Rethymno

Rethymno (also written Rethymnon) is the third town of Crete and the capital of the region between Chania and Heraklion. It sits on the north coast with a long sandy beach in front of it and a Venetian old town behind the harbour. The region runs south across the mountains to the Libyan Sea, and both of Crete's main airports are about an hour away by road.

We list villas and hotels in Rethymno town, along the north coast and in the villages inland. Below: what each area is like, who it suits, the best beaches, drive times and when to come.

Town, coast or hills: where to stay

Rethymno town has one of the best-preserved old towns in Greece. The Fortezza, the Venetian fortress on the hill above the harbour, was built between 1573 and 1580. Below it, the old town is a maze of Venetian and Ottoman houses, with the Rimondi fountain of 1626 at its centre and the small Venetian harbour, whose lighthouse took its present form in the 1830s. The town beach starts at the old town and runs east for about 12 km. It suits people who want to walk to restaurants, the sights and the sea from the same place. Most of our listings in the region are in and around the town.

The east coast beyond the town is a strip of hotels and beach resorts along the same long beach, at places such as Platanes and Adelianos Kampos. Further east, Bali is a village around a series of small bays, about 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. It suits families and anyone who wants a beach outside the door.

The hills inland are villages, olive groves and gorges. Argiroupoli, south-west of the town, is a hill village known for its springs. The Arkadi Monastery, 23 km south-east of the town, is a symbol of the Cretan uprising of 1866 against Ottoman rule. It suits quiet stays, walkers and longer holidays.

The south coast, on the Libyan Sea, is about 35 to 50 km from the town across the mountains. Plakias is the main village, with Preveli, Damnoni and Triopetra nearby. It suits people who want empty beaches and do not mind a drive.

The best beaches around Rethymno

Crete has more Blue Flag beaches than any other region of Greece.

North coast

• Rethymno town beach: about 12 km of sand starting at the old town, organised for most of its length.
• Bali: a string of small sheltered bays around the village, with clear water.

South coast

• Preveli: about 40 km south of the town, where the Kourtaliotis river meets the sea through a palm forest, the second largest on Crete.
• Plakias: about 1.5 km of sand, 34 km south of the town, with tavernas and small hotels behind it.
• Damnoni: about 35 km south, a bay of white sand between rocks, next to Plakias.
• Triopetra: about 52 km from the town, named after the three rocks that stand off the beach, and good for sunsets.
• Agios Pavlos: a long beach reached across sand dunes, and usually very quiet.

When to go

The sea temperatures below are monthly averages for Rethymno.

May: green, with wild flowers, and the sea at about 19°C. June: about 23°C. July and August: the warmest sea, about 25 to 26°C, and peak season. The week around 15 August is the busiest of the year across Greece, so book early. September: about 25°C with fewer people. October: about 23°C. November: about 20°C, and the sea is still warm enough to swim.

How we choose where you stay

Villa4You has been renting holiday homes in Greece since 2005. We can arrange airport transfers to anywhere in the region.

Browse villas and hotels in Rethymno, or ask for a shortlist.