Rethymno

Rethymno

Rethymno is the third largest city of Crete and the capital of the Rethymnon Prefecture with a population of about 30,000 inhabitants. It is located in the northwestern part of the island, 59 km from Chania and 98 km from Heraklion.

The climate is temperate Mediterranean. Rainfall season lasts from late autumn to April, but temperatures rarely fall below 13 degrees C in the coldest months.

Although during the Minoan civilization the town had its own coins and the advantages of a larger settlement, is became popular after its conquest by the Venetians who used its strategic geographical position. There are hypotheses that on the top of the hill Paleocastro in Rethymno existed the ancient settlement of Rithymna known as the Temple of Apollo and the sanctuary of Artemis. Today on this hill you can see one of the biggest castles in Crete, built in 1573 - the Fortezza Castle. Compared to other towns of Crete, the presence of the Venetians and the Turks is most strongly felt here. Rethymno has a preserved old town with Venetian port, narrow streets and fountains with ornaments. Another famous archaeological sightseeing are the five Turkish mosques. The town also has an archeological, folklore and paleontological museum.

Each spring, before Easter, the atmosphere enlivens - this is the time of the carnival with mask parade, attended by people from all over Greece. Live music is performed as well.

East and west of Rethymno long sandy beaches stretch out.

Hotels in Rethymno

Photos

RethymnoThe old town

highlights: old town, Venetian port and narrow streets, town in Rethymno Region, Crete, Greece

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