Rethymno, Crete
Written by special contributor Jacob Gardner
Rethymno
Journey back to 16th Century Greece and indulge in a petite and charming postcard perfect mini metropolis in the north of Crete. A place where you can venture into history, admire archaeological wonders, or tingle your taste buds with a wide range of riveting restaurants. Rethymno is sure to appeal your appetite.
Overlooking Rethymno from the Venetian Fortezza Castle grounds,
Photograph by Lily Kadera
The Old Town
Arriving in the old town, visitors are greeted with picturesque untouched buildings, a remanence of the renaissance era. A delightful fusion of Turkish and venetian influence as you travel back through time.
The pretty little streets are generously slathered with flowering plants that hug the buildings and archways adding colour and vibrance, sure to make a lasting impression.
As you stroll through the streets, get to know the locals as you discover the vast variety of local independent shops, selling a multitude of Cretan produce. The friendly nature of the town and people dissolve worries and provides an ideal escapism from daily life.
Cat lovers rejoice! Find some feline friends pottering around the streets. If you’re an animal lover these friendly little critters add an extra furry feature. Not to worry if you are not a fan though as most kitty’s here are chilled and seem to live the relaxed Rethymno lifestyle.
You can hop into history by marvelling at the magnificent ruins of Fortezza castle and superbly situated on the seafront, its hard to miss. Inside immerse yourself into the history of the fort and town with its very own museum for a small fee.
The historic harbour also oozes atmospheric succulence. An array of cafes and bars line the seaside street of Rethymno. The calm harbour sea overlooked by a stone lighthouse makes it picture perfect. If you take an evening stroll here the place comes alive with music and ambient lighting. And of course, there are some stupendous restaurants ready to feed your Cretan appetite.
There is an impressive selection of restaurants too. Offering up some of the best Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The overall quality sets a high bar as the locals pride themselves on their gastronomy. It is hard not to tickle the tastebuds here with its richness in flavour and culture.
Rethymno Old Town,
Photograph by Lily Kadera
Venturing further out?
If you are looking to branch out and get your explorer boots on, there are plenty of places of interest including beautiful beaches, grand gorges, and heroic hikes.
Although many beaches in the area are shingle, they are spectacular all the same. The stone bases compliment a crystal clear deep blue colour inviting you in for a dunk.
Preveli beach is a standout with its very own Palm forest lining the gentle river carved through the mountain gorge flowing into the sea.
Looking for a sandier spot? Elafonissi pink sand beach offers a softer touch with its shallow seas, ideal for a paddle or just to soak up some of them rays in a relaxed environment.
To get to these beaches or surrounding places, you’ll need a car or you can take advantage of the many tours on offer, hitting all the best spots.
Local tours will also take you through the mountainous terrain to visit the gorgeous gorges. If you are an avid hiker then take advantage of these as you stroll through the breathtaking sights with wonderous waterfalls along the way. Two of the most spectacular sights is the dreamy gorge of Kourtaliotis or stunning Samaria. Either one offers its own spectacle.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge,
Photograph by Lily Kadera
Conclusion
Overall Rethymno is a great location if you’re looking to escape from reality, indulge in rich Greek culture, or explore some of the superb sights. It is sure to provide a pleasantly chilled atmosphere and escapism.
