Must-see attractions in Rethymno

  • Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

    Rethymno

    Set inside the atmospheric Venetian-built Church of St Francis, this well-curated museum features a stunning collection of well-preserved relics unearthed…

  • Venetian fortress Fortezza in Rethymno on Crete, Greece; Shutterstock ID 436424554; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digitl; full: POI
436424554

    Fortezza

    Rethymno

    Looming over Rethymno, the star-shaped Venetian fortress cuts an imposing figure with its massive walls and bastions but was nevertheless unable to stave…

  • Night-life: Fishing boats moored in the harbour, while people eat out along the waterfront - Rethymno, Rethymno Province, Crete

    Venetian Harbour

    Rethymno

    Rethymno’s compact historic harbour is chock-a-block with tourist-geared fish tavernas and cafes. For a more atmospheric perspective, walk along the…

  • Agios Spyridon Church

    Rethymno

    Built right into the cliff beneath the Venetian fortress, tiny Agios Spyridon has enough atmosphere to fill a cathedral. This Byzantine chapel is filled…

  • Paleontological Museum

    Rethymno

    The highlight of this dusty old museum are the displays of fossilised tusks and bones from the dwarf Cretan elephant and pygmy hippopotamus. Both were…

  • Museum of Contemporary Art

    Rethymno

    The cornerstone of the permanent collection of this well-curated modern-art museum, founded in 1992, is the oils, drawings and watercolours of local lad…

  • Neratzes Mosque

    Rethymno

    This triple-domed mosque began life as an Augustinian church and was converted by the Turks in 1657, although the recently restored minaret wasn't added…

  • Historical & Folk Art Museum

    Rethymno

    In a lovely 17th-century Venetian mansion, the five-room permanent exhibit here documents traditional rural life on Crete with displays of clothing,…

  • Municipal Park

    Rethymno

    Located between Iliakaki and Dimitrakaki, the trails and tree-shaded benches found here offer respite from the heat and crowds. Old men doze and chat…

  • Loggia

    Rethymno

    This nicely restored 16th-century landmark originally served as a meeting house for Venetian nobility to discuss politics and money, and morphed into a…

  • Rimondi Fountain

    Rethymno

    Another vestige of Venetian rule is this small fountain where water spouts from three lions’ heads into three basins flanked by Corinthian columns. Above…

  • Lighthouse

    Rethymno

    Punctuating the old pier in the Venetian Harbour, the 9m-high lighthouse was built in the 1830s, when Egypt ruled Crete. (Britain forced Egypt to give…

  • Kara Musa Pasha Mosque

    Rethymno

    This building began life as a monastery but was turned into a mosque by the Turks, who added the domes and a minaret, of which only bits remain. It is…

  • Porta Guora

    Rethymno

    At the southern edge of the old quarter, this arched stone gate is the only remnant of the Venetian city wall. It was built in the late 16th century and…