If you find yourself in Rethymno, one of the cities on the island, you will find that you won’t be able to resist spending time at the beach. Here’s a look at some of the top beaches in the area:

Agia Galini Beach

Agia Gallina Beach is located in the Bay of Messara, which is essentially located at the base of a steep hill. You can take advantage of free umbrellas and sunbeds as long you buy food or a drink from the nearby Ammo Bar. The best way to make the most of Agia Galini Beach is to park at the top of the hill and walk down the stone path so you can enjoy majestic views.

After you relax at the beach, you can visit the shops and restaurants in the village. The only negatives here are a lot of boats in the bay and a steep climb back up the hill to your car. On the plus side, because of its location, this beach could feel

Bali Beach

You’re going to find a lot to do in Bali Beach, but this can also be confusing for some people because Bali Beach consists of four separate beaches. Here’s more information:

• Limani Beach  has a lot of quaint restaurants and shops nearby to visit before or after visiting the actual beach. The beach itself is not very big, but it’s clean and well organized.
• Karavostasis Beach has a small bay but is the most scenic of the four Bali beaches. However, it’s crowded and not as well maintained as the others.
• Livadi Beach is your best bet if you’re looking for a beach with a lot of people and a lot of energy. The beach isn’t as scenic as the others, but it’s well maintained, especially for the amount of people that visit.
• Varkotopos Beach is also crowded, but it’s more scenic than Livadi Beach. Since the water is shallow here, this is the best option of the four if you’re visiting with children.

Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach is a lot more than just a beach – there is a lot to do here. The beach itself is clean and lined by palm trees, and there is a 500-foot path to the beach that offers pretty views. This beach is pebbly so come prepared. The water here is deep so it’s not best suited for families and better for adults. You will also want to take advantage of the river and palm forest. The river is very cold, but that makes it ideal for summer months when you want to cool off.

Panormos Beach

Panormos Beach offers crystal clear water and soft sand. If you’re looking for a pure beach, this should be your #1 choice. This beach is also more of a hidden treasure and not as crowded as the others. Additionally, there are no motorized water sports, which keeps it tranquil. That said, it’s not recommended if you visit in June due to the wind.

Plakias Beach

Plakias Beach is different from the others because of its dark sand. It’s a little rocky here, but it’s worth it because you can rent an umbrella and sunbed and there are caves to explore. Once again, the umbrella and sunbed are free if you buy food and drink from the Ammo Beach Bar. Also, because of the clear water, this is a great spot to go snorkeling. This is a bigger beach, which allows for more space, but the water can get rough, which means it’s not the best option for kids.

While in Rethymno, Crete, you will definitely want to visit at least some of these beaches!

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Many people tend to stay in some of the larger resort areas, or one of the larger cities. However, Rethymnon is worth a visit, too. It is about 60 kilometers away from Chania and 80 kilometers away from Heraklion, which means that you can easily visit no matter where on the island you are. Here’s a look at what you can do while visiting this area of Crete:

Venetian Fortress (Fortezza)

If you have time to visit nothing else while in Rethymnon, you should visit the old fortress, which was built when the Venetians occupied on the island. You’ll need to pay a small admission fee in order to explore inside the fortress and maybe even take a tour if you want to learn more about the history. However, you can also walk around near it and explore it from the outside. It’s possible to get some great photographs this way.

Rethymnon Old Town

Besides exploring the fortress, you’ll also want to visit the Old Town area in Rethymnon. The fortress is actually in this area of the city, too, but there is so much more to see here than that. If you want a great place to do some shopping or eat in a great restaurant or cafe, this is where you should go. Not only that, but it is pleasant to meander in and out of the old streets and soak up the feeling of a true Greek city.observe traditional Greek life.

Rethymnon Beaches

If you aren’t in the mood to walk the streets or do some sightseeing, consider heading to the beach! There are several beaches in the Rethymnon area, which means that you are sure to find one that you will love. For example, Platanias Beach is only about 4 kilometers away from the city, Enetiko Beach is about 1 kilometer away, and Perivolia Beach is 2 kilometers away. Each of these beaches will give you the chance to relax in the sun and enjoy the sand and water.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon

The island of Crete has a rich history, and some of this is on display at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon. Crete is one of the places in Greece that has been inhabited for the longest, so the artifacts that are uncovered from dig sites throughout the island date far back into Ancient Greece. This island was the hub of the Minoan civilization, and many of these artifacts are on display here.

While on Rethymnon, you should consider spending time at all these top places.

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Monastery of Timios Stavros Vosakos

Built during the 17th century, the Monastery of Timios Stavros Vosakos is in a plateau between the peaks of the Talean Mountains at the north side of the prefecture. The style of the monastery of fortified architecture. The monastery complex is arranged with three wings around the main church.

There is also a lovely fountain that dates to the 17th century on site. Another beautiful spot at the monastery is the monumental gate with two small rooms. Inside the monastery, you can see the raki distillery, open-air wine-press, and wax workshop. The Monastery of Timios Stavros Vosakos is dedicated to Holy Cross.

Nunnery of Agia Irini

Located at the foothills of Mount Vrysinas and close to the settlement of Agia Irini, is the Nunnery of Agia Irini. The nunnery was built during the 14th century and is thought to be one of the oldest in Crete. The style of the Nunnery of Agia Irini is of defensive fortified architecture. Inside the nunnery, the nuns hold painting workshops and embroidery workshops in hopes of keeping these traditions of Crete alive. The Nunnery of Agia Irini was awarded the prize for Cultural Heritage Europa Nostra.

Monastery of Atali

The Monastery of Atali is located above the settlement of Bali. The location of the monastery offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cretan Sea. The Monastery of Atali was built during the 17th century and its style belongs to the Renaissance period. The monastery was used as a supply center during the Greek Revolution of 1821. Inside the monastery of Atali, you can see an old olive press, a lovely courtyard, and the monk’s cells, which have their own distinctive architecture.

Monastery of Preveli

Located on the western slopes of the Palm Grove of Preveli is the Monastery of Preveli. The complex of buildings that make up this monastery include the Lower Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, which is now deserted, and the Back Monastery of Theologos, which remains in operation today. On the bell of the monastery the year of 1594 is engraved. This is the oldest date that is related to the Monastery of Preveli.

The monastery is thought to have been founded during the Venetian occupation by a feudal lord by the name of Prevelis. For three centuries, the Monastery of Preveli was a very important center. There is a small museum at the monastery where you can view collections of icons, garments, heirlooms, and vessels. Icons cover themes dating from the 17th century to the 19th century.

Visiting the monasteries of Rethymno, Greece will allow you insight into the history and spirituality of the city.

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The climate of Rethymno, Greece is hot-summer Mediterranean, meaning it is generally warm and temperate. The winters experience more precipitation than the summer months which are dry and hot. The warmest months in Rethymno are July and August and the coldest month is typically January.

This weather forecast in Rethymno, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Rethymno, Greece:

January 

• Temperature: 46.4° F (8° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 142 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 10.1 hours of daylight per day, 4 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 62.1° F (16.7° C)
• Humidity: 68%

February 

• Temperature: 46.4° F (8° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 112 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 10.9 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 61° F (16.1° C)
• Humidity: 67%

March

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
• Precipitation: 81 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight on average, 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 61.2° F (16.2° C)
• Humidity: 65%

April

• Temperature: 51.8° F (11° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
• Precipitation: 32 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 13.1 hours of daylight per day, 8 hours of sunshine on average, UV-index 7, water temperature 62.4° F (16.9° C)
• Humidity: 61%

May

• Temperature: 59° F (15° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
• Precipitation: 14 mm
• Climate: 3 days of rain on average, 14 hours of daylight per day, 10 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, water temperature 66.7° F (19.3° C)
• Humidity: 61%

June 

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
• Precipitation: 4 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 14.5 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 73° F (22.8° C)
• Humidity: 58%

July

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 86° F (30° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 14.3 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 77.7° F (25.4° C)
• Humidity: 57%

August

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 84.2° F (29° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 13.5 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, water temperature 77.7° F (25.4° C)
• Humidity: 59%

September

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 80.6° F (27° C)
• Precipitation: 19 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight, 10 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 77.7° F (25.4° C)
• Humidity: 61%

October

• Temperature: 59° F (15° C) – 73.4° F (23° C)
• Precipitation: 84 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 11.3 hours of daylight per day. 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 73.9° F (23.3° C)
• Humidity: 65%

November

• Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 68° F (20° C)
• Precipitation: 74 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 10.3 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunlight per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 69.1° F (20.6° C)
• Humidity: 66%

December 

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
• Precipitation: 100 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, 9.8 hours of daylight per day, 4 hours of daylight per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 64.9° F (18.3° C)
• Humidity: 70%

The hot-summer Mediterranean climate of Rethymno, Greece experiences hot temperatures during the summer and mild temperatures with more rain during the winter months, so whatever your preference, there is a perfect time of year to visit.

Find the current weather forecast for Rethymno, Greece here:

Accuweather – Rethymno, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Rethymno, Greece Weather Forecast

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About the Archaeological Museum

Located on the island of Crete, in Rethymnon Town, the Archaeological Museum was founded in 1887. It was founded by the Society of Friends of Education. The Archaeological Museum has been housed in the Pentagon bastion, across from the main gate of the Fortezza, since 1991. The building was constructed by the Turks to increase the city’s defences. The building would serve many functions throughout the years including being used as a state prison until the 1960s. The museum also has a gift shop, but it is found in Lotzia.

The Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon showcases findings from various ancient sites, excavations, and caves from around Rethymnon. Findings date from the Late Neolithic and Proto-Minoan times to the late Roman period. These findings include items such as coins, weapons, helmets, jewelry, marble statues, vessels, and columns from temples.

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon

At the Archaeological Museum, you will no doubt be impressed by the collections of find from around the area. From the late Neolithic and Early Minoan periods there are finds from the caves of Helenes, Margeles, Melidoni, and Gerani. Middle Minoan finds come from Minoan settlements and from the peak sanctuary and late Minoan finds come from cemeteries.

Items at the Archaeological Museum include: a figurine of the Minoan goddess with upraised hands that was found at Pangalochori, a marble statue of Aphrodite dating to the 1st century AD, a clay model of a shrine of which only the upper part is preserved, the head of a terracotta female figurine that was found at Axos and dates to 530 BC, part of a marble funerary stele that has a relief representation of a warrior carrying a shield, and a clay footed vase that has a lid and perforated base that features floral patterns. Exhibits at the Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon are displayed in chronological order and by site of excavation.

Getting to the Archaeological Museum

Getting to Rethymnon on the island of Crete can be done by flying into the Heraklion airport or the Chania airport. From both airports, you can catch a bus to their respective town center and then board another bus to Rethymnon. Buses to Rethymnon come along each hour, so you won’t have to wait long. Once in Rethymnon, Greece, you can walk or take the bus as the town is quite compact. The Archaeological Museum can be found in the old town of Rethymnon.

When visiting the city of Rethymnon on the island of Crete, be sure to explore the history of the area by spending time at the Archaeological Museum.

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Visit the Cave of Melidoni

The Cave if Melidoni is located in the village of Melidoni. This impressive cave has many halls and stalagmite and stalactite formations. The cave has quite a history in addition to its beauty. In 1834, the Cave of Melidoni was used as a hideout for women and children of the village who did not want to surrender to the Turks. Tragically, the cave was set fire to and those hiding inside died. The Hall of Heroes is at the main entrance of the cave. This is where you will see a monument that contains the bones of those who died that sad day. Both the village and the cave were named after Antonios Melidonis who was one of the people who led the rebellion against the Turks.

Platanias Beach

Located just 4 km east of Rethymno, Platanias Beach gets quite popular thanks to its convenience to town. The beach is long and organized with grey sand and pebbles. The beach experiences meltemia, which are summer winds. Water sports are available at Platanias Beach or you can enjoy wading and swimming in the lovely water. Getting to the beach is easy as the buses run from Rethymno Town. There are Greek taverns in the area where you can get local food.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

Housed in the pentagonal building across from the main gate of the Fortezza since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno showcases items such as vessels, gold jewelry, bronze tools, and sculptures. These items come from the Geometrical, Ancient, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman times. Collections at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno include: finds from the Minoan settlements at Apodoulou and Monastiraki, finds from the caves of Melidoni, Helenes, and Gerani, a figurine of the Minoan goddess, a marble statue of Aphrodite, and a clay model of a shrine.

Town Beach

Town Beach is within walking distance of Rethymno Town making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. The beach stretches for a several kilometers and is organized. There are sun beds, umbrellas, and beach bars lining the beach. Due to the strong winds, the water might not be ideal for children, but there are weather flags located on the beach informing swimmers of the current safety level. Another nearby beach called Enetiko, just 1 km from the town center of Rethymno, is good for swimming and relaxing on the sandy shore. This beach is close to a historic lighthouse, a fortress, and taverns.

Rethymno, Greece has a number of prominent attractions and beaches to take in while you’re there. You won’t for a moment be bored in this beautiful and historic town.

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Getting to the Venetian Harbor

Before you can actually spend time at the Venetian Harbor, you need to first make your way to Rethymno. It is located on the coast in the Northwestern part of the island. you can easily take a ferry or an airplane to the island and from there, you can make your way to Rethymno. Once you get to the city, you can find the Venetian Harbor by taking a taxi, driving your rental car, and walking. You can also walk there from major sites like the Fortezza and also take a bus from within Rethymno or from other parts of the island.

Why Visit the Venetian Harbor

Situated nearby the Fortezza, the Venetian Harbor makes a great place to begin a tour of the historic castle and old town district. It is the perfect spot to visit if you’re looking for a great landmark to enjoy. It is also an  ideal spot to relax with a meal and a drink after touring the old town. This is also a great place to enjoy the history of the city because you’ll have a chance to visit the  the harbor’s historic lighthouse, old stone walls, and buildings.

What to Do at the Venetian Harbor

There’s plenty you can do at the Venetian Harbor! Photography lovers may find inspiration from the charming scenes of the Venetian Harbor, such as the old lighthouse dominating the entrance of the harbor, moored boats and pirate ships swaying in the water, and the colorful buildings. Couples may find the quaint harbor a lovely place for a romantic dinner or walk. You can also get something to at here, go shopping, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. You also won’t want to miss the chance to explore the history of the harbor. To really get the most of it, you should also consider taking a tour.

This is also the ideal spot for people to go shopping.  Nearby streets are lined with shops where visitors can purchase a variety of crafts and souvenirs. Those who love adventure will also have a chance to go parasailing and even swim with dolphins!

As you can see, there is plenty to do here. With such a picturesque setting to admire and intriguing things to do, the Venetian Harbor is one corner of Rethymno that visitors don’t want to miss. One point to keep in mind when planning a visit to the Venetian Harbor is that many of the restaurants and bars close for the winter months.

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History of the Arkadi Monastery

The Monastery is located on a rectangular plateau on the northwest side of Mount Ida. The plateau is known as the Arkadi plateau. There is speculation that a site of worship was built dating as far back as the 5th century AD, but there is little proof of its existence. However in the 1500s, the current monastery was built, heavily influenced by Italian architectural styles that came from the Venetians who at the time had control of the island of Crete.

The Monastery has had two very important roles in the history of Crete. Starting in 1645 the Ottomans from Turkey began to take over control of the island from the Venetians. For the next two centuries as the Ottomans took control, Cretan rebels frequently engaged in uprisings against the Ottoman Empire. On November 9, 1866 during a major uprising many Cretan insurgents including men, women, and children took refuge at the Monastery. When the Turks besieged the Arkadi Monastery during the battle, those taking refuge inside refused to surrender even when the Turks broke through the gate.

It is commonly believed that the abbot, Abbot Gabriel ordered that the rebels set fire to the gunpowder storeroom while others believe that the explosion was caused by an accident. The explosion killed hundreds, consisting of civilians, Cretan rebels, and the Turks who had invaded the Monastery. There is a memorial on site commemorating the Cretans who gave their lives for their country. During World War II, the Monastery became a center of resistance yet again when the Nazis occupied the Island.

How to Get There

There is a KTEL bus that runs from the bus station in Rethymnon directly to the monastery. You can also take a taxi to the area but it can get expensive. If you have rented the car, getting to the monastery is easy. From Rethymnon take the National Highway about 6km to the exit for Tsesme – Platania. The exit is also accessible if you are driving from Heraklion, though it will take over an hour to get there from Heraklion. Consider making the monastery a stop on trip on your way to Rethymnon from Heraklion or a day excursion if you are staying in the Rethymnon area.

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To get the full experience of being in Rethymnon, you need to head on down to Old Town. Get that authentic Crete feel, as you walk down the narrow streets, check out all of the great little shops on the street, and dip into the restaurants and cafes. This area is full of history and is as beautiful as it is interesting. The restaurants range from going somewhere to grab a quick bite to eat, to sitting down at a top-notch restaurant for a romantic dinner with a glass of wine. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere for relaxation, Old Town is it.

But don’t let the relaxation stop there. Let it continue at Baja Beach Club! This sea resort has excellent service, a little something for everybody, like the pool in front of the sea, plenty of bars and restaurants, a whole bunch of padded lounge chairs for relaxing, and waterslides for the kids. It’s a great place to just kick back and spend the day.

If getting around is a pain — which it probably will be — save yourself the headache and use Crete Taxi Service. They’re a highly reputable company, always on time, friendly and their drivers are highly knowledgeable of the area. That will be one less thing that you will have to worry about during your stay.

If you’re looking to tour the island in a fun and unique way, we highly recommend checking out Discovery Quad-Buggy & Jeep Safari. Each customer is shown how operate the quads before being allowed to ride them. The tour will take you down paved paths, but you will also drive across some rugged, off-road paths on your journey. You will get to see the mountains up close and personal, the lake, and all kinds of beautiful, scenic nature. You definitely get your money’s worth, as the excursion will last up to four hours.

For beaches, you’ll have the option to choose between Damoni Beach and Geropotamos Beach. Damoni Beach has a reputation for being a clean beach with crystal clear water, plenty of rocks to jump off of into the water, and access to a nude beach if that’s something you’d be interested in. Prepare for large crowds if you come in-season, though. Geropotamos Beach has almost the same vibe as a private beach. It’s very small, but it’s also very quiet, nice and relaxing. You’ll want to wear water shoes if you visit Geropotamos Beach, as the coastline is rocky.

The nightlife is fantastic in Rethymnon. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from in the area, such as Eyes Live Lounge, Chaplins, Metropolis Musiclub, and Black Lotus Pub. You really can’t go wrong with any of these establishments. That being said, the Eyes Live Lounge is regarded as the best spot to go at night, due to its top-notch atmosphere, karaoke, two big screen televisions for sports fans, and excellent drinks.

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Getting to Rethymnon

Unlike Heraklion and Chania, Rethymnon does not have its own airport. However, it doesn’t necessarily need one as it’s nearly centrally located between the two cities. The trip from Chania to Rethymnon is about an hour. Should you fly into Heraklion; the trip to Rethymnon will take around an hour and a half.

By Land
Driving to Rethymnon is one of the simplest options for visiting the city, if you are looking to go at your own pace. The city is located on Crete’s National Highway. There is public parking available on the road nearest the sea by the Venetian fortress which is next to the old harbor. There are other parking areas around town.

It is important to note that once at Rethymnon, it is nearly impossible to get around town via car. The streets in the Old Town are reserved only for pedestrians, and few hotels have on-site parking. Due to the parking limitations, it might be easier for those making the trip to travel by bus. There is a bus that runs almost every half an hour from early morning to the evening from Chania and Heraklion, both operated by the KTEL bus line.

By Sea
For travelers who wish to visit Rethymnon from the mainland, instead of flying to the other airports on Crete, there is a ship line that offers daily trips from Piraeus on the Greek mainland to Rethymnon. The trip will take about 10 hours, but will offer you dazzling views of Greece’s picturesque seascapes along the way.

Once You’re at Rethymnon

As cars are not allowed on many of the roads in Rethymnon, walking is your best option for getting around the city. Many of the popular tourist sites in the city are about a 20-30 minute walk from each other. Walking through the narrow streets of Old Town will also allow you to absorb the beauty of the Venetian era edifications complete with archways and fountains from when Crete was under rule of Venice.

If history isn’t your thing, there is plenty to do along the beachfront. The restaurants along the beach are incredibly tourist friendly. The coastline is dotted with umbrellas that cover lounge chairs and tables for the hotels in the area. After walking around the city all day, who wouldn’t want to put their feet up on the beach and enjoy the pristine blue water that Greece is famous for?

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