Tour of Rethymno Prefecture
The prefecture of Rethymno is one of the four on Crete and lies between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion.
It is full of natural beauties, magnificent beaches, traditional villages, high mountains with impressive caves, interesting archaeological sites and Byzantine churches.
ANOGIA – NIDA PLATEAU
Between the prefectures of Heraklion and Rethymno, in the northern foothills of Mount Psiloritis is the traditional village of ANOGIA.
It is a village with strong tourist attraction.
It has a rich tradition and picturesque costumes and is a center of stock-breeding and the production of authentic Cretan textiles.
There are many taverns, cafes, and some rooms to let.
Just outside the village, the road leads to the plateau of NIDA on Mount Psiloritis ending at the Idaean Cave.
According to myth, this is where Zeus was reared.
The finds from the excavations on the site are on display in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
CAVES
Just to the west of Anogia, in a striking setting near the village of ZONIANA, is the cave of Senti of Sfentoni, which has many interesting stalactites and stalagmites.
A third cave in this area, called Melidoni (or Gerontospilia) was used for cult purposes from the Minoan period to Roman times, and is where 400 unarmed inhabitants of the nearby village were slaughtered during the Turkish period.
Tour of Rethymno Prefecture
On the new National Highway along the coast and connecting Heraklion with Rethymno are BALI, PANORMOS – a beautiful sea-side settlement with sandy beaches and clear sea – ADELIANOS KAMPOS, PLATANES, MISIRIA, PERIVOLIA and RETHYMNO town.
ADELIANOS KAMPOS – BALI
Adelianos Kampos is the seashore settlement of Adele community.
The distance from Rethymno town is 7 km.
The beautiful beach stretching just about 2 kilometers is perfect for water sports.
Bali is a pretty fishing village.
This village stands at the head of a little bay.
The heights around the bay form small valleys.
Thanks to its natural position, which is protected from the north–west winds and also to its fine beach, Bali is an excellent place for holidays.
In the area you will find hotels, pensions, apartments and rooms to let of all categories, fish taverns, cafes and bars.
Panormos is a coastal village with a fine organized beach. In the area you will find hotels, rooms to let, taverns and cafes.
RETHYMNO TOWN
RETHYMNO is the capital of the prefecture of the same name.
It is located west of Heraklion (80 kilometers) and east of Chania (60 kilometers).
It is a very attractive and well-organized city which kept many examples of the Venetian architecture, with numerous historical monuments and an excellent tourist infrastructure.
The hotels and apartments to rent in Rethymno offer high standard hospitality and services.
You can also find restaurants of Greek and International cuisine, traditional taverns where you will taste dishes from the famous Cretan cuisine, dozens of traditional coffee shops, bars and clubs for your night life.
RETHYMNO TOWN
The transportation services in Rethymno are very satisfactory.
There are local buses that service the city of Rethymno and the nearby areas from early in the morning until late at night.
There are also numerous travel agencies, car and motorcycle rentals.
The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbor and narrow streets.
The most notable of the sights of this town are: the Fortress Fortezza built by the Venetians in 1590 to protect the city from the pirates raids and the Turks, the Loggia, an elegant building of the 16th c., the Rimondi Fountain, with rich decoration is situated at Platanos square built in 1626, the Turkish School, the Offices of the Prefecture the Archbishopric, mosques and Venetian dwellings in the old town, the churches of Saint Francis, the Kyria Angelon and the Cathedral.
It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Historical and Folklore Museum and the Lykio Ellinidon Folklore Collection.
The Historical & Folklore Museum housed in a restored Venetian building has collections that include textile and basket weaving, embroidery lace, costumes, ceramics, historic photographs and maps, weapons and coins.
The Archaeological museum of Rethymno, just opposite the entrance of the fortress, exhibits objects from the Neolithic to the Roman period, found at the prefecture of Rethymno.
Rethymno has one of the largest sandy beaches in Crete, more than 20 km. long which starts from inside the city and it extends to the hotels area to the west until Scaletta.
Tour of Rethymno Prefecture
ARKADI
A side road from Adelianos Kampos leads south to the historic monastery of ARKADI (23 kilometers south-east of Rethymno town).
An heroic episode known as the “Holocaust of Arkadi” took place here on 7 November 1866, when Greeks besieged in the monastery by the Turks chose to ignite the gunpowder magazine, blowing themselves up along with the Turks, rather than surrender.
From the monastery a road leads to the village of ELEFTHERNA, near which are the remains of the ancient town of Eleftherna.
A short distance away is the fertile valley of AMARI, and a very interesting area with many Byzantine churches, almost in the heart of the prefecture of Rethymno.
PREVELI
On the south coast of the prefecture of Rethymno is PREVELI, one of the most idyllic parts of the island.
An oasis of lush vegetation offers unique moments of relaxation for those willing to walk a little along the river and trying to find a quiet spot.
The mouth of the river Kourtaliotis forms a small lake here just before it reaches the sea.
A short distance away is the Preveli monastery, dating from the 16th or 17th c. and built in an enchanting setting with a superb view over the Libyan sea.
Other sea-side settlements to the east of Preveli are Agia Fotini, Agios Pavlos, and Agia Galini, all with superb beaches and crystal clear sea.
Tour of Rethymno Prefecture
AGIA GALINI
Agia Galini, in the sheltered bay of Mesara, is a beautiful village built on a hill overlooking the picturesque harbor, with a panoramic view over the Libyan sea. Its attractive beach, 1 kilometer long, has pebbles and crystal clear sea.
Along the coast to the west there are hidden caves, accessibles only by boat.
One of those caves is called the Cave of Daedalus and according the myth this is where Daedalus (a mythic craftsman) had his workshop.
Agia Galini attracts large numbers of tourists and has ample accommodation, shops and exciting nightlife.
PLAKIAS
The famous tourist resort of Plakias is situated on the bay of the same name.
It is a beautiful coastal village with fine sandy beaches and many hotel units.
The mild climate makes it an ideal place for unforgettable holidays.
From Plakias, there are boat trips to Frangokastelo on Chania, Preveli Monastery and Agia Galini.
TRADITION – EVENTS
Rethymno Town hosts several very interesting events, such as the Carnival, the Renaissance Festival in July and August, and the Wine Festival in June.
The town has the best carnival celebrations in Crete with a long tradition.
Another festival is held on 7-8th of November, in memory of the destruction of Arkadi Monastery.
CRETAN CUISINE
Traditional taverns and restaurants, which can be found practically in the capital and in every Rethymnon village, serve famous Cretan dishes: choclious (traditionally cooked snails), dakos, potatoes oftes, pies made of wild greens, staka chesse and the famous sweet tartines called kaltsounia.
Finish your meal with a glass of raki, an alcoholic drink the most famous in Crete.
