Rethymnon
A charming blend of Venetian history, golden beaches and relaxed Cretan lifestyle for couples and culture lovers
Deals from 288ppBest Deal of Rethymnon
Overview
Things To Do
Deals
Travel Guide
Holidays to Rethymnon offer a refined mix of history, beaches and authentic Cretan charm. Positioned between Chania and Heraklion on Crete’s north coast, Rethymnon is often considered the island’s most picturesque town.
The destination is known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, where Venetian and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly with modern cafés and boutique hotels. Alongside its cultural appeal, Rethymnon boasts one of Crete’s longest sandy beaches, making it ideal for both relaxation and exploration.
With a more laid-back atmosphere than resorts like Malia or Hersonissos, Rethymnon attracts couples, families and travellers seeking a balance of culture and coastal living.
✨ Why Visit Rethymnon
- One of Crete’s most beautiful and well-preserved Old Towns
- Long sandy beaches with plenty of space and facilities
- Relaxed, authentic atmosphere compared to busier resorts
- Excellent location between Chania and Heraklion
- Strong food culture with traditional tavernas and modern dining
- Ideal for both cultural and beach holidays
🌴 What Makes It Special
Rethymnon stands out for its timeless character. Unlike more commercial resorts, it offers a genuine sense of place—where centuries-old architecture, local traditions and modern comforts coexist. The combination of cultural depth and beach accessibility makes it one of the most balanced destinations in Crete.
📍 Key Areas to Explore
- Rethymnon Old Town (Rethymno Region) – Historic centre with Venetian and Ottoman influences
- Platanes (Rethymno Region) – Resort area with hotels, restaurants and nightlife
- Adelianos Kampos (Rethymno Region) – Family-friendly beachfront stretch
- South Coast (Rethymno Region) – Rugged landscapes and secluded beaches
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
- Hike through Kourtaliotiko Gorge near Preveli
- Take a boat trip along the north coast
- Explore the scenic south coast beaches
- Visit traditional villages in the White Mountains
🏖️ Beaches
- Relax on Rethymnon’s long sandy beach
- Swim at Preveli Beach with palm trees and river
- Visit Episkopi Beach for quieter surroundings
- Enjoy sunset views along the coastline
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Dine in Old Town tavernas serving authentic Cretan cuisine
- Try local cheeses, olive oil and wines
- Enjoy seafood by the Venetian harbour
- Sip cocktails in boutique bars
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
- Enjoy relaxed bars and live music in Old Town
- Lounge at beachfront bars in Platanes
- Discover low-key clubs and late-night venues
- Attend cultural festivals and events
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Venetian harbour and lighthouse at sunset
- Fortezza Fortress panoramic views
- Preveli Beach palm forest
- Old Town alleyways and balconies
- Endless sandy coastline
Best Value Deals
🏨 All-Inclusive Holidays
Rethymnon runs a strong UK family AI market along its eastern beach strip, with the inventory clustered in Platanes and Adelianos Kampos rather than the historic old town. Grecotel Creta Palace, Rethymno Mare & Water Park, Aquila Rithymna Beach and Sentido Pearl Beach lead the UK family rankings. Grecotel Creta Palace (the headline luxury AI) and Pepper Sea Club Hotel (adults-only) add the upper-tier options. Shoulder-season weeks with UK flights typically open from £349pp in May or October, climbing to £899pp at August half-term.
👨👩👧👦 Family Holidays
Rethymnon balances family-resort facilities with genuine cultural depth better than most Crete resorts. The 12km eastern Blue Flag beach is gradually shelving with lifeguards in summer, the Rethymno Mare Water Park and the Venetian old town (with the 16th-century Fortezza fortress and the working harbour) cover beach and culture days. Grecotel Creta Palace, Aquila Rithymna Beach and Rethymno Mare & Water Park lead the family inventory. Pair with the Arkadi Monastery and the Margarites pottery village day trips.
💎 Luxury Holidays
Rethymnon holds a refined boutique-and-resort luxury inventory. Grecotel Creta Palace (the headline beachfront five-star at Missiria), Avra Imperial (Kolymbari, 40km west) and the boutique Rimondi Boutique Hotel and Casa Vitae Suites in the Venetian old town are the leading options. The old town's converted-Venetian-mansion boutique hotels deliver Rethymnon's most distinctive luxury character. For deeper resort luxury, Daios Cove and Elounda are 90 minutes east.
⏰ Last-Minute Deals
Rethymnon carries solid late-availability stock outside the August peak. The strongest discounts surface in mid-May to early June and from mid-September into mid-October — discounts of 25–30% inside three weeks of departure are realistic on Rethymno Mare, Aquila Rithymna Beach and Sentido Pearl Beach properties. Almost every Rethymnon beach hotel closes from late October through April; the Venetian old town's small core of boutique hotels and restaurants stays open year-round.
Why book with us:
💷 Low deposits from £49pp
🔄 Flexible payment plans with balance due 6 weeks before travel
🛡️ ATOL Protected — your money and flights are safeguarded
✅ Free amendment window on selected packages
📞 UK-based customer support, 8am–11pm every day
📅 Best Time to Visit Rethymnon
- May – June: Warm, less crowded, ideal for exploring
- July – August: Hot and lively with peak tourist activity
- September – October: Warm sea and relaxed atmosphere
- Winter: Mild but quieter, focused on local life
🏨 Where to Stay
- Families: Adelianos Kampos, Platanes
- Couples: Rethymnon Old Town boutique hotels
- Luxury travellers: Coastal resorts and boutique stays
- Budget travellers: Hotels just outside the Old Town
🚗 Getting Around
- Walking is ideal in Old Town
- Buses connect to Chania and Heraklion
- Car hire recommended for exploring south coast and villages
💡 Travel Tips
- Stay within or near Old Town for atmosphere and convenience
- Book restaurants in advance during peak season
- Bring comfortable shoes for cobbled streets
- Explore south coast beaches for quieter experiences
Map Of Rethymnon
Top Experiences
Wander Rethymnon Old Town (Rethymnon, Rethymno Region)
Labyrinthine streets filled with Venetian architecture, boutique shops and hidden courtyards.
Sunset at Venetian Harbour (Rethymnon, Rethymno Region)
Iconic lighthouse views with waterfront dining and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Rethymnon Beach Relaxation (Rethymnon, Rethymno Region)
A long sandy coastline stretching for miles, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Explore Fortezza Fortress (Rethymnon, Rethymno Region)
A 16th-century Venetian fortress offering panoramic views over the town and sea.
Preveli Palm Beach Escape (Preveli, Rethymno Region)
A unique beach where a river meets the sea, surrounded by palm trees and cliffs.
Top Hotels In Rethymnon
Astali Hotel
Axos Hotel
Blue Sea
Camari Garden
Amalen Suites
Atrium Ambiance Hotel
Begeti Bay
Casa D'oro Suites By Estia 'adults Only'
Casa Moazzo
Antica Dimora Suites
Aquila Porto Rethymno
Atlantis Beach
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Travel Information
Everything You Need To Know Before You Jet Off To Rethymnon.
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