Menta City Boutique Hotel
Rethymno Town - Psixoudaki S26, Mastampas
Featuring free WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool, Menta City Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Rethymno Town.
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Rethymno (or Rethimnon) is a charming town located on the northern coast of Crete, halfway between Heraklion and Chania. This architectural gem, the island’s third largest city, is a perfect blend of Venetian, Ottoman and traditional Greek influences, creating one of the best-preserved historic centres in Greece. Lying on the shores of the Aegean Sea and protected by the imposing Venetian fortress (Fortress), Rethymno enchants visitors with its picturesque harbour, narrow cobbled streets, stately palaces with elegant stone portals and striking mosques that bear witness to its rich multicultural past.
The town stands out for its authentic and lively atmosphere, less touristy than other Cretan resorts, where ancient traditions coexist harmoniously with a lively contemporary cultural scene, fuelled by the presence of the University of Crete. Rethymno’s charm lies in its ability to preserve intact the essence of Cretan life, with local markets, craftsmen at work in small traditional workshops and open-air cafes where residents and visitors mingle in a relaxed and genuine atmosphere. Thanks to its privileged Mediterranean climate, Rethymno is an attractive destination in all seasons, with warm but breezy summers, perfect for enjoying its urban beach, and mild winters that allow one to comfortably explore the historical centre and cultural treasures of the surrounding region.
The province of Rethymnon boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, with a coastline that alternates between long sandy shores and picturesque coves, washed by the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south.
The urban beach of Rethymnon is a long stretch of golden sand that stretches 12 km east of the city centre, making it one of the largest urban beaches in Europe. Easily accessible on foot from the city centre, this well-equipped beach offers all the amenities for a relaxing day: sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports and numerous bars and restaurants lining the promenade.
The beach is predominantly sandy, with a gently sloping seabed, making it particularly suitable for families with children. The part closest to the city centre tends to be more crowded, especially in high season, but continuing eastwards one can find quieter stretches. The presence of the blue flag certifies the excellent quality of the water and services offered, while the view of the old town and the Fortress creates a particularly impressive backdrop, especially at sunset.
About 30 km east of Rethymnon is the picturesque resort of Bali, home to not one but four enchanting natural bays with as many beaches. These coves, protected by the surrounding mountains, offer calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for families and less experienced swimmers. The most popular is Livadi Beach, a wide, golden sandy beach well equipped with all amenities.
More intimate and quiet is Varkotopos Bay, with its fine, pale sand and turquoise waters. Limani beach, located near the small harbour, is the most central and lively, surrounded by taverns serving fresh fish. Finally, Karavostasi, the northernmost bay, offers a more relaxed atmosphere and larger spaces. All these beaches are ideal for snorkelling thanks to the transparency of the water and the seabed rich in marine life.
On the southern coast of the province of Rethymno, about 40 km from the city, is the beautiful Plakias beach, a stretch of sand and pebbles more than 1,300 metres long overlooking the Libyan Sea. Situated in a wide bay surrounded by imposing mountains, Plakias offers breathtaking views and deep blue waters that are generally cooler than the beaches on the northern coast.
The beach is well organised in the central part, with sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas, while the ends remain wilder and less frequented. The particular position of the bay makes it often windy, making it a popular destination for windsurfers and sailors, especially in the eastern part. The seabed, which quickly becomes deep, and the presence of small sea caves in the vicinity also make it attractive to snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Approximately 35 km south of Rethymno lies one of Crete’s natural jewels, the picturesque Preveli Beach, also known as ‘Palm Beach’ due to the presence of an oasis of European date palms (Phoenix theophrasti) growing along the Kourtaliotis River, creating an exotic landscape unique in Europe. This beautiful beach of dark sand and pebbles can be reached via a scenic path with steps (about a 20-minute descent) or by sea by taxi-boat from Plakias or Agia Galini.
The meeting of the river and the sea creates an extraordinary environment, where one can alternate between swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and refreshing dips in the river in the shade of palm trees. The beach is not equipped, with the exception of a few natural umbrellas created by the palm trees, so it is advisable to bring your own necessities for the day. The relative difficulty of access helps to preserve the wild and unspoilt atmosphere, although in high season it can still be quite busy in the middle hours of the day.
Triopetra, named after the three large boulders that rise from the sea at its southern end, is one of the most spectacular beaches on the south coast of Crete, located about 50 km from Rethymno. This wide expanse of golden sand with pebbles stretches for over 1 km in an open bay overlooking the Libyan Sea, offering a sense of space and freedom rare to find even on the most remote beaches.
Divided in two parts by a small rocky promontory, Triopetra retains a largely unspoilt and wild character, with only a few essential facilities in the eastern part (sunbeds, umbrellas and a few tavernas). The beach is exposed to southerly winds, which can create significant waves, making it a popular destination for surfers. The sunsets at Triopetra are particularly spectacular, with the sun seemingly plunging directly behind the three iconic rocks, creating extraordinary lighting effects on the surrounding mountains.
Rethymno is a city that invites exploration, with its characteristic mix of history, culture and Mediterranean atmosphere revealed at every turn. The heart of the city is the historic Venetian centre, a delightful labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and historic buildings that tell centuries of history. Strolling down Arkadiou Street, the main artery of the centre, and the surrounding streets, you will be captivated by the harmonious fusion of Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements: finely decorated stone portals, wrought-iron balconies, ornamental fountains and the unmistakable minarets rising above the rooftops.
Dominating the city from the top of a hill is the majestic Venetian Fortress (Fortezza), built in the 16th century to protect the settlement from Ottoman incursions. Today, this imposing example of military architecture is one of the most visited monuments in Rethymno. A walk along its mighty walls affords breathtaking views of the city and the Aegean Sea, while inside the fortress you can visit the mosque of Ibrahim Han (originally St. Nicholas Church), the Rectorate building and the remains of other historical buildings.
The Venetian Port of Rethymno, with its characteristic Egyptian lighthouse and picturesque promenade along the ancient sea wall, is another must-see. Here you can admire the traditional colourful fishing boats moored alongside luxurious yachts, while the numerous fish taverns overlooking the sea offer the opportunity to sample local Cretan specialities with a view of the sunset.
For lovers of art and history, Rethymno is home to several interesting museums. The Archaeological Museum exhibits important findings from excavations in the region, from prehistoric to Roman times, while the Museum of Contemporary Art and History offers an overview of the most recent Cretan artistic and cultural production. Particularly impressive is the Historical and Ethnological Museum, housed in a Venetian palace from the 16th century, which narrates the life and traditions of rural Crete through everyday objects, traditional costumes and period photographs.
The religious life of Rethymno has left important architectural evidence: the Neratze Mosque (today used as a music auditorium), recognisable by its high minaret, and the Kara Musa Pasha Mosque with its characteristic dome are significant examples of Ottoman influence, while the Church of the Four Martyrs is one of the main Orthodox places of worship in the city.
Rethymno is strategically positioned for exploring some of Crete’s most fascinating natural and cultural wonders. Hiring a car is recommended to get around freely, although many organised excursions depart regularly from the town.
Just 23 km south-east of Rethymno is the legendary Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most important historical and spiritual sites. This 16th century monastic complex, surrounded by massive walls, is known for the tragic episode of the siege of 1866, when hundreds of Cretans, including women and children who had taken refuge in the monastery during the revolt against the Ottoman occupation, chose to sacrifice themselves by blowing up the powder keg rather than surrender. Today, the monastery, with its Renaissance and Venetian Baroque-style church, peaceful courtyard and small museum, is a symbol of the struggle for Greek independence and an impressive site.
For nature lovers, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge offers an unforgettable experience. This impressive geological formation, located about 40 km south of Rethymno, stretches for 3 km between rock walls up to 600 metres high. A well-marked path leads through the gorge, admiring the rich vegetation, seasonal waterfalls and an extraordinary variety of birds, including the golden eagle. The gorge leads down to the beautiful beach of Preveli, creating a route that combines trekking and bathing relaxation.
One of the most popular excursions from Rethymno is a visit to the ancient city of Eleutherna, an important archaeological site located about 25 km south-east of the city. This settlement, inhabited continuously from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period, offers a fascinating insight into the history of Crete through the centuries, with the remains of dwellings, temples, a necropolis and a sophisticated water system. The newly opened Archaeological Museum of Eleutherna provides an engaging display of artefacts from the excavations, including jewellery, ceramics and everyday objects.
For an immersion in traditional Cretan culture, it is worth visiting the picturesque villages in the hinterland of Rethymno, such as Anogeia, located about 40 km to the east, on the slopes of Mount Ida (Psiloritis). This mountain village, known for its resistance during the Nazi occupation, has preserved centuries-old traditions in handicrafts, music and gastronomy. Here you can visit traditional weaving workshops, watch performances of local music and dance, and enjoy mountain specialities such as goat cheese and lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Hiking enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to explore Mount Ida (Psiloritis), the highest peak on Crete at 2,456 metres. Several trails, suitable for various levels of experience, allow you to discover this mountain massif rich in endemic flora, karstic formations and, according to Greek mythology, the cave where Zeus was born. Not to be missed is the Nida Plateau, a lunar landscape at an altitude of 1,400 metres, surrounded by majestic peaks and dotted with traditional shepherds’ huts.
Rethymno offers a wide range of accommodation options, from charming boutique hotels in historic Venetian palaces to modern hotels with all the comforts, to tourist flats and family-run guesthouses. The choice of accommodation depends mainly on personal preferences and the type of holiday one wishes to have.
The historical centre of Rethymno is the most charming and characteristic option. Staying in one of the old Venetian or Ottoman buildings converted into boutique hotels or holiday homes will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the old town, with its cobbled streets, traditional restaurants and handicraft shops just a few steps from your door. These establishments, often with flower-filled inner courtyards or rooftop terraces overlooking the city and the sea, offer an authentic and romantic experience, although space may be more limited than in modern hotels and access by car is generally restricted in the pedestrian areas of the centre.
The waterfront and harbour area offers hotels of various categories that combine proximity to historical attractions with the convenience of the city beach. These facilities are ideal for those who wish to alternate cultural visits with relaxing moments at the beach without having to use a car. Many hotels have swimming pools, restaurants and panoramic terraces, and are only a few minutes’ walk from the harbour promenade and the main attractions of the old town.
For a predominantly beach holiday, the east coast of Rethymnon, stretching over 12 km from the city towards Heraklion, offers numerous beachfront resorts and holiday villages, many with swimming pools, wellness centres and sports facilities. These are particularly suitable for families with children, thanks to the many dedicated facilities and the proximity to the long sandy beach. The distance from the old town (2 to 10 km, depending on location) requires the use of public transport or a car to visit the old town, but guarantees a quieter and more relaxing stay.
For those travelling on a limited budget or for longer stays, the New Town area and the residential areas around the old town offer tourist flats and pensions at lower prices. These solutions, although less distinctive, generally offer larger spaces and the possibility to prepare some meals independently, making them ideal for families or groups of friends who want a convenient base from which to explore not only Rethymnon but also the rest of the island.
We offer a selection of hotels at Rethymno to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Rethymno, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Rethymno. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Rethymno are in high demand.
What's the weather at Rethymno? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Rethymno for the next few days.
Rethymno is located on the northern coast of Crete, the largest island of Greece, situated in the southern Aegean Sea. The city is located approximately halfway between the two largest cities on the island: it is about 80 km west of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and about 60 km east of Chania, the second largest city.
The nearest airport is the Chania International Airport 'Ioannis Daskalogiannis', about 65 km away (about an hour's drive), followed by the Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis', about 80 km away (about an hour and a half's drive).
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