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City on the island of Crete, Greece
Photo: Lapplaender, CC BY-SA 3.0 de via Wikimedia Commons
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(Ιερά) Μονή Αρκαδίου/Αρκάδι
It has a museum and a gallery. The local people sacrificed themselves for freedom on this place on the November 8th, 1866 by blewing it up. It is southeast of Rethymno toward Heraklion, on a fertile plateau 23 km from the city. It is still inhabited by some monks and it still has its own Orthodox celebration days.
Δαμνόνι
A beach in southern Rethymno
Ελεύθερνα
An ancient Greek city (perhaps a city-state) with a preserved archeological site. A museum about it is also near the site.
Φορτέτζα/Φορτέτσα
The preserverd fortified acropolis of the city. A mosque, though not operating, is still preserved, and so do a few other buildings and walls. Built on a small hill near the coast, it has a breathtaking view of the city and the sea.
Φαράγγι Κοτσυφού
A breathtaking canyon stretching through a local road.
Ψηλορείτης
The largest mountain in Crete at 2400 m and a UNESCO Geopark. Be careful when climbing there due to the unstable terrain.
Νερατζέ Τζαμί και Πλατεία Μικρασιατών
A preserved Ottoman mosque with its minaret now used as a concert hall. A square called the Mikrasiaton is near the mosque and the 1st Primary (Elementary) School is visible from the square.
Πρέβελη
A monastery complex 37 km south of Rethymno consisting of two monasteries; the Κάτω (Kato, "lower") and the Πίσω (Piso, "back"). The main one is a Stavropegiac and Patriarchal Monastery dedicated to Saint John the Theologian (Evangelist). Also known as the "great river" (Μεγάλου Ποταμού) monastery, it is known for the revoluition against the Axis during World War II.
Κρήνη Ριμόντι
A preserved Venetian fountain built by an aristocratic family. It has three mask-shaped taps/faucets with constant water flowing. The water, through potable, it is not recommended to drink from there, unless you are 100% sure. Ask a local.
Ξενώνας Ηδύλη
Guesthouse Idili is in Panormos, a very elegant seaside resort, with careful development of tourism between Rethymnon and Heraklion. The building has been restored to a B class guesthouse, while keeping intact the architectural features of the building and the effects of the Venetian-Cretan architecture.
Hotel Jo-An Beach is near Adele village at a distance of 3 km from the beach.
The 6- to 8-bed rooms are clean, but not really cosy. Except the beds there is no furniture. Off-season one always gets a place, the reception is open until 23:00 (high season: 24.00). The hostel is not an "official" one, no International youth hostel card is needed. It is located close to the Guora Gate, the northern entrance to the Old town.
Located in the Adele Beach suburb, about 10/15 min outside Rethimno, the 4-star hotel is exceedingly friendly and hospitable. Rooms either in main-building (cheap rooms are towards street) or in Greek style bungalows. Food is breakfast + dinner, much and with good variety (daily changing dinner buffet). During daytime, snacks can be taken at the pool or beach bar. Despite being rather rocky (foot protection recommended), the beach is wonderful. Sun chairs are €2.40/day (pool+beach). After dinner a "last drink" at the pool bar is pleasant. Jet Ski, Banana Boat, etc. are available at Grecotel 100m down the beach.
Ξενοδοχείο Αξός
This hotel is family-run and has a friendly atmosphere, according to the owners. This is a modern 3-star hotel within 100 m of a sandy beach and 6 km from Rethymno. It’s suitable for couples and for families. It has 44 rooms: 16 apartments which can hold up to 4 persons and 28 studios which can hold up to 3 persons. All rooms have: balcony, air-conditioning, satellite TV, extra long beds, direct telephone line, radio, cooker, kettle, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, hair dryer, change towels & linen 2 times per week, baby cot (on request). Reception is open 24 hours a day.
Accommodation types from main building rooms, bungalows suites and villas to royal pavilions with private pools.
Despite the name it is not just for people pitching tents. Options to stay in a tent (€9), bungalow (€27), or caravan (€31) (tent or caravan provided by them, or bring your own for reduced price of €5/€7). The oldest campsite on Crete, it's situated on the only stretch of beach untouched by touristy, impersonal hotels. Hot shower, drinking water, laundry, and wifi all free, along with a beach-view taverna. Short walk to the city centre. Friendly, multi-lingual staff. Also the home of the local sea-turtle protection group.
International and local cuisine. Cleanly, well-designed rooms with safe, TV, A/C and balcony. Family-owned. Large pool and bar area, entertainment program varies daily.
By plane
The distance from Heraklion to Rethymno is 80 km, and from Chania to Rethymno — 56 km. Chania airport is larger, but far less busy than Heraklion airport.
By bus
You can get to Rethymno by regular bus lines from Chania or Heraklion (both have an airport). All buses stop at the bus station, just west of the centre of Rethimno.
By car
Rethymno is connected to the bigger cities of Chania and Heraklion by the 'New Highway' that runs along the north coast of Crete.
By taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the streets, but expect to share with strangers who might also hail the taxi on the way to where you're going.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Souda · International · CHQ
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