal for snorkeling, while in the caves located at the ends of the beach, monk seals Monachus monachus find refuge.
– Zoniana and Anogia
Two historical villages full of legends and traditions that are worth walking through and getting to know their inhabitants, who, despite what is said, are quite hospitable and will treat you as they know how. In Zoniana It is worth visiting the cave of Sfentonis, which belongs to the UNESCO geoparks, as well as the wax museum with 104 statues in an area of 1000 sq.m.
In Anogia you will get to know the rich cultural tradition of the area through music, art, textiles and folklore. You will see, therefore, the house of Nikos Xylouris, the folklore museum “Grylios”, the church of Agios Ioannis, the picturesque squares of Perachori and Meidani, the Anogia house, the Information Center for Idaion Andros and you will enjoy coffee or raki in the traditional cafes. The most famous artists and lyre players of Crete such as Psarantonis (Antonis Xylouris) and Loudovikos of Anogia (George Dramountanis) come from Anogia.
Tip: In the nearby village of Axos there is an impressive woodcarving museum by sculptor Georgios Koutantos.
– Idaion Andros
The cave where, according to mythology, Zeus, the father of the gods, was raised. It is 24 km from Anogia and is located on the Nida plateau (Psiloritis). It does not have much speleological value, but the route to get there and the view will definitely compensate you. It is located at an altitude of 1540m and it is a good idea to have a jacket with you when you visit it as the temperatures can be low even in summer.
Tip: At a distance of 12 km. is the Skinaka Observatory at an altitude of 1750m. It opens to the public once a month during the full moon from May to September, 18:00-23:00. The landscape is eerie and the view leaves you speechless! The road is quite narrow and requires caution.
Food – entertainment
We talked about the flavors you should try in Crete in the previous article about the Chania. Also, the advice we gave you applies here: eat where you see the locals eating! But we also have some suggestions for you. Of course, you will try the delicious cuisine of Avli and her little brother 1600 Raki Ba Raki, which we gave you information about at the beginning of the article. Three charming courtyards host three of the city's excellent restaurants, the Veneto, the Lemon Garden and the AlanaOn the road to Plakias, in the settlement of Kanevos, is the Heliomanolis, with authentic Cretan cuisine and genuine homemade flavors. On Peristere beach in Kato Rodakino Manolis' Canteen It is probably one of the most gourmet canteens we have tried!
We went for food but we went crazy with the cocktails! At Cable We “forgot” while gazing at the Cretan Sea! A special rakadiko that you should visit is Ali Vafis's garden in a historic place. Oh, and don't forget... don't forget to try ice cream at Angeli Gelato and delicious sweets at Honey!!
Useful tip
– Many recommend the beaches in Bali and him Panormo which are located in the northern part of the prefecture. The truth is that we visited them, they did not impress us much and that is why we do not recommend them.
– A boat leaves from Plakias for Gavdos.
– You won't find many gas stations in southern Crete. Start your day with a full tank.
– If you find out that there is a festival in a village, definitely go! It will be a special experience.
– The relief of Crete is impressive! Always keep in mind the many beautiful clicks that the large slopes will give you.
– At the beach Skins near Plakias you will find the best seabed for snorkeling and scuba diving, while the Plakias It is the ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
