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John Simpson: the old town was wonderful, we ate there every night. avoid the bar/restuarants around the harbour as they are a rip off and go further back into the old town.'to pigadi' and 'the garden'[if you can find it] are worth a visit, even the ubiquitous irish pub is good [ive ... See all Rethymnon holiday reviews | Write a review on Rethymnon
Rethymnon

Rethymnon © www.rethymnon.gr
Overview
Anyone could be forgiven for mistaking the hugely popular package tour holiday resort town of Rethymnon for a sort of Cretan-inspired theme resort, but the best thing about the town is that its picturesque historic heart is actually genuine. The old town is just that: old, its winding alleys overhung with pretty wooden flower-bedecked balconies flaunt historic Venetian and Turkish architectural influences. Fortunately a recent mad spate of tourist development has left the old town untouched, so it can now delight the many photo-happy visitors and serve as a bustling venue for tavernas, restaurants and souvenir shops. To the east is one of Crete's longest sandy beaches, which has become the target of developers and is lined with apartment blocks and hotels. Excursions are easily made to Heraklion, Chania or the monastery of Arkadhi.

Shopping
There is an overwhelming amount of gift shops geared towards holidaymakers offering tourist souvenirs, as well as a variety of handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, woodcarving and woven goods. Cretan embroidery can be found at Haroula Spridaki, while various items carved from olive wood are at Olive Tree Wood. Palaiopoleiou offers genuine antiques and old textiles and those interested in modern ceramics and Greek pottery should stop at Omodamos. Self-caterers will find numerous general stores and mini supermarkets scattered about, and there is a daily market below the Porta Guora, as well as a bakery just behind the Rimóndi fountain.
  • I bought tons of souvenirs from Olive Tree Wood - great little shop and perfect gifts for friends at home. : Elloise...See More Tips  |  Add Tip
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    • Restaurants
    The inner harbour of Rethymnon sports an array of restaurants perfect for holidaymakers and fish tavernas, many of which are expensive for what they are; the Samaria taverna is more reasonably priced and among the best here, while Famagusta offers a range of food from Greek cuisine to western and Chinese. Better value can be found in the streets around the Rimóndi fountain where there are some old-fashioned cafes serving local fare including delicious helpings of traditional yoghurt and honey. These include Kyria Maria, Agrimia and Othonos, all overlooking the fountain.
    • For the best Greek food in Rethymnon go to Pigadi. We had a great meal, good service, delicious food. : Colleen...See More Tips  |  Add Tip
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    • Nightlife
    Nightlife in Rethymnon ranges from noisy pubs and bars around the inner harbour or inside the old town, to more relaxed bars on the beach where holidaymakers can enjoy the sounds of the sea while sipping on the favourite drink. Fortezza Disco is the flashiest in town, along with other dance clubs like the Metropolis, New York Club and the Opera Club. A new younger bar scene has appeared above the inner harbour around the Platía Plastira, with music bars sporting outdoor terraces.
    • We were there in 2009 and loved the Juke Box in Agia Galini. Cactus Beach Bar is also great. Enjoy your holiday! : Fiona and Toby...See More Tips  |  Add Tip
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    • Activities
    Daily boat excursions are the latest activity in Rethymnon, taking holidaymakers to the beautiful beaches at Bali or Marathi, and include lunch at a local taverna with unlimited wine. Evening cruises are also a popular activity, and there are opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Sights within the city include the mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han and the Venetian fortress as well as an archeaological museum.
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    • Negatives
    Rethymnon doesn't have the ruins and archaeological sites that many Greek holidaymakers expect for such an old city.

    Nearby Attractions

    Monastery of Arkádhi

    Monastery of Arkádhi

    Situated about 14 miles (23km) south of Rethymnon, the Monastery of Arkádhi is something of a national Cretan shrine. During the 1866 rebellion against the Turks the monastery became a refuge for Cretan insurgents and their families. They were surrounded by the Turks and...  see full details



    Samaria Gorge

    The Samaria Gorge

    It is an arduous trip but well worth it to see one of the great natural wonders of Europe, the Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains in western Crete. From the top of the gorge it is a 10-mile (16km) hike through the...  see full details



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