Rethymno is Crete's third largest town, after Heraklion and Chania, and is considered by many guidebooks to be one of the prettiest on the island. Rethymno is full of exciting sights, including museums, churches and historic buildings.
Venetian Fortress (Fortetza)
Dominating the city is the Venetian Fortress (or Fortetza), one of the largest Venetian castles ever built. Several buildings are housed within the 16th-century fortress, including the Ibrahim Han Mosque, which was originally the Venetian Cathedral.
Venetian Harbor
Below the fortress is Rethymno's Venetian Harbor (or Inner Harbor, as it is also known). Rethymno's harbor looks like what most people imagine when they think of Greece: clusters of ramshackle old houses, small boats bobbing on the water, and tavernas lining the waterfront.
Rethymno Archaeological Museum
Rethymno's Archaeological Museum is located within a converted bastion built by the Turks. Objects on display include Minoan coffins and burial goods, as well as finds from Neolithic and Roman sites.
Historical and Folk Art Museum
Housed within an old Venetian mansion, Rethymno's Historical and Folk Art Museum contains an impressive collection of textiles, jewelry, tools, pottery, and traditional costumes representing Crete's past.
Franzeskaki Collection
Rethymno was once at the center of the textile trade, and the Franzeskaki Collection of Traditional Weaving and Embroidery displays some of the finest examples of dyeing, weaving and embroidery from this era.
Rimondi Fountain
The Rimondi Fountain, in the heart of Rethymno's old town, was built by the Venetians in the 17th century. The fountain still supplies fresh water to passers-by from one of its three ornately-carved lions' heads.
Nerantzes Mosque
One of Rethymno's most iconic landmarks is the 17th-century Nerantzes Mosque, the town's best preserved Ottoman relic. Today, the mosque has been converted into a music school and concert hall. When open, the parapet offers the most stunning panoramic views of Rethymno and the surrounding mountains.
Church of Agios Frangiskos
The Church of Agios Frangiskos (St. Francis) was once a part of a Venetian Roman Catholic monastery and is still used by Rethymno's small Roman Catholic community. The centerpiece of the church is its ornate Renaissance doorway. The church was converted to a poorhouse by the Turks, who also built a girls' school next door in the late 18th century. The original school was destroyed, but it was rebuilt in 1890 and is still used as a primary school today.
Rethymno'sMarket
Rethymno's market is a feast for the senses. Produce stalls and shops selling Cretan herbs, olive oil and Cretan honey operate next to tavernas serving traditional Greek food and drink. The market is a good place to pick up souvenirs.
Rethymno's Beaches
East of the harbor is Rethymno's town beach, complete with palm trees, restaurants and cafes. The town beach is a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. There are also a number of scenic beaches within an hour's drive of Rethymno Town for those looking to get away from the city.
For more information on things to see and do in Crete, see Heraklion's Top Sights, Crete's Best Day Trips or Mythical Sites of Crete.
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