Costa Dorada
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from € 380 pp
View All DealsRich Minoan history, Caribbean-style beaches, and world-famous wines await you on Crete's sunny north coast. Holidays to the Rethymnon area of Greece's largest island blend cobbled old towns with soft sands, and views for miles over the Sea of Crete. Fly direct from Dublin Airport for a simple, stress-free getaway.
The beaches of the Rethymnon area are best for family fun and relaxation. Soft and almost white in colour, Crete’s north coast beaches are among some of the most idyllic on the island. Rethymnon Beach is a definite highlight, thanks to its proximity to the city. This makes access easy, but don’t forget to check out some of the other beaches in the area such as Varkotopos Beach and Livadi Beach.
The Old Town at Rethymnon transports you back to the Minoan era, boasting what is one of the best-preserved historical sites in the Greek Islands. Much of what remains here today was built by the Venetians, with classic Italian architectural styles like Juliet balconies, arched doorways, loggia houses, and a piazza around every corner. The local archaeological museum is a great place to learn more.
The Rethymnon area is one of the most important wine-growing regions of Crete. So much so, in fact, that it was named European Wine City of the year for 2018 by the European Network of Wine Cities. 20% of Crete’s vineyards are located in the Rethymnon area, with the microclimate of the coast producing uniquely flavoured Cretan varieties. These include Malvasia, Vidiano, Viliana, and Liatiko.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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