Rethymnon is the most mountainous prefecture of Crete with high mountain chains, such as Lefka Ori, Psiloritis (or Ida) and Kouloukounas. The climate is very good, although at times rather dry, with sunshine most of the year.

The variety and extent of its coastline make it possible for you to enjoy an infinite number of different places to swim, all of them waiting to drench you with warm, crystal clear water. It is also a beautiful harbour and picturesque town. The old part of the town has maintained an atmosphere that resembles the Venetian period and the Turkish occupation.

It is thought by many to be the most cultural city on Crete, with its charming Venetian quarters of winding streets and beautiful balconies and the ancient acropolis on Palekastro Hill. It offers beautiful views over the town and harbour from the 16th century fortress, which stands there. The capital and port is on the north side of the island and is the third largest town in Crete.

Many are the important smaller towns and villages in Rethymnon, such as Panormos, Anogia, Argiroupoli, Margarites, Bali, Gerani, Ag. Pavlos, Plakias and Aghia Galini, where you can meet locals, admire they historical monuments and learn the history of this important part of Crete.

Other significant towns and villages are Episkoppi, Perama and Spili. In small villages, they still maintain that hospitable spirit and their proud, honest emotions. Carrying with them a magnificent inheritance, they continue living their lives between the past and the present, with their celebrations, music, art and customs.

Visit the many monuments, such as the Fortezza Fortress, Lodgia, the Rimondi Fountain, the Venetian harbour. Equally interesting are the numerous churches and mosques such as Saint Franciscus Church and the Nerantzes, the Veli Passa, the Kara Moussa Passa and the Great Door Mosques. You can also visit the plethora of museums - the Cretan and Greek history and art, the archaeological, historic, folklore and the ecclesiastic museums, the Eleni Frantzeskaki Collection and other galleries.

Rethymnon is a city that caters to your every need. There are a lot of places to stay ranging from luxury hotels to rooms, bed and breakfast apartments, villas and farmhouses. There are many small shops with treasures from souvenirs, cards, various wines and cheeses, handicrafts, woven goods and folk art, to the most rare kind of sponge.

Night life can range from extremely intense on the pubs and bars around the harbor and inside the old city, to relaxed on small bars right on the beach. There is always fresh fish to be found in the tavernas around the harbor and there are many other restaurants and tavernas outside the city in equally attractive surroundings.

Come and experience the sensual delights, the charm and the uniqueness of Rethymnon today. Part contemporary, part timeless, part sophisticated and part of one of the most ancient of surviving civilizations; it will place a magical hold on your imagination, one, which is hard to define but impossible to evade.