Welcome to Rethymno Province
Wild beauty Rethymno is peppered with historic sites and natural wonders. Ribbons of mountain road wind through the timeless interior, passing fields of wildflowers and traditional hamlets cradled by olive groves. Descend into the spooky darkness of grotto-like caves; explore steep, lush gorges; and rest in the shade of lofty Mt Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak. Visit enduring monasteries, Minoan tombs and Venetian strongholds. Rethymno is also a magnet for artists, many practising age-old trades with modern twists.
Top experiences in Rethymno Province
Rethymno Province activities
Crete 4WD Full-Day Safari with Village, Lunch, Gorge, Swimming
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Preveli Beach, Lefkogia, Rethymnon Prefecture, CreteThe beach of Preveli is situated 40 km south of the main town and is the most idyllic beach in Rethymno. Preveli reminds of an exotic lagoon. It is an oasis of palm trees with crystalline greenish waters and fine soft sand. The Kourtaliotis River ends at this wonderful beach, creating a delta. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Plakias, Rethymnon Prefecture, CreteThe Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge , is a gorge on the southern side of the western part of the island of Crete.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Fragma Potamon Amariou, Rethymnon, Rethymnon Prefecture, CreteThe lake of Potami is shaped by the Potami dam, in Amari province and was built in 2008, 25km south of Rethymnon. The lake has a capacity of 23 million cubic meters and is one of the most important wetlands in the southeast Mediterranean, with many species of birds and animals being recorded in the area.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: The Lion Fountain, Spili, Rethymnon Prefecture, CreteThe jewel of the village, the venetian fountain Kefalovrissi with its 25 lion heads, is located in the city centerand is not to miss, around them the village square with cafes and taverns under huge plane trees invite for a linger.Duration: 1 hour
Crete White Mountains Full-Day Safari Including Lunch
Our amazing off-road adventure starts after crossing the valley full of orange trees, avocado’s and vegetables gardens. Climbing up the foot of White Mountains and passing through Cretan villages getting the feeling of mountainous Crete we arrive in our coffee stop to enjoy our morning break. Coffee or mountain tea will be offered for free to our guests enjoying the village life far away from mass tourism. Continuing our tour following the off road route up to the shepherd’s hut “Mitato” far away from touristic areas, where only a 4 wheel driver can approach, you will enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of northern Crete and, If we are lucky ... eagles and wild goats will show up and give us a very good reason for some extra photo stops. A small rocky road will lead us up to our trip’s highest point 1350 meters in altitude in the heart of White Mountains of Crete, where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd, where the famous Cretan “Graviera” cheese was produced and explore an original Shepherd's hut "Mitato". On our way back we will enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania from above until we arrive at Therisso village and working up an appetite we visit a small traditional family Cretan tavern where we will be welcomed by the owner, to introduce us to Cretan cuisine with plenty of food, wine and warm Cretan hospitality. After our lunch break we will follow the road through the amazing gorge of Therisso that will lead us to the city of Chania
Rethymnon Conquered Morning Tour with Wine and Food Tasting
Go beyond the guidebook and get to know the real Crete! You could read pages of history, but they won’t tell you the stories of Rethymnon like we’ll tell you – that’s a task best left up to locals. This walking tour of the old town of Rethymnon will show you the city the way locals see it. From the classic historical sites to the local craftsmen and vendors that make Rethymnon the city is, we’ll show you everything you need to understand the city the way the locals do. Given Rethymnon’s long, rich, thousand-or-so years of history, it’s only appropriate that we kicking things off with a bit of this history. The city began to grow after it was conquered by the Venetians, evidence of which can be spotted throughout the city. We will start our day with a freshly brewed Greek coffee and learn how the different conqueres influenced the island’s culinary traditions but also read your future at a cup reading attempt! From there, we’ll wind our way through Sabbionara, entering the old Ottoman district. Known for its impressive door frames and mix of histories, we’ll walk by Mosques and Catholic Churches, alongside Venetian mansions, temples turned into mosques, and find out how all these have influenced the Cretan music by visiting an artisan that still makes handmade musical instruments. Next, it’s time to discover Crete through its incredible flavours. Learn the secrets of the famous Cretan diet, sampling local bites such as traditional koulouri, a sesame seeded bread ring (similar to Turkish simit), and cheese and olives (naturally), and of course learning why Cretan olive oil is considered one of the best in the world by tasting it. Moving on, we’ll continue our personal conquest of Rethymnon by venturing through the most noteworthy streets of the old city, checking out “Instagram” photo stops, and shops selling authentic local souvenirs. We will walk you into a secret garden to sip some local wine (which has been cultivated here since 1600 BC!). It’s here that we’ll end our walking tour of Rethymnon, and it’s the perfect place to continue your walk through the city or enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. Your guide will be more than happy to make recommendations for what else you can do in the city, especially where to grab more food!
Katharo Route Tour from Agios Nikolaos
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Cave of Zeus, Plati, Lasithi Prefecture, CretePsychro Cave is an ancient Minoan sacred cave in Lasithi plateau in the Lasithi district of eastern Crete. Psychro is associated with the Diktaean Cave, one of the putative sites of the birth of Zeus.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Platanus Tree, Krasi, CreteIn the village square of Krasi, there are three plane trees, the trademarks of the village. The most important of them is the platan in the center of the square, which is considered to be the oldest and most majestic of the plane trees in Crete.Duration: 20 minutes
Crete Island Tour of Chrissi or Gramvousa: Swim & Snorkel
Leave Crete and spend a day on one of the smaller islands dotted around Crete’s coastline. The cruise to your island lasts no longer than an hour, leaving you with plenty of time to kick back and relax, soaking up the laid-back island life! After exploring, swimming and soaking up the sun, return to your boat for the cruise back to Crete. Your day then finishes with a handy drop-off back at your hotel.Cruise from West Crete:Board your boat at Kastelli Port of Kissamos and then sit back and relax – either inside or out on deck – during your 1-hour cruise to the island of Gramouvsa. A small sun-baked outpost just adrift from Crete’s northwestern tip, this little piece of paradise comes complete with stunning turquoise waters and pink sandy beaches – perfect for a day of lazily lounging around in the sun. First stop is Imeri Gramvousa, the island’s Venetian fortress, for a guided tour. Explore the ruins and hear how the island was once a 16th-century strategic stronghold – ideally located to protect northeastern Crete. Then, it’s time to swim, sunbathe or enjoy lunch on your boat (own expense).Hop back aboard your boat and cruise over to the other side of the island to visit Gramouvsa’s tropical-esque lagoon – Balos. Enjoy nearly three hours at leisure to do as little or as much as you like! Perhaps take a paddle through the turquoise waters or relax on the lagoon’s pink-hued beaches. Venture away from the sand to snorkel around the rocks (equipment not provided), or take a stroll inland to see the island’s rare flora and fauna that abounds. Cruise from East Crete:If your hotel is located on the eastern side of Crete, your boat cruise follows a different route. Board your boat at Ierapetra Port and enjoy a 1-hour cruise to Chrissi Island, just southeast of Crete in the dazzling Libyan Sea. Uninhabited, the island is a haven of sun-kissed seclusion, with gloriously isolated coves and sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. How you spend your time on the island is up to you, and you’ll have roughly five hours to do whatever you like! Swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beaches, or go on a walk around the island, watching out for rare birdlife or dolphins close to shore. Lunch is available at your own expense on board your boat; alternatively, bring your own food and drinks and relax on the island with a picnic!
Crete Land Rover Safari with Lunch and Drinks
After hotel or port pickup at 9am, discover the region of Rethymno. Take in the breathtaking view of Prasses Gorge and admire the wonders of the Cretan nature. Get ready to be amazed by the impressive wings of the vultures that live in the gorges and are one of the most important species of wildlife on the island. Experience the relaxing power of the Dam of Potamon. See the small church built by the lake as a reminder of the importance of religion on the island.Get to know the island's traditions by visiting different Cretan villages such as Karines and Spili, and learn about the locals' customs and habits. Taste the original recipe of the most famous Cretan drink, the so-called 'raki,' produced in the village as only locals know how to make. Enjoy Cretan specialties at a traditional tavern by the Libyan sea (meal included). Swim in the crystal waters of Preveli and explore the Palm forest. Feel the wind as you stop at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge in this majestic scenery of wild nature. The tour will end with an amazing panoramic view of the city of Rethymno and you'll feel complete with all these unique images of your day fresh in your memory.