- Day 1
- Fortezza, old town, harbour
- Day 2
- Arkadi and Eleutherna, or the south coast
- Beach
- Town beach starts at the old town
- Car
- Useful for day 2
Day 1: old town
Climb to the Fortezza, the Venetian fortress built in the 1570s after pirate raids, for views over the town. Walk down through the old lanes to the Rimondi fountain, the Neratze mosque with its minaret, and the small Venetian harbour with its lighthouse.
Have lunch in the old town, swim on the town beach in the afternoon, and eat by the harbour or in one of the courtyard restaurants.
Day 2: inland or south
Drive 23 km to Arkadi monastery and on to ancient Eleutherna and its museum, with lunch in Margarites. Alternatively, drive south via Spili to Preveli or Plakias for a beach afternoon on the Libyan Sea.
Tips
Park outside the old town; its lanes are not for cars. Shops and restaurants in the old town stay open late in summer.
Questions before you go
Is two days enough for Rethymno?
Yes, for the town and one day trip.
What is the Fortezza?
The Venetian fortress on the hill above Rethymno's old town.
What is the best day trip from Rethymno?
Arkadi and Eleutherna inland, or Preveli and Plakias on the south coast.
