CRETE
...is the largest and most popular island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the entire Mediterranean. The island is a very important area of the economy and especially of the cultural and historical heritage of Greece. The island of Crete has its own traditions, such as the Cretan dialect and Cretan music. Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization (circa 2700-1420 BC), the first civilization in Europe and the first region with its own palace (Knossos).
CRETE
...is the largest and most popular island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the entire Mediterranean. The island is a very important part of the economy and especially of the cultural and historical heritage of Greece. The island of Crete has its own traditions, such as the Cretan dialect and Cretan music. Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization (circa 2700-1420 BC), the first civilization in Europe and the first region with its own palace (Knossos).
Important data
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Size-Crete: 8,336km² (3,219sq.mi.)
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Population of Crete: 623,666 (2005)
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Population density in Crete: 75 /km² (194 /sq.mi.)
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Capital of the island of Crete: Heraklion
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Prefectures on Crete: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Lassithi
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Highest mountain in Crete: Psiloritis (2,456 m (8,058 ft)
THE TOP 10 EXCURSION DESTINATIONS IN RETHYMNO
Rethymno
...exerts a great attraction to locals and foreigners alike. The city, which has around 25,000 inhabitants, and its surrounding area have long since become the leading tourism center on the island, and more visitors are attracted year after year. However, Rethymno is not just a tourist center in historical garb. The city has always been considered the spiritual center of the island. Several writers and poets were born here. The philosophical faculty of the University of Crete is also located here with around 3,000 students who study philology, philosophy, pedagogy and related disciplines.
In the Crete of a Hundred Cities
...call me the heart, for I am built in the middle of the island, not between the mountains, but on the shores, and the sight of me causes great joy." Rethymno and its inhabitants have self-confidence, as these lines prove , never been missing. In fact, next to Chania, the city is the most beautiful and impressive in Crete, with an old town that reminds of the past in every nook and cranny: minarets, Venetian and Turkish portals - Rethymno is not nicknamed the "City of Portals" for nothing - Turkish Wooden bay windows, Venetian palazzi, an impressive fortress as well as a long sandy beach and a small fishing port. The unity of the old town with its partially lovingly restored heritage makes Rethymno a first-class cultural monument.
THE 10 TOP DESTINATIONS IN RETHYMNO
Here we present our TOP 10 excursion destinations in the area of the city of Rethymno.
These destinations are a MUST for all holidaymakers. From my own experience after living on Crete for over 30 years, I can absolutely recommend them.
Venetian Harbor & Old Town
The Venetian harbor and the old town are a real jewel box with a wealth of restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns. Here, the occupying forces of Crete left behind a valuable legacy, particularly in terms of architecture.
Rethymno beach is located in the east of the city and stretches for 12 km, making it one of the longest city beaches in the country. Awarded by the EU for very good water quality and clean beach. Wide range of water sports on offer!
Fortezza Castle
The Fortezza of Rethymno ( Greek: Φορτέτζα του Ρεθύμνου) is a ruined fortress within the urban area of Rethymno on the north coast of the Greek Mediterranean island of Crete . It is one of the landmarks of the capital of the regional unit of Rethymno .
Beach promenade
The beach of Rethymno
Preveli Beach & Monastery
Lake Kournas
Potamos Lake
Preveli Palm Beach ( Greek: Φοινικόδασος της Πρέβελης Finikodasos tis Prevelis) is a palm-fringed sandy beach on the south coast of Crete . It is located in the municipality of Agios Vasilios of the regional unit of Rethymno , not far from the monastery of Moni Preveli , from which it takes its name.
The Preveli Monastery ( Greek Μονή Πρέβελη Moni Preveli) is a monks' monastery (Greek Μοναστήρι Monastiri) in the south of the Greek Mediterranean island of Crete .
Lake Kournas ( Greek λίμνη κουρνά) is the only natural freshwater lake
Crete . It is located in the west of Crete near the north coast near Georgioupoli . The lake flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Georgioupolis . Here live water turtles , snakes and various
dragonfly species . There is a pedal boat rental service available for leisure activities.
Lake Potamon ( Greek Λίμνη Ποταμών, Limni Potamon) is a reservoir near the
City of Rethymno. It ensures the water supply of the city of Rethymno and its surroundings.
Lake Potamon is the largest freshwater lake in Crete.
Ideal area for hiking!
Mili Gorge
The Myli Gorge ( Greek: Φαράγγι των μύλων, 'Gorge of the Mills') is a gorge running from south to north in northern Crete . It is located southeast of Rethymno and has had numerous watermills since the time of Venetian rule on Crete. Their remains are today a document of pre-industrial agricultural work processes. Numerous, partly rare, plants and animals can be found in the gorge.
Melidoni Cave
The cave, like the nearby Arkadi Monastery, is linked to the Cretan resistance against Turkish occupation. In 1824, 340 residents and 30 Cretan resistance fighters suffocated in the cave in a fire set by the Turks because they did not want to surrender. The remains are kept in an altar in the middle of the dome-shaped cave. The stalactite cave has the same significance in Cretan history as the Arkadi Monastery.
Arkadi Monastery
The Arkadi Monastery ( Greek: Μονή Αρκαδίου) is an Orthodox monastery on Crete . It is the most important national monument on the island. The monastery played a prominent role in the Cretan struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire . The monastery church was depicted on the 100 drachma banknote until the introduction of the euro . On November 8th there is a holiday in honor of the monastery in the prefecture of Rethymno.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge ( Greek: Κουρταλιώτικο φαράγγι) is a mountain gorge in southern Crete , between the mountains of Kouroupa in the west and Xiro in the east. It is located in the municipality of Finikas in the regional unit of Rethymno . In the north of the gorge there is a waterfall that you can swim to. The water temperatures here are below 10C even in summer!
Private Tour Guide
If you would like to book a private tour guide to explore the secrets of the island of Crete and get insider information, we can recommend the German speaking very experienced tour guide Nektar Guide.