Rethymno (Rethimno) Tours and Tickets

For many travelers, the top attractions in Rethymno are the Fortezza of Rethymno, a star-shaped Venetian citadel from the 16th century; the narrow streets of Old Town with its Ottoman architecture and cozy tavernas; and the city’s strollable Venetian harbor and the lovely beaches, like Rethymno Beach and Kamari Beach.

To get to Rethymno from Heraklion or Chania, you can drive, take the bus, or opt for a tour. If you have your own wheels, the drive takes roughly 90 minutes from Heraklion or 60 minutes from Chania; bus rides will be a similar duration or longer. Tours depart from both cities and include round-trip transportation.

The best time of year to visit Rethymno is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During those seasonal windows, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Just be aware of possible seasonal closures in April and October as tourist season winds up and back down.

Unbelievably, Rethymno’s human history dates back almost 4,000 years to the Minoan civilization. A vital trading town for centuries, it’s been ruled by the Romans, the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the Greeks. Like much of Crete, this hodge-podge of histories makes Rethymno’s architectural style, food, and culture particularly complex.

If you're short on time, you can see the main highlights of Rethymno in a long afternoon—enough to stroll around the Fortezza, Old Town, and the Venetian harbor. For a more in-depth experience, plan to spend 2–3 days touring those sites, plus the museums, local beaches, and nearby sites like the Monastery of Arkadi.

Rethymno is moderately accessible. Old Town’s bumpy cobblestone streets can be difficult for those with mobility issues, and historic sites like the Fortezza have some steep and uneven areas. But most restaurants, hotels, and shops are modern enough that they shouldn’t pose a problem—though do check individual businesses before making plans.