Rethymno

See

Historic buildings. Rethimno has many historic buildings remaining from the Venetian occupation of Crete, including the Fortessa and the lighthouse. Old Town. Narrow pedestrian streets full of shops and restaurants. Boardwalk. Walk around the very well-kept boardwalk by the sea. Plenty of bars and restaurants with great views of the sea. Beaches. The good sandy beach begins in the town and extends several miles to the east, backed by hotel developments. In the west, after a little industrial area, a rocky unspoilt coastline takes you towards another good beach 8 km to the west of Rethimno, towards Georgiopoli. Parks. There is a small park in the center, with a playground and café Most important attractions below: File:Arkadi Monastery Church.jpg|Church of the Arkadi Monastery File:Damnoni 05.jpg|Damnoni File:Eleutherna 48.jpg|Eleftherna File:Rethymno-Fortezza(js).jpg|The Fortezza citadel File:Landscape mountains Phaistos.jpg|Mount Ida as seen from Phaistos. File:Νερατζέ τζαμί, Ρέθυμνο 1575.jpg|Neratze Mosque File:Vue générale du monastère de Préveli.JPG|Prevelis Monastery File:Κρήνη Ριμόντι βράδυ 3214 (crop).JPG|Rimondi fountains

Do

There are many options for day trips from Rethymnon, many of which can be organized through travel companies: Boat trips from the port to the pirate caves near Panormos are available. A pirate ship replica is used There are also bus tours to other places, such as the Arkadi Monastery, where the battle of the same name took place in 1866. Also, there's a trackless train that goes to the area's sights. Caretta Caretta, an endangered sea turtle species is known to nest on the beach. If you know a thing or two about them, or are interested in species conservation, you can volunteer on the Archelon NGO. More here. A carnival is also held before the Clean Monday (Καθαρή Δευτέρα).

Buy

During the main summer season, Rethymno is very touristic. Shops and visitors are everywhere, the closer to the beach the more. They offer anything considered "souvenir". Ask your hotel receptionists for recommendations of local shops.

Olives, Raki, Ouzo and wines are common commodities of Crete origin. They are cheapest at the locals supermarkets, away from the hotels and beaches. Aside from oranges and orange juice, fruits and juices are rather expensive.

Eat

Very nice restaurants are located inside the city. The restaurants on the beach front are tourist oriented, though food quality is okay (though lower than in most of the small tavernas in the back streets). As the quality changes every season with new cooks and management, your hotel receptionists will be able to suggest good ideas. There are local dishes such as snails, antikristo, pilaf, dakos and cheeses such as gruyere, anthotyro and mizithra. Also, the olive oil that is produced is very good.