Rethymnon area Holidays

The big beach

The main stretch of sand in the area is Rethymnon Beach, which is centrally located by the harbour. There are shallow waters here which make access to the sea easy, and there are plenty of amenities nearby to stock up on beach essentials. The sand is soft and golden in colour, and you can hire sun loungers and parasols if you’re planning on spending a relaxing day sunbathing with a good book.

Loggerhead turtles

Rethymnon Bay is one of the most important places in Greece for loggerhead turtles, who lay their eggs on the local beaches. While you may spot some on the main Rethymnon Beach, you’ll usually have better luck at one of the area’s quieter stretches of sand. Try Pigianos Beach or Platanes Beach, which are just along the coast to the east. Pigianos is great for snorkelling, thanks to the rocky coves here.

Great views

To enjoy fantastic views of the castle, head west from Rethymnon to Koumbes Beach. You can get here easily even if you don’t have a car, as it’s just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. The beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles, and there’s a wooden walkway which can make it easier to get around. This is a hotspot for watersports enthusiasts thanks to the Meltemi winds.

Bargain Buys

Bargain buys

Thursdays are market days in Rethymnon Town, and the streets around the marina come to life with colourful stalls selling handcrafted goods and bargain trinkets. Open-air markets like this are known as ‘laiki’ in Crete, and are a great place to buy ornaments, beaded jewellery, and textiles. There’s a smaller market on Saturdays, too. Kids will be able to spend their holiday money here on small souvenirs.

Mid-Range Buys

Mid-range buys

The town centre of Rethymnon features a number of artisan shops which specialise in local souvenirs. Cosmetics made with local honey and olive oil are popular, along with all sorts of items made from local olive wood. You can pick up everything from wooden spoons to fancy photo frames. This central shopping district is also the place to find Cretan wines to enjoy at your hotel, or take home with you.

Designer Buys

Designer buys

In and around Rethymnon Town, you’ll find budget-friendly alternatives to popular designer clothing and accessories. However, for the real thing, it’s best to take the one-hour drive to Chania. Here, there are all sorts of international brands like Pandora, H&M, and Sephora. Just over an hour in the opposite direction is Heraklion. You’ll find more Greek brands here, and some duty-free shopping in the port area.

Laid-back evenings

Laidback evenings

Reythmnon’s Old Town is the perfect place for quiet drinks. In the narrow alleys of the historic district you’ll find chic wine bars, art cafés, and swanky rooftop cocktail lounges where you can sit back and relax. In the coffee houses, it’s not unusual to find locals playing board games. Alternatively, you could check out the nightlife at the traditional Greek tavernas, where the classic Cretan music plays well into the night. The harbour area is another great place for low-key, high-end bars with outdoor seating.

Lively evenings

Lively evenings

As you head east along the Rethymnon beachfront, you’ll notice that the sophistication of the city gives way to the lively energy of the Cretan coast. Around the Platanes Beach area, the wine lounges and cocktail bars are replaced with live music venues, karaoke joints, and nightclubs that stay open until the early hours. Many clubs are located right on the promenade, so it’s easy to hop between venues. Clubs here typically get going around 11pm, so you can make your way east after checking out the Old Town.

Local ingredients

Thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate of Crete, many fruits and vegetables grow across the Rethymnon area. Restaurants take full advantage of this fresh local produce, with grilled veggies drizzled with olive oil being the superstars of the menu. These light side-dishes are often served up alongside freshly caught fish, with Reythymnon’s prime coastal location making it a popular fishing destination.

Rethymnon restaurants

In the Old Town, and within the small hillside villages of the Rethymnon area, you’ll find traditional Greek tavernas hidden away down the tiny, cobbled streets. In the more modern areas, however, these old tavernas give way to contemporary meze bars. These offer authentic Greek Islands cuisine in beautiful and breezy beachside settings. Be sure to try the graviera, a local alternative to Greek feta.

What to eat

Crete has many dishes that it’s proud to call its own, such as kataifi, which is a mix of nuts, honey, and pastry. It’s a sweet and sticky dessert that the little ones are sure to love. However, the highlight of Rethymnon cuisine is dolmades. The popularity of these stuffed vine leaves is a nod to the important wine-growing region of Rethymnon. They’re usually filled with a blend of rice, minced meat, and herbs.

Where to eat

In the villages of the Rethymnon area, you’ll find traditional tavernas and restaurants nestled away within the old Venetian architecture. Closer to the beaches are more contemporary restaurants and international cuisines. If you’re looking for a restaurant with a view, check out the eateries in the western part of Rethymnon Town, where you can dine while gazing out over the impressive Fortezza Castle.