Explore Rethymno: Natural Beauty, Gorges, Villages and Palm Trees
Between the regions of Chania and Heraklion is the beautiful and quiet Rethymno. In the old town's narrow alleys, under the Venetian fortress, you will discover friendly raki places where traditional Cretan music adds to the delicious food.
If you are interested in a road trip to the southern part of Crete, Rethymno is the ideal starting point. The distance from Rethymno to the Libyan Sea in the south is much shorter than from Chania or Heraklion. Rent a car in Rethymno and drive towards the south to explore the natural beauties, the gorges, the villages and the Preveli palm beach.
Rent a car in Rethymno and discover:
The old town
60km from Chania and 80km from Heraklion lies the old town of Rethymno with the Venetian fortress. Park your car close to the Garden and walk in the narrow streets, enjoy the local food and absorb the charming vibe of the town. If you are interested in history and culture, you should visit the Paleontological and Archaeological museums.
Fortezza, the Venetian Fortress of Rethymno. Photo by Olaf Tausch, licensed.
Want to see more of Rethymno?
Watch the video from Nearchos' Koursaros trip to Rethymno here.
The mountainous village of Spili, 28 km southeast of Rethymno
At the foot of Mount Psiloritis is Spili, a mountainous village with cobbled streets, shady plane trees and the Venetian lion fountains at the central square. Spili is on the way to the beaches of the south coast and the last place where you will find services such as bank and post office.
Spili is a picturesque village with an unforgettable view, 28 km southeast of Rethymno. Photo by Tango, licensed.
Preveli beach, 38 km south of Rethymno
At the exit of Kourtaliotiko gorge and next to the coastal palm tree forest lies Preveli beach. There are two ways of getting there by car. It is a good idea to avoid driving down the dirt road, especially in spring and early summer. Choose the asphalt road instead, park your car at Preveli Monastery, and walk 1km to the beach. The palm tree beach and the gorgeous clear waters are worth it.
Preveli beach, 38 km south of Rethymno. Photo by dronepicr, licensed.
Plakias, 40 km south of Rethymno
This coastal resort at the Libyan Sea is ideal for a relaxing holiday as you will find everything you need there. A long sandy beach, hotels, restaurants, water sports, and shops are just some of the facilities you'll find here. It can also be a great place to be your base so you can visit the quiet south coast beaches like Triopetra and Logres. For the more adventurous and active types, we suggest exploring the nearby gorges of Kotsifos and Kourtaliotiko or walking uphill to the village or Mirthios for beautiful views of the southern part.
Plakias beach, 40 km south of Rethymno. Photo by Uoaei1, licensed.
Want to discover more of Crete?
Rent a car in Rethymno and go on a road trip on the Grand Tour of Crete
Rent a vehicle with Simplybook for your next vacation in Greece and support the local communities.
Featured photo by leoks, licensed.