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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 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 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.

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 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 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, 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 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.

Nearby Attractions

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

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