The Rethymnon Area
Crete
Crete's third-largest town after Heraklion and Chania, Rethymnon is a vibrant mix of the old and the modern, a proper working town with a real year-round community that just happens to also boast an excellent range of tourist facilities. Like Chania, Rethymnon has a long and chequered history, with the Ottomans and Venetians leaving the most enduring legacies - the former in the shape of mosques and minarets, the latter still in evidence in the graceful mansions that line the picturesque inner harbour and in the impressive hilltop fortress that dominates the town. Dating from the 16th century in its present form, the Fortezza stands on the site of an earlier Akropolis, and is a must for any visitor, if only for the spectacular views over the town and the countryside to the mountains and out to sea. The town also boasts a diverting archaeological museum, and a maze of colourful back streets lined with atmospheric bars and restaurants, as well as a tempting array of shops and boutiques.
Rethymnon is also the start of one of the island's longest sandy beaches, which stretches east from the town centre for over 10 km. Needless to say, the end closest to the centre is the busiest, and the eastern fringes of the town have developed into a modern resort area with a full range of tourist facilities. The furthest end of the beach remains quieter, and other beaches can also easily be reached by car including the long stretch of sand east of Georgioupolis, and the splendid south coast beaches around Plakias. A short drive east of Rethymnon the traditional seaside village of Panormo makes a delightful base for a family holiday as does the sheltered bay of Bali, just a little further east.
Being located almost halfway between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymnon is ideally placed for exploring Crete's numerous archaeological, cultural and natural treasures, and there is plenty to see in the immediate area. Those who enjoy pottering around traditional villages will find countless charming hamlets scattered around the hills just south of the town. The famous Arkadi monastery is just a short drive to the south-east - it was here that, on 9 November 1866, hundreds of Cretan resistance fighters chose to blow themselves up rather than surrender to the Ottoman attackers.
Another rewarding outing is to head south-west towards Argyroupolis, with its tavernas in a woodland setting surrounded by gushing waterfalls and torrents. Nearby villages reveal hidden treasures as diverse as a 19th century wood mill, several lovely old churches and the remains of the Roman baths of ancient Lappa, and the startlingly beautiful Amari Valley is also easily reached from here.
The villages just inland from the coast have remained relatively untouched by the trappings of tourism, although a large number of smart villas now pepper the surrounding hillsides.

Rethymnon harbour
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Accommodation in The Rethymnon Area:
Please zoom in and click on the markers, or scroll down for a list of accommodation.
Pepi Boutique Hotel
- Rethymnon Old Town

A charming, family-run hotel with a lovely courtyard garden and small pool in the heart of Rethymnon's Old Town, walking easy walking distance of the harbour, historical sights and sandy beach
Boutique Hotel with 18 rooms and suites; BB; Small swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates; Adults-only (minimum age 15 years)
The Lemon Tree House
- Rethymnon Old Town

Two charming studios and a larger apartment quietly tucked away in Rethymnon's atmospheric Old Town, close to local restaurants and sights and within walking distance of the sandy beach.
2 Studios for 2 people and a 3-bedroom apartment for 2-6 people; SC; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates
Ionia Suites
- Rethymnon

Conveniently located between the beach and the old town, this small hotel offers elegant accommodation with self-catering facilities and friendly, personal service
4-star Boutique Hotel with 20 studios and suites; BB; Small roof-top swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates
Thalassa Boutique Hotel
- Rethymnon

A restored seafront mansion offering stylish accommodation next to the beach within walking distance of Rethymnon's centre, boasting a small pool and spa area as well as a scenic restaurant terrace specialising in fresh fish and seafood
4-star Boutique Hotel with 12 suites; BB; Small swimming pool (heatable in early/late season); Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates
Villa Mathios
- Sfakaki, near Rethymnon

A comfortable single-storey villa in a prime location close to the beach in the small resort of Sfakaki, and just a short drive or bus ride from Rethymnon.
2-bedroom villa for 2-4 people; SC; Private swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates
Blue Oyster Beach Villas
- Platanes near Rethymnon

A small complex of six modern and comfortable villas with their own individual swimming pools, in a convenient beachside setting in a relaxed holiday resort close to the harbour town of Rethymnon
6 x 3-bedroom Villas for 2-6 people; SC; Private swimming pools; Air-conditioning; Car hire included
Maroulas Villas
- Maroulas near Rethymnon

Four detached villas with their own pools, situated just outside a picturesque hill village a short drive from the nearest sandy beach and about 10 km from the bustling town of Rethymnon.
Four villas with 2 or 3 bedrooms for 2 - 7 people; SC; Private swimming pools; Air-conditioning; Car hire included
Villa Tina Dora
- Agia Triada near Rethymnon

Situated 3 km from the nearest beach and 7 km from Rethymnon, this large villa boasts not only its own swimming pool, but also a tennis court.
4-bedroom Villa for 4 - 8 people; SC; Private swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Car hire included; Tennis court
Bali Diamond Hotel
- Bali

A small boutique hotel offering smart accommodation for adults-only in a prime beach-front setting in the laid-back resort of Bali
4-star Boutique Hotel with 13 rooms; BB; Two swimming pools; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates; Adults-only
Marelina Apartments
- Panormos

This small cluster of modern studios and apartments stands right beside the beach in the delightfully laid-back harbour village of Panormos.
12 x Studios and 1-bedroom Apartments for 2-4 people; BB; Swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates