Rethymno lies between the White Mountains and Mt Psiloritis and borders to the prefectures of Hania and Iraklion. The prefecture has excellent beaches, picturesque mountain and seashore villages and famous resort centres. Rethymno town, the capital of the prefecture is divided into the old and the new town. While the new town is a typical modern city, the old town has retain much of its medieval and ottoman character and influence. Some places of interest to visit include the Archaeological museum the Fortezza and the Venetian harbour.

Rethymnos old town
The old city was built over the ruins of ancient Rithymna. A small charming town where the Venetian and Ottoman architecture and influence is obvious through out the city. The fortress The imposing fortress, also know as Fortezza was built in 1573 to protect the city’s population. The Venetians build it with four bastions and three entrances so as to be protected from attack by sea. In our days during summer various events are held in the small open-air theatre located inside the walls. Venetian Harbour The old Venetian harbour, from 1300 retains its picturesque character. There are numerous coffee shops and taverns on the seashore where you can relax and enjoy the view. Archaeological Museum The archaeological museum is housed in the Fortezza; it contains exhibits from the Neolithic era until the Turkish domination. The exhibits contain ceramic and stone figurines, stone jewellery founded in the Gerani cave, collection of Roman statues and collections of Roman, Greek and Byzantine coins as well as sarcophagi and inscriptions from Axos and Eleutherna.

Preveli monastery
The monastery dedicated to Saint John the Divine whose bell tower is dated 1629, is located on the summit of a bare hill. The view is magnificent and is one of the main reasons that visitors come up to the monastery. The foundation was established in the 16th and 17th century. The double-aisled church was built in 1836, under the Venetians. Inside the monastery is kept the cross set in gold, with precious stones and wood from the Holy Cross that is regarded as miraculous.

Beaches
Preveli beach: Is one of the most attractive of the island. You’ll have to walk through a path in order to get there but the place will reward you. The beach has crystal clear waters and palm trees. Follow the riverbeds of Kourtaliotis River, which ends up at Preveli beach forming natural pools of river water among the boulders. Souda: A sandy beach in Plakia bay, with palm trees and a tavern.
How to get there
By air: from Eleutherios Venizelos airport in Athens  By ferry: from Piraeus in 10 hours.