Réthymnon, the third largest town on Crete, lies half way along the north coast, at the foot of the Psilorítis range. The periods of Venetian and Turkish occupation have left their mark on the town, which shows a charming mingling of cultures.
The old town has many Venetian mansions, Turkish houses with enclosed timber balconies, several small mosques (18th century) and the Fortezza (14th century, extended in 16th century), within which is a mosque with a massive dome. The Archeological Museum, opened in 1990 next to the Fortezza, is famous for the superb presentation of its exhibits.
The Rethymnon Historical and Folk Art Museum seeks to preserve the history of Cretan tradition. On display are historical and folklore material from Rethymnon and other parts of Crete. The collection includes documents, photographs, maps, weapons, banners, coins, and instruments.
Address: Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon, 30 M. Vernardou Street, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, 15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim, Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Admission is free on Sundays from November to March.
23km/14mi from Réthymnon are the fortress-like monastery buildings of Arkádi, in which, during a rising against the Turks in 1866, the Cretans who had taken refuge here blew themselves up rather than surrender.
Argiroupolis lies 27km southwest of Réthymnon. The village is nestled among greenery, built on a knoll near springs that feed some enormous cisterns. Lower down the springs push watermills that make small cataracts in which the fluffy Greek Flokates (rugs) are washed.
Iron cross and remains of the Roman Empire at Argiroupolis (Lappa) village, Crete.
Southeast (62km/39mi from Réthymnon) is the charming little fishing village of Ayía Galíni, with a beautiful beach. 36km/22mi south of Réthymnon is Préveli monastery (17th C.), near which is another attractive beach.
Recent excavations held at Eleftherna brought to light important monuments from a Greek-Roman city. The ancient town is also known for some of its former famous residents including Linos the poet, Diogenes the philosopher, and Timochares the sculptor.
Address: Eleftherna (Eleutherna), Communities of Eleutherna and Ancient Eleutherna, Eleftherna , Greece
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 8am-7:30pm; Mon:1pm-7:30pm
November 1 to March 31: 8:30am-3pm
Always opened on: Assumption Day - Christian (August 15), Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Easter - Christian
The Fortezza, north of Réthymnon, on Paleokastro hill, was built in 1574. It offers a marvelous view of the city and the sea.
The fort at Rethymnon.
Address: Fortezza, Katecháki, Réthymnon , Greece
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, 15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim, Good Friday - Christian
The Gerani Cave lies six km from Réthymnon. This is a cave of prehistoric, paleontological and archeological interest. Finds from this cave can be seen in the Réthymnon Archeological Museum.
The Monastery of Preveli lies 36km south of Réthymnon. It is a historic monastery with a small museum and a beautiful view of the Libyan Sea (Liviko Pelagos).
Lower monastery at Preveli.
Preveli Bay.
Address: Preveli Monastery, Rethymnon , Greece
Hours:
am-am; Closed: Mon
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The cave of Sentoni Zoniana is Crete's richest cave in terms of natural decoration. It lies in the district of Réthymnon, 13km west of Anogia and one km from the village of Zoniana at an altitude of 800 m.
Southeast of Réthymnon is the town of Spyli, with old stone houses and cobbled streets. The town has an interesting main square with lion head shaped water spouts.
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Melidoni Cave, Rethymnon
Preveli Monastery, Rethymnon
Melidoni Cave, Rethymnon
Melidoni Cave, Rethymnon
Preveli Monastery, Rethymnon
Argiroupolis, Rethymnon
Fortezza, Rethymnon
