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Rethimnon with its 20.000 inhabitants 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, Turkish minarets, churches, a city park, musea, Venetian style houses with covered wooden balconies, old mosques and an old Turkish bathhouse 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 touristy. 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. In any way it is interesting for people that like good beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas in combination with for instance several watersports. If that is what you like than it is a good option to book an accommodation in this area. The fortress and the harbour of Rethimnon with all its colourful wooden boats can certainly be described as picturesque.

1 - The Venetian fortress. In this large fortress all the residents could have a safe retreat in case of attacks from outside. The construction of the fortress was started in 1573. It measures 1300 meters around. Inside the fortress there are still Venetian houses and remnants of gunpowder warehouses and other buildings. Once the bishops church of Agios Nikolaos stood inside the fortress, but it was replaced by the Turks by their Sultan Ibrahim Mosque. The Venetian fortress in Rethymno is the largest Venetian fortress on Crete and it seems even the largest Venetian fortress in the whole world.
2 - The beautiful Venetian port with the wooden fishing boats. Here are remnants from the Venetian and the Turkish time, including the lighthouse. There are many nice restaurants and kafenions.
3 - The Venetian loggia that was built in the sixteenth century where the Venetian nobles would gather. Later, during the Turkish occupation the loggia was turned into a mosque.
4 - The city park of Rethimnon. A piece of greenery in the middle of the city to just unwind and enjoy the shade under the trees. Maybe in the company of a bottle of water?
5 - There are several mosques from the 17th century spread across the town that are interesting for their dome shaped roofs and the minarets. Unfortunately, today they are not all accessible any more.

There are many more interesting things in Rethimnon to go and have a look at, for example the Venetian Rimondi fountain, a Turkish bath and a Turkish school and the 13th-century monastery of Agios Franziskos. Near the entrance to the Venetian fortress is also the Archaeological Museum of Rethimnon with finds from the Stone Age to the Roman period of the island.

Below are just a few examples of accommodations on offer in Rethymno and the surroundings. If you want to compare them all and directly book a hotel, studio or apartment online than - click here. For the people who prefer to rent a villa with a private pool there is a good variety of villas for rent around Rethymno at reasonable prices.

Aristea Hotel is favourably located a few metres from the Rethymno sandy beach, an hour drive from both Heraklion and Chania, the two major cities and international airports of Crete. Take breakfast in the room, then relax on the terrace, in the garden and by the pool. When ready to go sightseeing, ask for advice at the tour desk. For long excursions, rent a car. Write home about the trip using the free Wi-Fi internet access. Aristea Hotel is situated just 2 Kilometres away from the heart of the old town. Within easy reach of all the interesting places of the island, the hotel is an ideal base to discover Crete.

Check availability and prices & book the Aristea Hotel - click here.

For all hotels, studios, apartments and villas in Rethymno - click here.

Welcome to our small family hotel. 100m From Rethymno's famous beach and 200m from the Venetian Town, we promise you unforgettable vacations. The renovation that took place in 2006 provides you very well supplied rooms which they will make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible. At the bar you can enjoy your drink, while the reception is at your service around the clock.

Check availability and prices & book the Astali Hotel - click here.

Just 30 metres from the beach and a short walk from Rethymno's old town, Cosmos Hotel offers luxuriously appointed suites, close to the action. Each of the suites haw been stylishly decorated and elegantly furnished. Guests can relax on their private balcony and enjoy the tranquil setting. Cosmos Hotel's convenient location allows guests to be close to all that Rethymno has to offer. A leisurely stroll will take guests to the charming old town with its historic Venetian harbour and buildings.

Check availability and prices & book the Cosmos Hotel - click here.

In Agios Nikolaos village, 12 Km from Rethymno to Heraklion and 1.5 Km away from the sea, Apollonia Villas welcomes you to the world of the authentic Cretan hospitality, in a familiar place, to live the most enjoyable time and escape from the daily routine. 5 Apartments 80 square meters each, with a spectacular view, full-equipped with furniture, service that covers all demands, guarantees your comfort. Built in a calm area, within a plain overgrown with olive oil trees, they offer an excellent view to the sea and the nearby high mountains of Crete: Psiloritis at the East and Lefka Ori (the White Mountains) at the West, far in the distance.

You will choose Apollonia village for the calmness and the mild landscape and for its easy access to the sea, to the inland, to the city of Rethymno. Once here, you will enjoy the music of the birds, early in the morning and evening, you will discover the wild flora and fauna of the Cretan nature and you will meditate under the bright stars of the nocturne sky.

Check availabilities and prices & book Appolonia Villas - click here.

This luxurious villa complex is located in Mikra Anogia, just 3.5 km from Rethymnon and its port and beautiful sandy beaches. All villas have a private pool with furnished sun terrace. Each villa has a large balcony with panoramic view of the sea. Interiors are traditionally furnished and include 3 bedrooms, kitchen and living room with fireplace. The luxurious bathrooms have a bathtub or shower cabin. Guests may benefit from free internet access in all areas. Each villa enjoys free BBQ facilities and free parking. The nearest beach is 3.5 km away and the nearest super market and tavern are 2 km from the villas. Heraklion and Chania airports are reached after a 45-minute drive.

Check availabilities and prices & book Mikra Anogia Villas - click here.

Located in Roussospiti village 6 km from Rethymno, Aloni Villas offers self-catered accommodation with a private pool amidst well-tended gardens. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and free laptops are provided upon request. Each split-level, air-conditioned villa opens to both a patio and a balcony with views of the Cretan Sea or the mountain. They come with a fully equipped kitchen, including a stove, fridge and dishwasher. Featuring earthy tones and floor-to ceiling windows, the living room offers a fireplace and an LCD satellite TV. All villas include additional bathroom, a washing machine and hair dryer. Guests at Aloni Villas are offered a welcome basket, upon their arrival, with local wine, raki and fruits and vegetables from the property's garden. Barbeque facilities are available by the pool. A tavern and a bakery can be found at 200 metres. The sandy beach of Perivolia is 8 km away from Aloni. Heraklion International Airport is around 70 km. Free parking is possible on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Aloni Villas - click here.

Set on an elevated position, 800 metres from the traditional Maroulas village, Diogenis Villas enjoys panoramic views of the Cretan Sea from its spacious, furnished terrace. Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking are provided. Modernly decorated, this split-level villa consists of 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The spacious living room comes with a fireplace and flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player. A full-size fridge, stove and dining area are included in the open-plan kitchen. Villas Diogenis lies 4.5 km from the north sandy beaches of Crete and 10 km from Rethymnon Town. Shops and taverns can be found in a short drive distance.

Check availabilities and prices & book Villas Diogenis Home - click here.