Rethymno, yours to Experience this fall!

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Get Everything That Rethymno Has to Offer

Discover the hidden treasures with Retyhymno's dept of tourism by traveling through the captivating scenery in Rethymno this coming fall. From action and adventure in the wild unknown places, to entertainment, shopping and historically rich tourist destinations. Wherever you begin, the journey will inspire passion and surprise, exploring sites you may have never thought about.

Uncovering natural wonders through biking, walking, hiking and sight seeing can be done at many of the Rethymno's endless wilderness attractions. The grape harvesting and visits to many wineries in eastern or western Crete are ideal places to begin the expedition.

Dip your feet into the turquoise ocean at Rethymno beach or hike to the churches and monasteries, visiting the archeological museum of Eleutherna, and many others. Walking at the Mili gorge are options that display the lush flora and fauna of the region. Fragrant flowers and fresh fruit can be purchased at the Rethymno's open market and visits made to many local producers at the more hidden-away outdoor farm stores.

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Active Tour

Come Out and Play

Although Rethymno may be well known for the exquisite 12 kilometers of beach right from the historic center, including the famous Caretta-Caretta beach, the secrets of the coast are not to be missed. Visit the tourist information point at the Venetian port where colleagues invite you to explore the out of the way places.

Rethymno is famous for its Carnival. The Carnival of Rethymno is a cultural and creative festivity which brings out the special character of the local population, highlights the long history and reach tradition of the town and atracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

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Every fall one can watch the beginning of preparations for the forth coming Carnival. Making of the floats and costumes begin and it is a creative opportunity to visit many unites getting prepared.

ARTtour

From the full multicutural historic beauty of the old town to the Venetian monuments spread all over the region, Rethymno has many walking paths leading to churches, monasteries and vibrant villages that offer many surprises.

Rethymno also has several natural and archaeological attractions.

Each offers an exceptional experience that can be appreciated by people of all ages.

The marvels of architecture that can be found off the beaten track will take you on exciting side trips. From the abandoned Venetian monuments, to monasteries and the Arkadi monastery, you will view rich history and unique attractions.There is also a series of cultural events organized for this coming 150 years of Arkadi celebrations in November that you can check out.

Pilgrimage Tour

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Ancient Eleutherna

12 km northeast you will come across a place of natural beauty and archaeological significance, Ancient Eleutherna.  The archaeological site is located on the serrated ridge of Psiloritis mountain, at a height of 380 m. The archaeologists brought to light findings of great importance referring to a part of an ancient settlement of several eras that includes prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.  On the west side of the hill, visitors of the museum will have the opportunity to see a necropolis of the geometric and archaic era. The exhibition within the museum is very significant and at the same time supported by the newest technological equipment.At the entrance of the museum you will find touchscreens installed, with information for the visitors.

Cult Tour

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The Armeni Late Minoan cementery The  Armeni Late Minoan cemetery is  located near Rethymno. The village of Armeni is 11 km far from Rethymno. It is located in the valley of Armenokampos at the foot of Vrisinas Mountain. The area was first inhabited by Armenian soldiers who came with Nikiforos Fokas to liberate Crete (961 AD).

Near the Armeni village there is an oak forest with a late Minoan cemetery (13th-12th century BC). Here are many walking paths with rich natural beauty and a large number of orchids and wild flowers. From the crossroad towards Somatas village the road leads you towards the University of Crete.

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Monuments & nature

Rethymno beach welcomes every year the egg-laying sea turtles Caretta-Caretta. Be the one who participates in the release of an injured sea turtle, or live the hatching of an egg and escape of a baby on its first travel into the ocean.Excavations are done during fall each year for the inspection of the success of every nest and if lucky one may see a baby Carretta-Caretta escape and speed to the sea. The ARCHELON program includes creating awareness within the locals and visitors about the conservation value of sea turtles with the support of local and international volunteers and the city of Rethymno.

Come to Rethymno to witness and live one of the biggest environmental experiences!

For this year’s schedule visit: www.rethymno.gr or www.archelon.gr

Share our experience protecting our fragile environment

Rethymno NAtour

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Rethymno has a pace of life that encourages you to stop and appreciate its natural beauty. Famed for its charm and the easy-going friendliness and hospitality of the people, Rethymno is the perfect fall escape.

Discover inland secrets and the wide variety of flora and fauna, visit the gorges, mountainous villages, follow hiking trails, etc. In this small area you may find: . 1,624 native wild plants with 170 endemic plant and 1,000 animal species· 12 walking trails (E4)· 4 Natura2000 - 13121.4200 acres areas· 10 of the most famous caves of Crete including Ideon Andron (the birth cave of Zeus)· 8km cycling path in the historic center and 1059km covering 22 cycling paths in the broader area· 11 small and large, impressive gorges· 65km sandy beach, where 12km begin in the historic Center · 150 nests of endangered sea turtle Caretta-Caretta, which lays its eggs every year on the 8 Blue Flags beaches in the municipality. Find It

Outdoor experiences

“Tourism for all! Promoting Universal Accessibility”” is the theme for the celebration of World Tourism Day on 27 September 2016, as defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).Rethymno is an accessible for all city with many hotels that are accessible and an infrastructure friendly to people with special needs. People with special needs and their families will have memorable holidays in our city known for its well preserved historic center, the well known Cretan healthy food, endless “open to everybody” beaches, archaeological sites and museums with “access to all” and open all year around.

Our guests prove time and time again just how much they

love our city and on every World Tourism Day we want to give them something back as a way to say thank you. Guests who have chosen Rethymno – destination repeatedly are rewarded for their loyalty by participating in a party organized by Rethymno’s Municipality Tourism Committee. An award is also given to honor individuals, organizations and enterprises that have made significant contributions to the City's Tourism.

Rethymno, for all SensesWorld Tourism Day 

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Live, Love, Eat

Rethymno is a place to experience the finest cuisine, among them, the famous Cretan cuisine that can be found in many tavernas in and out the city. You also get to see and learn about the making of simple Cretan dishes. Rethymno provides a comfortable and warm atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, or a place to take the family out. There is something to please everyone in the café menu showcase inspired by the Cretan cuisine. Try a variety of freshly made local dishes, fresh salads, all prepared with the best ingredients from the Rethymno region. Wine Cellar Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience in an amazingly ambient cellar venue with friendly, unpretentious service brought to you by talented waitstaff. The menu reflects an innovative patchwork of complex, bold flavors based on varied Cretan recipes brought together with warm hospitality. An award-winning wine list, handcrafted cocktails and local dishes (mezedes) are offered in the local cozy bars and cafes that are spread out all over the historic center. The Bars in the historic center take a more innovative approach with cocktails made with tsikoudia as a main ingredient. There are also visits to local wineries, open-air concerts and many other seasonal festivals including the famous Cretan Diet Festival

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The highlights of Rethymno are the ecological riches, natural wonders, educational adventures and vibrant culture that make destination Rethymno kid friendly.

Rethymno isn’t only well known for its beaches and its locations to swim. It is also well known for its laid-back pace of life and a safe destination for families with kids. Rethymno is much more than sand, it’s nature, it’s fruits and endemic herbs and flowers and its world famous rich flora and fauna. Its also fun. Rethymno’s city park playground was renovated and reintroduced to the public in 2016. Children can walk into the playground in the municipal park and also follow the "5 senses" educational walking path at the historic center offered for families.

There is also the “Games with olive” creative entertainment material that is provided at the Venetian Info point for kids to learn the importance of olive oil, “the Cretan gold”, in daily use.

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Kids-Friendly Activities for Family vacation in Rethymno

Travel is about making connections with a community, culture and, ideally, the local people.The people of Rethymno often seem relaxed and happy with whatever they are doing. Retail stores, restaurants and entertainment at Rethymno’s Town Center are at walking distance within the famous historic center.

Numerous shops for souvenirs with many local products, fashion or jewelery shops combine with the scenery to make a colorful street market. Souliou street is the place for gathering all the gifts you need to complete your shopping tasks. Arkadiou, E. Antistaseos and Kountouriotou Strs are  excellent shopping areas with carefully selected items and well known brands.

Located in the center at the city, visitors and local residents are near public parking and the bus station.

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Shopping tasks

Offbeat travel experiences, tours that are eclectic, fun, and still insightful are suggested to our visitors at the municipal Info point at the Venetian port. Activities are suggested in the "Rethymno, smart choice all year round" leaflet and includes customized offbeat travel and eco-friendly tours in Rethymno. These are handcrafted personalized experiences that result in a supreme personal traveling experience offered to our visitors.

Tourist Info point provides travelers with various opportunities to explore Rethymno. With so many options, visitors can choose from a variety of different styles of retreats to combine rest and relaxation with outings and activities.The person who works at the Info point suggests stress-reducing activities such as swimming, scuba diving, hiking, or beach sport activities.

Rethymno welcomes its visitors at the Venetian port Info point

At the Info point the department of tourism can help visitors to plan and organize their stay in Rethymno.

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Explore numerous museums and participate in community wide celebrations. With a sophisticated appreciation for traditional music and fine art, Rethymno offers museums, galleries and art tours featuring local artisans and artists. Discover Venetian & Ottoman archeological sites, historical buildings full of architectural art or monasteries and churches dated back to 11th century in or outside the city.Rethymno is ideal for gastronomic getaways, cooking classes, or visits to local traditional wineries, olive oil and cheese producers and make sure to include in your program the well known Cretan Diet Festival. Rethymno is a paradise for numerous excursions. Take a colorful journey to the base of the breathtaking Psiloriti (Idi) mountain where you'll find rich cultural, walking and cycling routes and experience the spirit of the mountain villages.

MUNICIPALITY OF RETHYMNODepartment of TourismEmail tourism@rethymno.gr

What better place to create priceless memories?

www.rethymno.gr