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THE TOWN OF RETHIMNON IN CRETE
Rethimnon is one of the bigger cities on Crete, and unlike Chania and Heraklion it depends heavily on tourist for its excistance. It has a historical centre with remains from all periods in history, including Turkish remains, and a Venetian harbour, lighthouse and castle. The harbour is one big stretch of restaurants that overlook the beach and the ferry harbour (with boats which go regularly to Piraeus). Directly behind the harbour is the old part of the town with narrow alleyways, tourist shops, and Venetian style houses with covered wooden balconies and an ancient Turkish bathouse with junk piled up in it. Over the years Rethimnon and the road leading to it (with beautiful long beaches) have become more and more exploited and touristic. Hotel after restaurant after souvenir shop have been build along this road, making it in my point of view less attractive than it was before. The village of Rethimnon itself was to my surprise rather quiet while we were there, but we visited in october, so out of season.
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