Rethymnon is the third largest town in Crete. Holidays in Rethymnon centre round the picturesque harbour, which is dominated by the 17th-century Venetian fortress and backed by forested mountains. Rethymnon is a fusion of modern amenities and traditional old charm. The atmospheric old town is a maze of narrow streets, pretty fountains, archways, and stunning Venetian and Turkish architecture.
Rethymnon boasts some of the best beaches in Crete and appeals to sunbathers and water sports-enthusiasts alike. Rethymnon beach is packed with fine, pale sand and stretches 12 miles along the coast. Tourists can try their hand at jet skiing, speed boating, and windsurfing. Shopping in Rethymnon offers a good selection of small shops selling local handicrafts, as well as high street boutiques, and an open-air market.
Visitors can while away the evening by tucking in to traditional Greek dishes in local tavernas and mixing with the locals. Specialities include locally caught seafood dishes. Alternatively, lining the harbour is an array of larger restaurants serving a more varied international cuisine. The more energetic tourist can take a tour of the bars before dancing into the early hours one of the discos.