From adventurous to luxurious, we have all you need to know about the top things to do in Rethymno, Crete.
Tucked between the better-known cities of Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno is like the quirky, artsy cousin who’s got a flair for both history and beach lounging.
It’s where Venetian elegance meets Ottoman charm, with just enough bougainvillea spilling from the balconies to make your Instagram jealous.
Whether you’re a history nerd, beach bum, foodie, or just a fan of wandering cobbled alleys with gelato in hand, this city delivers.
Here’s your lighthearted guide to the best things to do in Rethymno, Crete.
Wander Through Old Town Rethymno
Let’s start at the heart of it all.
Rethymno’s Old Town is a time machine of Venetian facades, Ottoman doorways, artisan shops, and the occasional stray cat posing like it owns the place (which it does).
Wander the labyrinth of narrow streets, pop into tasty restaurants and gift shops, and don’t forget to look up—those balconies are a vibe.
Have a Sip at the Rimondi Fountain
Built in 1626, the Rimondi Fountain is basically Rethymno’s answer to Rome’s Trevi—minus the crowds and plus a lot more goats in the nearby hills.
Located in the heart of Old Town, it’s the perfect stop to fill your water bottle (yes, it’s drinkable!) and take a pic pretending you’re in a Renaissance painting.
See the Rethymno Fortress (Fortezza)
This Venetian fortress isn’t just massive—it’s majestic.
Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, the Fortezza offers sweeping views and a chance to channel your inner knight or pirate, depending on your mood.
It’s a scenic stroll from Old Town and ideal at sunset when everything turns gold and romantic.
Watch Phyllo Making in Old Town
Yes, this is your chance to live your Great British Bake Off fantasy—Cretan style.
Check out a phyllo dough-making demonstration in the heart of Old Town and get an understanding of the delicate pastry that forms the base of Kourkoubinia and baklava.
Just pop in and ask when the next phyllo demonstration is.
You’ll see the artisan pulling and stretching the dough into the paper-thin perfection that serves as the base of so many Greek treats.
Warning: you’ll want to eat everything immediately so pick up a few treats at the counter to take home.
Explore the Venetian Harbor
Pastel buildings, fishing boats, and seaside tavernas—the Venetian Harbor is like a movie set that forgot to stop being perfect.
Grab a cocktail by the water, watch the sunset over the 17th-century lighthouse, and let time slow to a Mediterranean crawl.
Stay at the Ikones Seafront Luxury Suites
Want to wake up with views of the Cretan Sea and the best dinner buffet spread in all of Greece?
Check into Ikones Seafront Luxury Suites, a luxe adults-only boutique stay just steps from the beach and Old Town.
Think modern glam meets Greek island charm. There are a number of rooms to choose from, but we indulged in the oceanfront suite complete with a private plunge pool and sunbathing hammock.
The hotel offers a dinner spread that rivals the best Las Vegas buffets.
Complete with a bread station, massive salad bar offering local Greek cheeses and delicacies, a hot station of fresh entrees, and a sprawling dessert station.
Ikones’ buffet was a great way to immerse yourself in both Cretan cuisine, and every night they have a new theme with food recipes from all over the world.
We were able to try local dishes like askordoulakas, pickled bulbs that were our all-time favorite, a station to make your own dakos kritikos (a Cretan treat similar to bruchsetta), Cretan wedding rice, a Greek style risotto that was prepared in a parmesan wheel for a luxurious presentation.
Pair your endless buffet with a taste of local Cretan wines as you overlook the sun setting on the rows of umbrellas from Ikones’ private beach loungers and cabanas.
For an extra romantic start to your day, add on the floating breakfast, it’s like room service for mermaids and one of the most fun Instagrammable ways to start your day.
A floating feast of fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt parfairs, Greek freddo espresso, fresh squeezed juice, and even processo was elegantly displayed on a floating tray that was served to us in our private pool.
Talk about luxury, we can promise you there isn’t a better resort in all of Rethymno!
Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Aura Restaurant
Located inside the Ikones Hotel but worth visiting even if you’re not staying there, Aura delivers upscale Cretan cuisine with a modern creative twist.
Local wines, ocean breeze, and a menu that includes elevated takes on classics? Yes, please.
This restaurant showcases fine dining-style format, but with big Greek portions aka larger than any fine dining throughout Europe.
The mezze platter looks like a work of art and is loaded with lots of Greek snacks.
Delicious appetizers like a light and flavorful marinated tuna nestled in a homemade rice crisp as well as a perfectly fried ball filled with cheese and topped with pepper jelly started the meal off with a bang.
For entrees we enjoyed the squid ink pasta with fresh seafood as well as the pasta that was prepared in a parmesan cheese wheel and topped with a cheese crisp.
The dining experience was taken to the next level as we watched an enchanting oceanfront sunset during the meal.
Hike to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge Hidden Waterfall
If nature calls (in the fun, outdoorsy way), make the short drive from Rethymno to Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
Hike through towering cliffs to discover a hidden waterfall that feels like something out of a fantasy novel.
For a $5 entrance fee, you’ll have the ultimate spa cold-plunge experience, right in the heart of a gorgeous natural wonder.
Take a 15 to 20 minute hike down a trail that leads to a long set of steps.
Once you’re at the bottom, you’re greeted by a shallow babbling brook with trickling waterfalls and boulders begging for sunbathers.
Continue to the larger pool of water for the opportunity to swim through the gorge to a hidden waterfall that is over 40 meters tall!
Be warmed, the water is ice cold! During the summer the water is only about 50 degrees F.
We tried to quickly submerge to swim the 15 meters to the waterfall, but we were robbed of our breath as we aren’t used to swimming at that temperature!
Take a moment to calm your breathing in the frigid water prior to attempting the swim to the waterfall, trust us it made all the difference.
Once we made the short swim to the more shallow area near the waterfall we were greeted with spelunkers splashing into the water from the rocks above!
It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that was worth the icy dip.
Be sure to bring water shoes and ample water for the hike down (and back up!)
Taste Greek Classics at the Gefyra Taverna Cafe
Post-hike hunger is real.
Thankfully, Gefyra Taverna sits right by the gorge, serving up Cretan hospitality and ridiculously good food.
We couldn’t resist ordering the stuffed zucchini flowers. This speciality from Crete is much different than the deep fried stuffed zucchini blossoms that you might find in Italy.
The bloom is stuffed with rice flavored with herbs and grated tomatoes and served cold, much like a traditional grape leaf-stuffed dolma.
We also ordered kolokithokeftedes, the Greek fried zucchini balls as well as a traditional greek salad.
Grab a cold glass of local wine, relax under the trees, and say “yes” to the free dessert (they always bring dessert).
Relax on the Gorgeous Beaches
The benefit of staying in Rethymno is mixing historic old charm with incredible beaches.
In addition to the Rethymno Beach being close to the venetian Harbor, there are a few other beach options as you head east down Crete.
We spent the majority of the time on Pervolia Beach lounging on the sunbeds at Ikones Seafront Luxury Suites.
They offer a variety of refreshing craft cocktails, local wine, and beach snacks.
Another option is Missiria Beach. Located just east of the town, it’s the chill cousin to the busier city beaches.
Fewer crowds, soft sand, and warm shallow waters make it perfect for lazy afternoons and sneaky naps under your sunhat.
Savor the Best Gyro in Greece!
Forget Michelin stars—this casual spot has soul.
Located just off the main drag, Dimarchos Souvlakotexneion is the ultimate souvlaki and gyro stand for Rethymno.
Crispy pork that is sliced fresh off of the spinning spit, creamy tzatziki, fresh onions and tomatoes, and crispy fries shoved in a fluffy pita and wrapped with love.
One bite and you’ll understand why locals are obsessed.
It was the best gyro sandwich we’ve had in Greece and we’ve been to nine cities and islands around Greece (Santorini, Milos, Athens, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Monemvasia, Katakolo and Crete!)
Enjoy Greek Pastries and a Freddo Espresso
No trip is complete without a proper freddo espresso and a pastry.
Head to Mikrasiatiko, a cozy café tucked into a side street of Old Town, for your caffeine fix and Greek pastry heaven.
A Greek freddo espresso is our favorite morning treat. It’s frothy and flavorful, much like an espresso martini without the booze.
So, is Rethymno worth visiting?
Let’s just say it’s where your vacation becomes a memory you’ll brag about for years. We personally loved that it really isn’t on the radar for American travelers yet, even though it should be.
Come for the history, stay for the luxurious hotel, and leave with sunkissed skin from the amazing beaches.
Safe travels and don’t forget your stretchy pants because the food is delicious in Rethymno.
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