Rethymno, Crete: what to see, the beach, Arkadi Monastery and getting there
The Venetian town between Chania and Heraklion: a sea fortress, a harbour with a lighthouse, a 12 km beach and Arkadi Monastery half an hour away.
- Rethymno is about 80 km from Heraklion and about 60 km from Chania.
- Fortezza entry is €4 and Arkadi Monastery €3 (free under 12), according to Crete Direct.
- The long beach starts within walking distance of the old town.
Rethymno works as a one- or two-day base in central Crete. Combine an evening in the old town, a morning at the fortress and an afternoon at Arkadi, and pick your airport by the rest of your route.
Why visit Rethymno?
Rethymno is Crete's third-largest town, between Chania to the west and Heraklion to the east. It has a well-preserved Venetian old town, a small harbour with a lighthouse, a big fortress on the sea and a long sandy beach right by town. It is an easy base for families and couples who want to mix town, beach and day trips. For the whole island see our Crete guide by region and the Crete page.
What to see in Rethymno old town
- The Fortezza: the Venetian fortress on the hill above town. According to Crete Direct, entry is €4 (€2 reduced), and it opens 08:30–20:00 in June–September and 08:30–15:00 in October–May. Allow at least 45 minutes, or 1.5 hours to walk all the ramparts. Wear closed shoes.
- Rimondi Fountain (1629): a working Venetian fountain at the heart of the old town.
- Neratze Mosque: a Venetian church turned mosque, now a music conservatory and concert hall.
- Venetian harbour and lighthouse: a row of fish restaurants; according to Crete Direct mains cost about €12–18.
- Venetian Loggia: built around 1600, on Arkadiou Street.
Rethymno beach
Rethymno beach starts east of the old town, under ten minutes' walk away. According to Crete Direct it runs for about 12 km, with fine sand and a shallow entry, so it suits children too. The part near town has sunbeds for hire; further along it is quiet.
Day trip to Arkadi Monastery
Arkadi Monastery is about 23 km south-east of Rethymno, about half an hour by paved road, according to Crete Direct. Entry is €3 for adults, €1.50 for students and free for children under 12, including the museum. Hours: 09:00–19:00 in June–September and 09:00–17:00 in October–May. It is a national symbol in Crete: on 9 November 1866, during an uprising against Ottoman rule, the gunpowder store was blown up as Ottoman forces broke in, killing hundreds on both sides.
Where to stay in Rethymno
- In the old town: rooms in restored Venetian houses, a short walk from the harbour and restaurants. The lanes are narrow and parking is hard, so with a car choose a hotel with parking or a car park nearby.
- Along the beach east of town: large resort hotels, some with pools and kids' clubs. Good for families who want the beach on the doorstep.
- In inland villages: quiet villas with pools, but you need a car for every trip.
South coast beaches: a day trip from Rethymno
From Rethymno you can cross the island to Crete's Libyan Sea coast. The best-known spots are Preveli, a beach with a palm forest and a small river, and Plakias, a relaxed beach town. The drive is on mountain roads, roughly an hour each way. The south coast sea is often cooler and sometimes rough, so check the weather before you go.
Getting to Rethymno
| From | Distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Heraklion | about 80 km | about an hour by car; about 1.5 hours by KTEL bus (€7.50–9 one way) |
| Chania | about 60 km | about an hour by car |
Crete has direct flights from Tel Aviv to Heraklion, and to Chania in summer. See flights to Crete from Tel Aviv. From the airport continue by hire car or bus.
Kosher food and Shabbat near Rethymno
There is no Chabad house in Rethymno itself. Chania has the Etz Hayyim synagogue, and Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, in the Heraklion area. Details in our Chabad Crete, kosher food and Shabbat guide.
FAQ
How much time do I need in Rethymno? One evening is enough for the old town and harbour. With the fortress, the beach and Arkadi Monastery, plan one to two days.
How much is entry to the Fortezza in Rethymno? According to Crete Direct, €4 for adults and €2 reduced. Check the price before you visit.
How do I get from Rethymno to Arkadi Monastery? By car, about half an hour on a paved road. The monastery is about 23 km from town and parking is free.
Rethymno or Chania? Chania is bigger and livelier. Rethymno is quieter, with a long beach next to town. Both are easy to reach from the middle of the island.
