Rethymno Old Town

The basics

Rethymno dates back to the Minoans, aka the first civilization in all of Europe. Today, the oldest buildings date to the 16th century and there’s an abundance of arched doorways, stone staircases, and narrow streets. Of all Old Town’s highlights, the city's Venetian-era citadel, the Fortezza of Rethymno, is the grandest. Most history-seeking visitors will also want to check out the Neratze Mosque, the Guora Gate, the Piazza Rimondi (and the Rimondi Fountain), and the Loggia. You can tick them all off on a sightseeing tour.

Things to know before you go

• Bring comfortable walking shoes for all those cobblestones.

• Rethymno’s dining scene doesn’t disappoint; there’s a plethora of al fresco coffee shops and restaurants overlooking the Aegean Sea.

• Stroll along the palm tree-lined Eleftheriou Venizelou for waterfront views—there’s parking here, too.

• Don’t discount a night visit; Rethymno has a surprisingly robust nightlife scene.

How to get there

Old Town Rethymno sits about 75 minutes by car from both Chania and Heraklion; the easiest parking can be found in the public lots near the outskirts of Old Town. If you don’t have your own wheels, buses run from both Chania and Heraklion and sightseeing tours—typically half-day adventures—of Rethymno abound.

When to get there

Rethymno is a year-round destination, though it's buzziest from April to October; outside of those months, some shops do close. To get open doors without the crowds, visit from April–June or September–October, at the start and close of the main tourist season. If you don’t mind a few closures, a winter visit can be satisfyingly serene.

Through the gates of Rethymno

Walk through the archway of the Guora Gate (aka the Megali Porta), and you’re officially in Old Town. This gate was the main entrance through the city walls—today, it’s standing proof that Rethymno was once fully fortified. From here, you’ll eventually be filtered onto Platia Mikrasiaton, the heart of this dazzling old neighborhood.