city tour rethymno

• ΔΙΑΔΡΟΜΗ & ΣΤΑΣΕΙΣ
• ΧΑΡΤΗΣ ΔΙΑΔΡΟΜΗΣ
• LITTLE TRAIN
• ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΕΣ
• EΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ

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Rethymno city tour on foot

Explore on foot the the beautiful  Rethymno city  with your professional licensed guide and local.

Rethymno is the third in size city of Crete and university seat of the University of Crete a Venetian and Ottoman city and the only complete city with its Fort in such good condition in the Eastern Mediterranean. We explore together niches of beauty and culture as we walk through the maze like streets, see the landmarks and historical monuments, workshops and locals …

The small but picturesque harbor with its fishing boats, the Egyptian Lighthouse of the Ottoman Era that still stands today, the Venetian Palazzos, Ottoman Konak, the Loggia,the Lion Fountain,the Philo pastry workshop, the bakery that makes sweet bread and biscuits in shapes of dragons, dolphins and flower wreaths,the workshop of the lira, Basilicas, the Cathedral of the city of Rethymno, Minarets from the Ottoman Era, a 18.century school that still functions today, the winged lion of St.Marcus as well as the Lion of the Sultan, Renaissance and Baroque, 16.century St.Francis Basilica today’s Archeological museum (Life in this city dates back to 6000 BC).

The municipal garden of Rethymno of the Ottoman period  that hosts every summer the Cretan diet and wine Festival.

Our walk takes us up to where in the past the Ancient Greek Goddess Artemis Diana was worshiped, the older sister of the Ancient God Apollo. Apollo was with his sister the Patron Gods of Rethymno in Antiquity, the ancient coins of the city depict Apollo or dolphins the emblem of Rethymno even today.The view is tremendous from here to the West the White mountain chain and to the East the highest mountain of Crete mount Ida as the poring blue sky falls into the sea surrounding us. Today the Venetian Fortezza of the 16 century stands in place of the ancient temple of Apollo. How becoming that today in this impressive Fort the Renaissance Festival of Rethymno is held every summer. For the Ancient God Apollo was the God of Music and Fine Arts..so in this Fort artists, performers, musicians from all over the world perform under the starry summer nights of Rethymno.

Our journey seeing and understand all that shaped the city of Rethymno, its people through its monuments, stories is also a story of aromas and tastes!

From the Kafenion tucked away to the opportunity to taste traditional plates meze of Crete and Rethymno.

Here in Crete  one sees how the ordinary becomes extraordinary as far as food is concerned.

Discover, explore, enjoy the city of Rethymno with a local as a local !

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In the mystical land of Greece, where ancient history and breathtaking beauty intertwine, a guide like Ioanna Kalypso Glypti is the key to unlocking the secrets of the past. With her unparalleled knowledge and passion for Greek and Cretan history, she is the best guide one could ever hope to find. Ioanna’s enchanting storytelling will transport you to a time when gods and goddesses roamed the earth, and heroes valiantly fought for love and honor. As she weaves tales of ancient battles and timeless romance, you will feel the heartbeat of Greece in every word she speaks. Her profound understanding of the rich culture and traditions of the land will provide you with an experience that transcends mere sightseeing. Ioanna’s love for her heritage shines through in every aspect of her tours, making each moment a treasured memory. As you traverse the rugged landscapes of Crete, Ioanna’s captivating presence will make you feel as if you are walking alongside the legendary figures of Greek mythology. Her ability to bring history to life is truly a gift, one that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of this ancient civilization. In the company of Ioanna Kalypso Glypti, you will not only discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Greece and Crete but also find yourself immersed in a world of romance, adventure, and timeless tales. Allow her to be your guide, and you will undoubtedly experience the magic and mystery of these lands in a way that will forever remain etched in your heart.

October 20, 2022 Our tour guide,  Ioanna Kalypso Glypt i, is probably the best tour guide I have ever experienced. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge, is crystal clear, and is theatrical enough to make history comprehensive and enjoyable. I loved the way she made her explanations personally relevant to all the cultural, religious, and linguistic groups on tour. The day trip included the Arkadi Monastery,  the Archeological Museum of Eleftherna, the Margarites potters’ village, and lunch at the house of Polios folk museum. We received an excellent introduction to Cretian history and culture while enjoying beautiful views and a warm social atmosphere. Read more in pedagogytoshare.com Nikki Aharonian

15 January 2022 Great guides are hard to find. Most guides know their facts. They’ll tell you when something was built, or by whom, and will obligingly recite the contents of the brochure or the guidebook. Better guides are also good storytellers. They’ll throw in a few anecdotes, some fun trivia, and a joke or two to keep it lively and engaging. And often, that’s enough. After all, most travelers have come to see the attractions, not listen to the guide. Let the site speak for itself. Res ipsa loquitur. But Ioanna is unique. She has the ability to transport you away from the crowds, far from coach buses and selfie sticks, all the way to four thousand years ago. With words, she rebuilds ruined palaces, restores faded mosaics, recreates forgotten ceremonies, and you’re an observer, not a visitor, a participant, not a tourist. Her breadth of knowledge is outstanding. As easily as she moves you in time, she whisks you thousands of miles to faraway lands, drawing cultural parallels from societies all over the globe, ancient and modern, to help you gain better understanding – and deeper appreciation of your experience. And while doing so – she keeps you constantly engaged, so you’re not listening to a lecture, you’re conversing with a friend. We are avid travelers and have worked with hundreds of guides. Ioanna is, without a doubt, one of the very best we have ever encountered, and one of the most interesting people we’ve ever met. But fair warning – her love for Crete is so infectious, she’ll make you fall for it too! So you might have to come back again and again and again… Anon

The only way to visit and understand Knossos is to have Joanna Kalypso Glyptis as your guide. “Kalypso” in ancient Greek means “she that conceals”; a complete misnomer – Joanna herself is quite the opposite. She is the best historical guide we have ever used, anywhere. She is equipped with an extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge of Middle East, Egyptian and Mediterranean culture, language and history. She draws a powerful picture of the emergence and decline of Minoan culture and the impact of the bull on mankind’s shift from hunter gatherer to agrarian domesticity. Joanna connected the dots for us across Iranian, Egyptian, Phoenician and Indo-European tribes and migration, and gave Knossos context. She challenges old dogma and myths and brings fresh insights into the role of women, and new interpretations of the roles of gods, witches and divines which interweave and embellish all religions. Her historical portrayal of Sir Arthur Evans and his unearthing of Knossos is revelatory. Joanna vividly emphasises the power of language and communication to cause major cultural shifts. Her own linguistic and intellectual prowess made our brains fizz. Gordon Ferris

If any of you travelin’ women are going to Crete, Santorini or mainland Greece, and are looking for a way cool woman guide, I highly recommend Ioanna Kalyso Glypti. She has incredible wisdom on so many topics, including Greek history, archaeology, Divine Feminine, mythology… and the list goes on. Ioanna can be contacted thru her small boutique travel company she recently formed with a few colleagues called 1618Travel.com

An elaborate, detailed historical overview as I have never hoped to experience. Smart lady, knows her stuff and because she really loves what she does, she does it so well. I would recommend anytime! Well done Ioanna!!!

A tour to the Island of Spinalonga with Ioanna was a memorable tour. A heart warming tour, an eye opening tour, not only into Crete and Spinalonga, but also an experience of ones inner soul. Thank you Ioanna!

Arriving on Crete, most people will be excited to discover the beauty of the island and of course, million solutions can be found. However, sometimes it is difficult to select the expected quality. For sure, the 1618 Travel can cover the top expectations bearing in mind the fact that the company provides a wide range of services, including sightseeing privet tours, event organization, etc. The highly qualified unique members of the team will help you to schedule in advance your stay on Crete and the areas around (ex. Santorini) as well as to give you the possibility to taste and feel Crete! I had the possibility to be guided by the amazing Ioanna Kalypso Glypti and for sure my trips to Knossos and Spinalonga, Heraklion and Rethymno town will stay unforgettable. Once again THANK YOU IOANNA!

Towns, temples, textiles and even tasty treats were all to be had on tour with 1618 Travel Private Tours! Ancient history was made relate-able and relevant and, delivered with such clarity and conviction that each person in my group was transfixed if not transported. Highly recommend!

We have had unforgettable day with conversable and nice guide Ioanna, who has considerable experience of work and extensive knowledge of history. Our excursion was very informative and exciting. We would like to say thank you to 1618 Travel Private Tours for competent work! Highly recommend!

I had the chance to savor the best of Crete in 3 visits all of which in the company of the experienced tour guide Ioanna Kalypso Glypti.As a professional travel editor for the past 15 years I was amazed by her knowledge, her love for the land and the people and professional ethos.This summer she gave me deep insight information concerning Spinalonga, the renovated Herakleion museum (a definite must), picturesque Aghios Nicholaos and Rethymno.But what was truly reveling was our tour last spring during Carnival in the countryside of Rethymno!She was the right person to open all of the closed doors to Byzantine chapels,the ancient site of Eleftherna (which is due to open to the public for the first time in June 2016) as well as narrate truly interesting stories on carnival traditions and festivities.Ioanna Kalypso is definitely going to be my choice whenever I visit Crete.My next goal?The antiquities of Lassithi and southern Crete!

I’ve had to opportunity to tour the World working as a musician on many luxury cruise ships, visiting many exotic and romantic ports. One of the benefits of my job is I get to go on ship tours as an “Escort.” I take notes of the itinerary, the timing, the Guest’s reactions and the competence of the Professional Tour Guide. After several hundred tours I consider myself well-versed in evaluating these tours. One of my most memorable and enjoyable times was when I was on a four month tour with RCCL “Independence of the Seas” We stopped in Crete every 10 days. This Island has fascinated me for its incredible history and mythological genesis. The Head God of Greek Mythology “Jupiter” was born there and the Minoan civilization flourished until the volcanic explosion on Santorini wiped them out. (I’ve been scuba diving in the caldera left from the eruption, nice dive!) I was fortunate enough to be on tour 3 or 4 times with Ioanna as our Professional Tour Guide. It was such a treat to see her work, as I very much appreciate top-flight professionals with that extra non-definable element that makes their work so special and enjoyable. Not only is her knowledge of History and Archeology vast, her delivery is spellbinding and intriguing. She has a rare ability to imbue seemingly innocuous sites with historical perspective and adds excitement and wonder to the tours. An eloquent and passionate speaker, she enthralled the guests and made everyone gratified and fulfilled. For connoisseurs and Adventurers, her work got a 5Star rating every time! Thank You Ioanna, for sharing your very special world, and your very special gifts with us! Hope to be on tour with you in Crete soon!

We spent one week at a hotel close to Rethymnon and after a web search for a guided tour , we came across Ioanna Kalypso. What an amazing guide. Excellent English, polite and friendly , met us at the Loggia on time. We booked a city tour in the old part of Rethymnon and Ioanna shared all the insights of this beautiful city … Overall a great experience , Ioanna brought to life all that history of Rethymnon and made it interesting for our children.

I visited Crete for the first time in May 2015 with PTS and my group and I were more than fortunate in having as a tour guide a young lady – Ioanna K Glyptis whose knowledge of the Island was most impressive without any reference to notes we were continually regaled with facts and figures in a way that we could relate to the places we visited. The Temple of knossos is impressive as was the archaeology museum adjacent to Rethymno Castle and it was a pleasure to be guided through the countryside with stops at local Tavernas for refreshment and discussion.

We are fans of active rest and we were looking for different tours to get acquainted with new places and rich history of the island. This year we’ve used services of “Tour Guides Crete” to see two fundamental monasteries of the island which are “Arkadi Monastery” and “Monastery of Preveli” .This private tour took us one day and brought a lot of positive emotions. Since August in Crete is a very hot month, we were pleasantly surprised by the fresh wind and the beauty of the gorge Kourtaliotiko through which our way laid. This tour was very interesting and informative. Ioanna provided us with a detailed history of the monasteries and the island in general. It should not go unmentioned that she has a very responsible attitude to her work and deep knowledge of history and archeology. We got an unforgettable experience. As to the organization of the tour I should say that it was carefully planned fully in line with our wishes. We had a diner in a lovely restaurant where we tasted local cuisine on the advice of our guide and at the end of the day, we went down to the palm grove to refresh in the river water after a hot day. We are very grateful to Ioanna for the day and the memories we got and for her warm relationship. Next year we plan to visit Knossos and Phaistos with her. We are looking forward to the new summer vacation.

I have been to Chania center with Ioanna Kalypso and spent a great time wondering through it’s old beautiful narrow streets accompanied by a friendly and open guide with extensive work experience. It was not my first time in Chania but she showed me a lot of interesting historical places and I’ve learned a lot of new about the modern life of the city and about it’s past. It was a great experience for me. Excursion was guided on the high level. That was just amazing.

I went on excursion guided by Ioanna Kalypso Glypti to the west part of the island. Following the northwest coastline, and turning south before Rethymnon, we reach the Monastery of Arkadi, a supreme symbol for Cretans: Freedom or Death. Due to its isolated situation it has been used throughout history as a centre for resistance movements. But most impressing was Ioanas knowledge about the place and the way she presented it to us. Honestly speaking I am not that interested in history, but Ioanas ability to touch people deeply convinced me very much. That is why I also followed her to Knosos. I highly recommend to check out her service.

I had the most marvelous vacation on the lovely island of Crete this past summer. I owe it all to our lovely tour guide Joanna Glyptis. Her English was impeccable and her knowledge of the area was very handy as she knew just the best places to eat. In Heraklion she took us to a lovely little tavena called Antipodas where we had the local Cretan foods. Oh how I love Greek salad.We then moved on to Rethymno where we ate at Gregori taverna and more Cretan specialties such as chicken with greens. Most tours I’ve been on feel exactly as that,just tours. But Joanna’s warmth made the days truly special. On a scale of 1-10 I’d give her a 20.

Last summer I toured with a group of 18 women to Crete. We were so fortunate to have Ioanna as our guide for the week. Her expertise on Crete , Greek history , the culture surpassed any guide I have had on my many travels. We explored the beautiful museums of the area and she peaked your interest with her extensive knowledge that kept the group so engaged with questions and wanting more.. Ionana was always available to help us order Crete’s Amazing food and always with a smile. I highly recommend Ioanna.

As an archaeologist introducing sites to British ex-pats here on the island, I can only attempt such ventures in the company of a credited Guide. We were put in touch with Ioanna Glypti. Which was extremely lucky for us. In that I had unwittingly found someone with extensive and practical skills in organization (she did much to help the tours run smoothly, and the statutory permits), as well as a lively and inquisitive turn of mind. She is personable, knowledgeable and professional. Her approach embraces both the ‘traditional’, further enlivened and expanded by her own interests in the social aspects of these worlds. And other quirky matters. Thus, when we were on site, it was possible to enthuse our audience with two different viewpoints – one resolutely archaeological and the other from a complimentary social angle. Not that IG was in any way lacking on the historical-archaeological aspects, as was demonstrated when as a bonus she organized a side-trip to one of the many Byzantine churches in the Amari valley. There she had to be translator and guide: accomplished with no problems. I know from the reports of the same ex-pat group that they have taken several other trips with her within and without the cities of West Crete .. and been delighted by her personality, dedication and professional skills alike. Since she loves a discussion (two-way), she welcomes and encourages sensible participation from her groups. Give her a whirl!!

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Rethymno City Tour - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

13 Best Things to do in Rethymno Crete

• David Angel
• Crete , Greece

This is my guide to the best things to do in Rethymno, Crete. The city of Rethymno has all the perfect ingredients for wonderful holidays in Crete.

It’s as close as you can get to the unique, perfect package – one of the best beaches in Crete a short bus ride away, a picturesque old harbour and one of the most beautiful towns in Greece.

Rethymno, Crete’s third city, has one of the biggest beaches on the island, right next door to a beautiful medieval Old Town, full of narrow streets buzzing with outdoor restaurants.

We lived in Rethymno for over two months, getting to know this beautiful small city intimately.

Also known as Rethymnon, it’s one of the best places to stay in Crete. It’s in an ideal location, roughly halfway between the Crete capital Heraklion and the western city of Chania . Most of the best things to do in Crete are within easy reach, whether by bus, hire car or guided tour, and there is a great choice of Rethymno beaches to explore.

Here’s the full lowdown on the best things to do in Rethymno.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Rethymno – The Old Town And Around

Rethymno fortezza.

The Fortezza is the Venetian fortress overlooking the old town of Rethymno. The castle dates back to the late 16 th century, and was captured in 1646 by the invading Ottoman Turks.

The low, stout walls of Rethymno fortress still dominate the town, although the high, narrow streets mean that you only see it up close or from the harbour and beach.

We paid our first visit to the Fortezza an hour before sunset. It was a wonderfully evocative time to be there, with the low light making the old mosque and church glow orange as the sun disappeared behind the mountains to the west.

Much of the space inside the Fortezza is now empty, after houses within were demolished around a century ago. Now it’s quite empty and spacious, and the best thing to do there is to walk the ramparts and admire the superb views. It’s fairly low-key, but one of the most recognisable landmarks in Crete .

Rethymno B each

The beach in Rethymno city is one of the biggest beaches in Crete. It starts a five-minute walk from the eastern edge of the Old Town, and continues eight miles (13 km) to the village of Skaleta.

It’s also a very wide beach in places, with a 30 to 40 metre walk from the beach entrance to the shoreline. Many different local hotels, guesthouses and restaurants operate sections of the beach.

Greek beach etiquette dictates that you hire one or two sunbeds and an umbrella. This sets you back between 5 and 10 euros – the closer to the shoreline you go, the higher the price.

The beach continues to the edge of Rethymno town to villages beyond. Confusingly, some travel websites refer to these villages outside Rethymno as Rethymno. Look at the location carefully before booking. They all look out onto the same long beach, but some of them are a 20-minute bus ride or drive away.  

It’s pretty easy to find your way around this area if you don’t have a car. The #20 bus route is one of the most popular in the area, running from Rethymno bus station to Panormos , a fishing village around 20 km to the east on the Heraklion highway.

The bus passes through Platanes, Adelianos Kampos and Sfakaki en route to Panormos. Check the KTel website for current bus timetables.

See Also: 40 Of The Best Beaches In Crete

R ethymno Old Town

Old Town Rethymno is gorgeous. It’s one of the best places in Crete to wander and explore. It’s quite extensive, stretching from the modern harbour and port to the Fortezza.

Most of the old town dates back to Venetian times (until the 17 th century), and there are also some distinctive overhanging Ottoman houses around the streets as well.

Rethymnon old town is so attractive because most of it is pedestrianised, so everyone can slowly amble around the streets. It’s not as if there are that many specific Rethymno attractions to see as such – rather it’s the overall effect of exploring such a beautiful place. Many of the best restaurants in Rethymno are concentrated in this area.

In summer season many of the tables outside are full, throngs of people are out for the evening, eating out, walking or enjoying an ice cream from one of the many gelaterie around the town. If you’re tempted to try some of the latter, try Angeli Gelato on Vosporou, just down the hill and to the right of the Porta Guora.

Rethymno Old Town is smaller than Chania Old Town , and has less quiet corners and streets than its western neighbour.

The streets of the Old Town and along the harbour are often busy until midnight and beyond. Most Rethymno nightlife seems to consist of eating out, or perhaps having a drink or three at one of the many bars and cafes. Not to mention stopping off at one of the many patisseries around the town.

Rethymno Venetian Harbour

Rethymno’s late medieval harbour is small and impossibly picturesque. Waterfront restaurants occupy two sides of it, while the harbour wall and lighthouse occupy another.

The views towards the town and mountains are unforgettable. The lighthouse was built by the Egyptian occupiers around 1830.

The Blue Steps of Rethymno

Your Rethymno sightseeing isn’t complete until you’ve tracked down the city’s famous Blue Steps.

They’re on an alleyway next to Vassilis restaurant , which is on Chimaras, itself one of the most beautiful streets in Rethymno. Tables are usually set there – a lovely place to dine. Or just photograph.

Rethymno Restaurants

We dined at numerous restaurants and tavernas in and around Rethymno over the course of our extended stay.

Our rule of thumb is that if it’s packed, it’s got to be pretty good, and this was very much the case in Rethymno.

Nostos is a new seafood restaurant on the main beach strip (Sofokli Venizelou 73), serving a mixture of Greek and Mediterranean dishes.  I stumbled upon this one by chance as I was looking for somewhere shady to walk!

Chance discoveries are often the best, and this was especially serendipitous, as the food was outstanding. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a contender for one of the best restaurants in Crete.

There are two Barrio cafes in Rethymno, one across the street from the Municipal Garden, the other on Portaliou, just up from the beach. They serve a range of pasta dishes, salads and burgers. We visited the Portaliou branch several times as it was at the end of our street, and gave it a massive thumbs-up every time.

Casa di Haris (Mosologiou 22) serves great Italian food. Faye said that her lasagne was one of the best she had ever had, and my beetroot risotto was of a very high standard.

Rimondi Fountain

One of the most popular Rethymno things to do is to stop by at the Rimondi fountain. It’s an ornate stone Venetian fountain with the water passing through three lions’ heads near the base. It’s a popular spot for photographs, and is surrounded by busy restaurants.

Neratze Mosque

One of the most prominent Rethymno landmarks is the Neratze mosque, on spacious Petychaki Square.  The Turks took over what was originally a Venetian church, adding the soaring minaret which is the tallest structure in the Old Town.

After the Turks left, the building reverted to church status, but it wasn’t used as such again. It’s now used as a concert venue. Petychaki Square is a lovely spot, especially on balmy evenings and after dusk.

Local families tend to hang out there, sitting on benches around the edge of the square, while the kids burn off energy playing late into the evening.

Rethymno Funfair

The funfair in Rethymno is set up on ground very close to the port, only a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. There are only about six rides, and most of these are suited to under-5s. The most popular ride is the dodgems, or bumper cars. Our little fellow loved it, causing a ten-car snarl-up by reversing in circles and running into everybody.

Rethymno Municipal Garden

The main Rethymno park is located on the edge of the Old Town, a two-minute walk from the Porta Guora archway. It’s mostly visited by locals in the evening. There’s the largest playground in the city, and a most convivial café, Le Jardin , next to the park’s central fountain.  

Koumbes Beach

The only drawback with the main Rethymno beach is that northerly winds sometimes rough the sea up. This can lead to conditions being unsuitable for swimming.

We discovered Koumbes beach, around 1 km from the Old Town and a short walk west from Rethymno bus station. There are two small sections just below the main road, one with sand, the other without. The two stone breakwaters take the brunt of the waves, so it’s a safe alternative to the main beach. The water is crystal clear, and you get a great view back to the Fortezza.

Things To Do In Rethymno – Beaches Outside The City

There are many other beaches near Rethymno to discover, both to the east and west.

Spilies beach is one of the first you reach once you leave the long main Rethymno beach behind. It’s a tiny, pebbly cove with stunning cliffs either side. It’s hidden down a valley off the main Heraklion to Rethymno highway, and has a pleasant little taverna.

Geropotamos beach is close to Spilies – you can walk between the two, along the track running alongside the highway. It’s a lovely sweep of sand, with the stunning Kamara sea arch at the end.

Bali, Crete is another village popular with tourists. There are five different Bali beaches in all, and four of them are fairly sheltered coves. Karavostasi beach is particularly beautiful.

The beaches to the west of Rethymno, on the road to Chania, are also rather special. One of our favourites is Georgioupolis , another long, broad sweep of golden Mediterranean sand. It also has a lovely little white church built on the sea wall.  

Things To Do In Rethymno – Day Trips

Rethymno is ideally placed for exploring many of the central Crete attractions, inland and along the coast.

One of the easiest day trips from Rethymno is up to the Myli Gorge, close to the village of Chromonastiri, which you can reach on the local tourist train.

It’s an abandoned valley which was once home to around 30 watermills, only one of which still functions. It’s a 2-mile downhill hike past centuries-old ruins, passing some delightful churches on the way down. The Rethymno city tour bus drops you off at the head of the gorge.

Around 20 km to the east of Rethymno, Arkadi Monastery is one of the most famous landmarks in Greece . This medieval monastery was the last refuge of a heavily-outnumbered force during the 1866 Cretan Revolt.

Rather than cede to the occupying Ottoman Turkish army, the 259 rebels, along with around 70 women and children and the monks opted to blow themselves up in the gunpowder store.

It’s of huge significance to all Greeks, but Crete had to wait almost another 50 years before finally being incorporated into Greece. One of the easiest ways of seeing Arkadi Monastery is on a day tour from Rethymno , which includes a visit to the nearby vilage of Margarites.

The Rethymno province section of the Crete south coast has many great beaches to discover. One of the most popular is the stunning Preveli beach below a monastery of the same name – this Preveli tour from Rethymno takes you to both before a late lunch stop at the delightful Damnoni beach near Plakias.

One of the hidden gems of Crete is around a mile’s walk from Damnoni. Kalypso Beach is a narrow rocky fjord (yes, a fjord in Crete) beneath a towering cliff, and one of the best beaches in Crete for swimming.

The water there is phenomenal, among the clearest we’ve ever swum in. Check out our Kalypso Beach Crete feature for more information and images aplenty.

Where to Stay in Rethymno

There’s also the question of where to stay in Rethymno, Greece. You can opt to stay somewhere along the beach strip in Rethymno city itself, or go further out, either driving or using the #20 bus route.

If you’re looking for a Rethymno beach hotel, the five-star Aquila Porto Rethymno is a great place to start. It’s right across the road from the broadest section of Rethymno town beach, and runs its own section of beach. It’s one of the best hotels in Crete for luxury and location, with the Old Town a ten-minute stroll away.

The same chain also runs the Aquila Rithymna Beach at Adelianos Kampos, 10 km (6 miles) to the east off the road to Heraklion. It’s one of the best Rethymnon hotels, overlooking a fantastic section of beach.

Rethymno has some of the best luxury hotels Crete has, and the Kriti Beach Hotel, overlooking the Rethymno town beach, is another great option. Many rooms and suites have views over the beach, out to sea and across the harbour towards the Fortezza. It’s also only five minutes’ walk from the Old Town.    

Map of the best things to do in Rethymno

To make your holiday planning easier I created this map for you in google maps. It shows the location of all the best things to do in Rethymno that I’ve talked about in this article as well as the best places to visit and tours you can take from Rethymno. Click on the map and it will take you to google maps where you can download the map and save it to your phone to use when you are in Rethymno

Things To Do In Rethymno – Final Words

I hope you have enjoyed my guide to Rethymno and that you have found it helpful.

We loved Rethymno and found it a fantastic place to stay. It’s also a great base for exploring central and western Crete.

There are many smaller resorts and beaches to visit along the coast. Take a look at my guide to the best Rethymno beaches , which covers the entire Rethymno province. I have also written guides to Spilies Beach , Geropotamos Beach and Panormos Crete , all just to the east of Rethymno. Also check out my guide to the Bali Crete beaches further east on the road to Heraklion.

If you venture a few miles inland, you’ll also reach Arkadi Monastery , scene of a courageous last stand against Ottoman troops in 1866. And for somewhere closer to Rethymno, see my guide to the Mili Gorge Crete hike for a great afternoon out.

There are many more great day trips from Rethymno, to the south and west of the city. Georgioupolis Crete has a great beach and gorgeous white fishermen’s chapel on a causeway in the harbour. It’s also very close to the village of Argyroupoli and the freshwater Kournas Lake.

On the south coast, don’t miss the stunning palm forest and Preveli Beach. For something a little different – a fjord – check out my guide to the remarkable Kalypso Beach Crete , and nearby Damnoni Beach . Both are near Plakias, another great base on the south Crete coast.

Rethymno’s location means many of the top Crete attractions are within reach as day trips. Check out my guide to the best things to do in Chania , for me the most beautiful city in Crete.

You can also take day trips to the most popular beaches along the remote west coast. The tropical lagoon of Balos Beach Crete and pink sands of Elafonissi Beach are the most popular. But don’t miss extraordinary Falassarna Beach , which we rate one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe .

And finally don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Heraklion , Crete’s fascinating capital. The city is home to the Knossos Minoan palace site and one of the best archaeological museums in the world.

• Hersonissos Beaches – the 15 best beaches around the busy Crete resort
• Malia Beaches – the complete guide to Malia’s famous beaches
• Voulisma Beach – gorgeous tropical beach near Agios Nikolaos
• Things To Do In Rethymno – Crete’s beautiful third city
• Bali Crete Beaches – all 5 beaches in this north coast seaside village

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

RETHYMNO TRAIN TOUR

Discover the historical center of the city.

A relaxing short trip around the historical center of Rethymno city during which you will see the most important historical monuments and sites of interest of Rethymno, such as Fortezza Castle, Logia, “Megali Porta” (Porta Guora or Great Door), Four Martyrs Square, and more, while you will get to learn all indispensable relevant information through audio guide. It is a tour not to miss.

ROUTE AROUND THE CITY

We 'll be back with you at the start of the season!

ONE OF THE MUST THINGS TO DO IN RETHYMNO

Frequently asked questions, where is your station.

Our station is at Sofokli Venizelou Street next to Agnostos square.

Find us on Google Maps .

What time does the train depart?

The departures differ during the season, so you will have to check our timetable on our website or at our station.

How much time does the tour take?

The duration of the tour is 30-35 minutes.

Do I need to book in advance?

No, you just need to be to our station at least 15 minutes before the departure time that you wish.

Can I buy tickets online?

No, you can only buy tickets on our station.

Can I pay by card?

Yes of course.

Is there discount for children?

Yes, check our pricelist on our website or at our station for further details.

Can I get off and on the train during the tour?

No, this is a round trip which means that you can only get off and on at our station.

How many stations are there?

There is only one station.

Is there only one route?

Yes, there is only one same route in the historical centre of Rethymnon City.

Is there a guiding system?

Yes, there is an audio guide in Greek, English, German, French and Russian.

Is the ticket valid all day?

No, the ticket is valid only for one tour.

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10 Best Things to Do in Rethimno, Crete (+ Port Guide, Travel Tips)

Rethimno (also written Rethymno and Rethymnon) is one of the most beautiful port towns on the island of Crete, Greece. Crete consists of four regional units: Chania, Rethimno, Heraklion, and Lasithi, Rethimno being the capital city of the Rethimno region. With more than 34.000 inhabitants, Rethimno is the third most populous city in Crete after Chania and Heraklion.

This scenic coastal city has a scenic port, a long beach with crystal clear water, a charming old town and everything needed for a perfect vacation. In this article, I share with you the top 10 things to do in Rethimno, useful tips and practical information on the port of Rethymno.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Chania , Heraklion , Rhodes , Mykonos , Santorini , Corfu , Athens (Piraeus) , Limassol

Rethimno Travel Info

• Rethimno is located on the north coast of Crete, 68 km/42 miles (a 1-hour 10 min drive) east of Chania and 80 km/50 miles (a 1-hour 15 min drive) west of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.
• The town of Rethimno is connected with Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos (the capital of the Lasithi region on the eastern side of Crete) via the E-75 national road (no tolls). The rest of the roads in Crete are regional.
• The currency in Greece is EURO (€) and you’ll find ATMs and some currency exchange offices in the city of Rethimno. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Due to its fantastic location between Chania and Heraklion, Rethimno is a perfect starting point for the exploration of the island and one of the best places to stay on Crete. Make sure you download the https://maps.me/ app before hitting the road!
• The best way of getting around Crete is by car. In Rethimno and other cities, you’ll find many rent-a-car agencies where you can get a car starting at 60€ per day (prices from August 2022). Some car rental agencies may ask you to make a deposit, which is not recommended to do. Make sure you are fully insured. The insurance doesn’t cover off-road damages and accidents. Book Crete rent a car online
• In Rethimno it’s relatively easy to find free parking , especially along the seafront promenade. In the area around the Rethimno port and old town, parking is available for an extra charge, as well as on clearly marked spots you’ll see in the city.
• Rethimno is well connected by bus to other parts of the island, particularly Chania and Heraklion. There are also local buses serving the bus stops of the city of Rethimno and these are great if you want to move around and check out some other local beaches at a small cost. The ticket is 1.5€ one-way and buses run every 20-30 minutes. You can buy the tickets at the kiosks at bus stations, or some supermarkets and grocery stores. If you want to travel to other cities by bus, you can check out the timetables and fares at the main Rethimno bus station located at the address: Leof. Emmanouil Kefalogianni, near the Old Town.
• Unlike other islands, Crete is rich in natural resources and has potable water . However, because this water is of slightly different chemical composition, it’s recommended to drink bottled water.
• Crete is generally very windy , especially in July and August, which may affect the beach time as well. Based on the currents, winds and waves, beaches in Crete can be assigned the red flag (swimming and water activities are prohibited), yellow flag (swimming is allowed with caution) and green flag (swimming is allowed). Before planning your itinerary, always check out the weather forecast on https://poseidon.hcmr.gr/ first, as the wind can spoil your beach time.
• There are two main international airports in Crete: Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” and Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis”, from where you need to take a transfer to Rethimno (from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 min driving time). Book a private transfer from Crete Airports to Rethimno
• Although Rethimno can easily be visited on foot, the Rethymno City Tour by bus or little train departs from Iroon Square in the city center, where the Old Town begins. It is a Hop-on Hop-off tour that includes stops at twelve different locations such as Fortezza Castle, Old Town, Municipal Garden, Panagia Chalevi monastery, Myli Gorge, Agia Irini monastery, the Military Museum and a few more. You can find the timetables and fares on the official webpage https://rethymnocitytour.com/
• If you want to read about the top 15 things to do on Crete for first-time visitors, check out my article Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion
• Explore Rethymno tours and activities
• Check out the best Rethymno hotels

10 Best Things to Do in Rethimno

Unlike Chania and Heraklion which don’t have a public city beach, Rethimno has a beautiful, 12 km long public beach boasting all types of facilities and activities needed for a perfect vacation.

Crete is known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world whose beginnings date back to 3500 BC. The Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are the two major locations where you can admire the fascinating legacy of this civilization, however, little is known that the town of Rethymno was also originally built during the Minoan civilization.

In ancient times, the town of Rethymnon was first occupied by Dorians and then Romans, before finally being conquered by the Venetians in 1204 after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. The Republic of Venice ruled Rethymno and Crete until 1669 when the island was occupied by the Ottomans. The island has finally united with the rest of Greece in December 1913, mainly thanks to Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the most important Greek political figures of all time.

The major growth and flourishing of Rethymno happened in the 16th century when the entire town was rebuilt by the Venetians and the majority of the present structures in Rethymno date from that period. All these historical facts are important to understand Rethymno’s fascinating past reflected in the town’s unique architecture featuring a blend of Cretan Renaissance, Ottoman influences and modern elements.

1. Rethymno Old Town

Rethymno’s old town is an endless maze of twisty, narrow streets filled with souvenir shops, stores, restaurants and cafes housed in old, centuries-old buildings. Here, you’ll find some important landmarks, monuments and museums such as:

• Rimondi Fountain – The elegant fountain dominates the small Petichaki square and was built in 1696 by the Venetians.
• Venetian Loggia – The 16th-century Loggia houses the information office of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
• Archaeological Museum of Rethymno – The museum is located across from the Neratze Mosque and overlooks Mikrasiaton square. The museum holds an impressive collection of artifacts, objects and archaeological treasures dating from the Minoan to Roman times.
• Neratze Mosque – Originally a Venetian church, the building was converted into a mosque in the 17th century during the Ottoman occupation. In the 20th century, the mosque was turned again into a church but never functioned as one. Nowadays, it houses the Municipal Odeon Arts Center where music lessons are held and music concerts are performed.
• Megalos Antonios Church – A beautiful church famous for its picturesque bell tower.
• Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete – A modern museum showcases the artwork of Lefteris Kanakakis and other Greek artists.

Check out Rethymno’s old town tours and activities

2. Venetian Fortezza Castle

Visiting the Venetian Fortezza fortress is a must-do if you want to enjoy the best panoramic views of Rethymno. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century on the hill of Paleokastro (meaning “Old Castle”), on the site of the acropolis of ancient Rithymna.

The Venetian authorities had an original plan of permanently moving the entire city to the fortress, however, the local people disagreed and refused it. As a result, only the Venetian Guard administration moved there and built the necessary infrastructure.

In 1646, the citadel was occupied by the Ottomans who made some extensions and additions to the Fortezza. During World War II, German soldiers occupied it and some of the buildings were turned into prisons and dormitories.

Nowadays, Fortezza is a restored hilltop castle complex open to the public. You can visit its Eastern Gate complex, Artillery warehouse, bastions, Counselors’ residence, Sultan Ibrahim Khan Mosque, the ruins of the Episcopal Mansion, a beautiful tiny St. Catherine’s Church, and other buildings and ruins.

Fortezza is located on top of the hill and offers undoubtedly the most spectacular views of Rethymno town and the coast.

Check out Venetian Fortezza tours and activities

3. Old Venetian Harbour

The Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno was built by the Venetians in the 13th century as a trade port. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of Rethymno, dotted with a 9-meter-high Egyptian lighthouse easily reachable on foot. It is the second largest remaining Egyptian lighthouse on Crete after the one in Chania, built in the 1830s during the Egyptian Occupation when the Turks handed Crete to the Egyptians.

The Old harbour is located next to the marina and the bustling old town, lined with a promenade with palm trees, restaurants, cafes and shops.

4. Rethymno Promenade

The town of Rethymno boasts a very long beachfront promenade overlooking the port and Old Venetian Harbour. The promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, travel and car rental agencies. It is ideal for sunset walks when you can admire the romantic views of the port of Rethymno and the Fortezza in its background.

5. Rethymno Beach

The promenade of Rethymno is lined with a 12 km long beach of Rethimno, a wide urban beach where you’ll find all sorts of facilities including sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguard stations, showers, changing rooms, beach bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles, and the water is crystal clear and relatively warm.

Depending on the season, swimming on the beach may be prohibited due to the dangerous waves (you’ll see the red flags). The current prices (updated in August 2022) for a set of an umbrella and two sunbeds vary from 5€ to 10-15€, and some bars offer them for free if you order drinks.

6. Baja Beach Club

This great beach club is located 3 km from Rethymno city center and offers an ultimate all-day beach experience. Besides a beautiful beach, here you can find a large pool, a restaurant, a snack bar, a shisha bar, umbrellas, standard and lux sunbeds, Gazebos and music all day long!

There is a large free parking in front of the club, and you can also get there by bus from Rethymno city center. The one-way bus ticket costs 1.5€ and buses run every 20-30 minutes. The ride lasts less than 10 minutes, and you can just tell the driver to stop at Baja Beach Club. You can check out the gallery, offer and prices on the official webpage https://bajabeach.gr/

7. Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi monastery (Moni Arkadiou) is located 20 km/12 miles (a 30-minute drive) southeast of Rethymno and is situated on a plateau surrounded by lush hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. This impressive, fortified monastery dates back to the 16th century and boasts a remarkable blend of Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles.

The monastery is known for being a refuge for 943 Greeks, mainly women and children, during the Cretan revolt against Ottoman rule in 1866. These unfortunate people were hiding from Ottomans in the monastery and after three days of resistance, they decided to sacrifice themselves by blowing up barrels of gunpowder. They chose death over surrender, and ever since the monastery has become a symbol of the Cretan struggle for independence and a national sanctuary. Historically important, with its idyllic turrets and bell tower, the monastery is a must-see place in the Rethymno region.

Explore Arkadi monastery tours and activities

8. Rethymno Municipal Garden

If you seek a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the old town and touristic areas, the Municipal Garden is a great place to unwind and enjoy a pleasant walk. The public garden is situated in the heart of Rethymno, in a more residential part of the town, only a few minutes walk from the beach and the old town.

The garden is filled with tree-lined paths, kids’ play areas and cafes where you can sit and relax with a cup of traditional Greek coffee or Freddo Cappuccino.

9. Delight in the Cretan Cuisine

Rethymno is packed with all types of restaurants and taverns serving both traditional Greek food and international dishes. Cretan cuisine is not only famous for gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad, and other typical Greek dishes but also dishes made of lamb. In Rethimno’s numerous restaurants, you’ll find traditional lamb “Kleftiko” roasted with garlic, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.

Rethimno is heaven for seafood and fish fans, as these are prepared fresh and the choice of food options is great! You’ll find many of these restaurants along the waterfront promenade and in the old town, including the Old Venetian Harbour. I’ve had a chance to dine in several restaurants in Rethimno, and I particularly liked the “Mediterranean” restaurant (address: Ari Velouchioti 12, Rethymno) located on the promenade, and “Red Paprika” in Rethymno Old Town (address: Μεσολογγίου 12, Rethymno). If you like pancakes, waffles and crepes, make sure you check out “Hari’s Creperie” in the Old Town.

What makes Cretan cuisine so special is the amazing service you’ll get at pretty much every restaurant you dine at. Everyone is so welcoming and you’re likely to get the “dessert on the house” after you finish your meal in most of the restaurants. While there, don’t forget to try Cretan wines and olives, as they are believed to be of the best quality in all of Greece.

Check out Crete food and wine tours

10. Day Trips from Rethymno

If you want to explore the island, Rethimno is a great starting destination as it lies between Heraklion and Chania, the two largest cities of Crete. Some of the destinations you can visit from Rethymno are:

• Elafonissi Beach
• Balos lagoon and Gramvousa island
• The Palace of Knossos
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Falassarna Beach
• Preveli Beach
• Samaria Gorge

From Rethimno you can also take a ferry to Santorini Island. Read more about these destinations in my article Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion

Explore day trips from Rethymno

Rethymno Port Overview

The port of Rethymno is a medium-sized port that has both free and commercial use. It is divided into two parts:

• The western part is for commercial and passenger use. The loading and unloading of all goods are carried out here (5 piers are available, and the total length of piers is 810 m).
• The eastern part is dedicated to cruise and ferry ships (2 piers, 125 m and 140 m in length respectively). From the port of Rethymno, there is a weekly ferry to Santorini Island operated by the Seajets company.

The maximum length of the vessels recorded to have entered this port is 163 m. Find more information at https://www.rethymno.gr/

Wrapping Up

The town of Rethymno is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Crete and a great starting point for the exploration of the island. You can easily spend your entire holiday in Rethimno however I suggest you rent a car or book a tour to other famous Crete destinations. Crete is huge and it takes days, if not months to discover, so make sure you plan your Crete itinerary carefully as there are so many wonderful things to do and see!

Read more about Crete:

• Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion
• Chania Port Guide (Souda), Things to Do, Shore Excursions
• Heraklion Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Rhodes , Mykonos , Santorini , Corfu , Athens (Piraeus) , Kusadasi , Istanbul , Rome (Civitavecchia) , Limassol

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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Rethymno City Tour

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Rethymno City Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Craft Beer & City Tour - Rethymno Old Town

• 5 Greek Craft Beers (samples & full)
• Quality finger food for the final beer tasting.
• Visiting the best craft beer pubs in town
• Beer knowledge & local stories
• Unique souvenir
• Bonus… get our top local recommendations!
• All Fees and Taxes
• Private transportation
• Bricks Beers & Tales, Eleftheríou Venizélou 41, Rethymno 741 31, Greece CRAFT BEER CITY TOUR - RETHYMNO The Meeting Point is at Bricks Beers & Tales, Eleftheriou Venizelou 39 str., on the seafront main road of Rethymno. ✚ Kindly arrive at least 5 minutes prior tour start time ✚ Look for your host: MICHAEL or STELIOS
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travellers can participate
• Weather appropriate clothing (hat, sunglasses, layer for sunset)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Your own water bottle. Come hydrated! The Cretan sun is hot.
• Your enthusiasm!
• Not recommended for families with babies
• Do not drink & drive
• Not recommended for people with walking difficulties
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Rethymnon Old Town
• Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno
• Rethymno Lighthouse

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Bricks Beers & Tales Eleftheríou Venizélou 41, Rethymno 741 31, Greece CRAFT BEER CITY TOUR - RETHYMNO The Meeting Point is at Bricks Beers & Tales, Eleftheriou Venizelou 39 str., on the seafront main road of Rethymno. ✚ Kindly arrive at least 5 minutes prior tour start time ✚ Look for your host: MICHAEL or STELIOS See address & details
• 1 Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 2 Rethymnon Old Town Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 3 Rethymno Lighthouse Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• F827CFmarting 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing way to experience Crete and Chania!! Highly recommend for anyone who wants a real, non-touristy way to experience Crete and Chania!! Bonnie and Clyde gave us great insight on the history of the town, great places to go (bars, restaurants and more), all in a very friendly and casual setting, while having a great time and some amazing beer! Cheers - Ya Mas!! Read more Written 31 October 2023
• TheDocMartins 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best craft beer tour ever! I booked the Sunset Craft Beer tour for my husband's birthday as he is a huge craft beer fan. All I can say is that the pressure is now on to top this gift for next year! Marie Claire is an exceptional host, passionate and knowledgeable about craft beer. She spent time discussing the local beers and understanding what we wanted to get from the tour. We had a lovely walk around the old town (complete with our walking beer), stopping for gorgeous local food and more beer. Sitting on the harbour wall and looking back at the island is a memory that will live with me for a long time. We've been on many brewery tours, but this tour tops them all. Book the tour, you won't regret it. Read more Written 23 October 2023
• Getaway36862144535 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles New Craft Brew Buddies in Chania! Marie Claire & Stelios were wonderful hosts! Meeting them for the first time was like seeing your old drinking buddies again. You can tell how passionate they are about craft beer and Greece’s craft beer boom! Lots of great info on Cretan beer, the brewing process, & the history of Chania. The mini tour of downtown Chania left us with places to revisit the next day (here is a secret…buy/try the Mastic Tears.) This was not your average “just drink beer” tour. Highly recommended! Read more Written 12 October 2023
• O8742BRrachelg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience, great value for money We are so glad we chose to do this tour on our recent holiday in Chania. We learned loads about craft beer, ate some delicious food, walked to parts of Chania that we wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and of course sampled some excellent beers! We thought that it was great value for money. Marie Claire and Stellios are so friendly and personable, we felt completely at ease with them. They are extremely knowledgable and passionate about craft beer, and Chania. We were glad that we did this tour at the start of our holiday as we also got some excellent restaurant tips from them. Read more Written 4 October 2023
• rhinesjudith 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just book it now! What an awesome day with our hosts Marie Claire and Stelios sampling fantastic food and drink! (That cheese and those tomatoes 🔥). Truly a glimpse into Chania countryside living. It was just my daughter and me and another lovely couple from Toronto. Get out of the “tourist zone” and enjoy the real Crete! Read more Written 15 September 2023
• Catherine C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Utterly Brilliant! We had a wonderful evening with Marie Claire & Stelios on the Sunset Food & Beer Tour. As a large group they took the time in advance to understand our preferences and created a brilliant food and beer pairing that was absolutely delicious. They were both warm, friendly, knowledgeable and great fun. It was a highlight of our trip to Chania we’re grateful for their care and hospitality. A Bonnie & Clyde Urban tour will be first on my list of things to book when I return to Crete. Thanks a millions guys from Spags & the Liarnesses! Read more Written 11 September 2023
• leeannec562 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Calling all beer and food lovers! This is a brilliant beer and food tour. The Bonnie and Clyde team had proactively asked what kind of drinks we might like ahead of the tour, making it feel really personalised. I learnt new facts about beer and the food that went with it was absolutely delicious. We were quite a large group but the organisation of where we were heading next and having a table ready at each venue didn’t make it feel too cumbersome at all. You see a lovely side to Chania, there is some walking involved and my top tip would be to make sure you’ve used the restroom before the start of the tour; I have a tiny bladder but please be assured that there were enough opportunities to use the restroom! Watching the sunset at the harbour was a real high-light, not just with a cold beer but with chilled glasses too, they really have thought of everything! The attention to detail was unbelievable, asking what our favourite beers are, learning our names (and nicknames!) and who we were as a group - just a wonderful experience all round. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough, an absolute must to meet the Bonnie & Clyde team. Love & beer, book now! Read more Written 10 September 2023
• hannahj242 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best beer tour I've ever done! Seriously the best part of our holiday! The guys are so welcoming, super super fun and so knowledgeable! We had somw incredible food and beers to boot! Would go back tomorrow if I could! Read more Written 10 September 2023
• L6506GDstephaniej 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do tour in Chania!! Highly recommend! This craft beer tour is a must do when visiting Chania! Marie creates a welcoming and inclusive experience. She gets to know her guests and customizes based on interests. Also, the small tour size makes a much more personal experience. She shares her wealth of knowledge about craft beer, local culture in Crete and caters to a range of beer lovers. This tour is so very intentional - from the beer selections, restaurants/taverns visited, food pairings and even the walking path to the sunset. It felt like we were spending a night with friends with good beer, food and company. A truly incredible experience and we cannot recommend this enough! Read more Written 9 September 2023
• Q2975YMannemariem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ancient times meet today, a journey we will not forget. This tour was so fun. We learned about the new microbrewery trend in Greece and paired some great beers with some traditional Greek foods. The tour guides were well-versed in beer and enjoyed discussing each brewery. We are from Virginia and have traveled to many microbreweries on the East Coast. Greek Beers are amazing. The night was so fun we not only learned of beer and food pairing but we also got a tour of Chania, a beloved ancient city with an incredible history and amazing future. Thank you for an incredible journey! Read more Written 22 August 2023
• Tommi A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just a great tour - book now! We celebrated our wedding anniversary during our stay in Chania, and our guide, Stelios, made this tour one of the highlights. During the four hour evening tour we got to know a lot about beer, craft beer and particularly Greek craft from Stelios. Combined with super tasty Cretan food, going to places of the old town off the normal tourist path and getting to know some of Chania’s history and current issues from a local made this a very special evening. Hope to be able to go on more of Bonnie and Clyde’s tours in the future. Highly recommend! Read more Written 18 August 2023
• Z2277XTchristiand 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day drinking at it’s best Day drinking at it’s best My 3rd tour and my first starting at high noon. But don‘t be afraid of the heat. We stayed at hidden and shady places in the old town of Chania above the Venetian Harbour and enjoyed the big variety of Cretan Beers, paired with delicious Mezze and talking about the growing Cretan beer scene, beer styles around Crete and the world, history and this and that. Around the (beer) world in three hours, wonderful and relaxed day drinking! Read more Written 11 August 2023
• 1978Maniac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best craft beer experience. This was my second time at this tour, and I think I even enjoyed it even more. Part history and sights and great craft beer paired with great food. I learn something new every time. Not to be forgotten, the amazing "Bonnie and Clyde who's hospitality and smiles makes you feel like family. You will not be disappointed if you book this tour. No tourism only good beers and lots of laughs. Read more Written 24 July 2023
• 1978Maniac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles One to be remembered. Amazing experience. If you want to see and taste the genuine Crete cuisine, and see the side of Crete that is not influenced by tourism, this is absolutely the tour you want! But i cannot leave a review without mentioning "Bonnie and Clyde" with their open arms and positive view of life and living life to it's fullest. Lots of laughs and smiles makes this a tour to be remembered. Read more Written 24 July 2023
• 406synnef 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best food/drink tour! We had a wonderful day in the white Mountains! The kindness and hospitality of the people we met made us feel so welcome. Truly an unforgettable experience! This is the second time we're booking with Bonnie&Clyde and it won't be the last. Book this for an authentic food/drink experience and a good time! Read more Written 21 July 2023

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Craft Beer & City Tour - Rethymno Old Town provided by Bonnie and Clyde Urban Tours - Craft Beer & Food Tours in Crete