Overview: Anyone could be forgiven for mistaking the hugely popular
package tour 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 snap-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, Hania or the monastery of
Arkadhi.
Shopping: There is an overwhelming amount of gift shops 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.
Restaurants: The inner harbour sports an array of touristy restaurants and
fish tavernas, many of which are expensive for what they are; the
Samaria taverna and O Zefyros are more reasonably priced and two of
the best here. 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 Zanfoti
Kafenío, all overlooking the fountain.
Nightlife: Nightlife ranges from noisy pubs and bars around the inner
harbour or inside the old town, to more relaxed bars on the beach.
Fortezza Disco is the flashiest in town, along with other dance
clubs like the Metropolis, NYC, Nitro 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,
such as Enzzo, Karma and Art.
Activities: Daily boat excursions are the latest activity in Rethymnon,
taking tourists 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.
Attractions
Monasteryof 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 after two days of fighting, ignited the gunpowder
storeroom, which killed hundreds of both Turks and Cretans. The
tragedy brought international recognition to the cause for Cretan
independence. An ossuary displays the skulls of many of the victims
and it is possible to see the roofless room where the explosion
took place, as well as the surviving 16th-century church that is
one of the loveliest Venetian buildings on the island. There is
also a small museum.
Transport: The monastery is easy to reach by public bus;
Opening time: Daily 8am to 1.30pm, and 3.30pm to 8pm;
Admission: €1.45 (museum)
TheSamaria 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 dramatic geological formations and
wildflower-strewn cliffsides of the National Park. From the village
of Agia Roumeli at the end of the gorge hikers board boats to sail
to Khora Sfakion or Paleohora where there are buses back to
Haniá, Rethymnon or Heraklion.
Transport: There are public buses to Omalos near the top of the gorge. Organised tours are also available;
Opening time: The gorge is open 6am to 3pm, generally from May to October (depending on weather conditions);
Admission: €5 to enter the park; free for children under 15; €2.50 for students
Miss Maude, Mr Thatcher; Sep 2007:
The old town is a lovely place, very picturesque. Despite being hounded by local restaurant owners the place is calm but beware of the crazy moped drivers! It is best to stay in the centre as the harbour is quite... more
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