Rethymnon Holidays
Crammed full of colour, bustle and beaches, Rethymnon serves up a real slice of Crete.
Crete's third largest town, the beautiful harbour of Rethymnon, is a Greek treat and a half. You only need to take a stroll around its intricate maze of streets, laced with white-washed cottages, past fine buildings and churches and you'll experience the real Crete. It seems little has changed for decades here. The open air markets are as lively as ever, and the shops, the tavernas and al fresco restaurants fizz with activity. And wherever you wander, you'll notice the influence of previous visitors. The Venetians held Rethymnon in high regard and their architecture can be seen in quiet courtyards and elaborate fountains, as well as the huge fortress which stands above the harbour, presenting a stern face northwards across the Sea of Crete. Yet for all its authentic charm, everything you could need here is to hand and there's a great range of accommodation to suit every style and budget. Plus of course, there's that all-important beach. A palm-fringed promenade backs a beautiful beach of pale sand and shingle which stretches for several kilometres. And if you want to let your adventurous side shine, you can surf the waves on a jetski, feel the wind rushing through your hair from the back of a speed boat or learn to windsurf. After dark, start your night in one of the bars or tavernas - many of which have entertainment - before heading to a disco. The key to keeping up with the Cretans is to start late - most don't even think about eating their evening meal until around nine, and bars stay open until the very early hours. So what are you waiting for?
You want shops and bars in easy strolling distance, waterside restaurants - preferably on some atmospheric old harbour front, a great range of accommodation to suit your style and budget, and a fabulous beach - well, naturally - for swimming, sun-soaking and watersports. Is that asking too much for your holidays? In Rethymnon it's not.
Summer holidays to Rethymnon can be almost anything you want them to be. Pick your perfect self-catering holiday in Rethymnon's outlying villages and bays ... and enjoy the total freedom of your own home in the sun. Opt for an A-class, family-friendly hotel, close to the beach and perhaps with kids' entertainment. The sister hotels of the Grecotel group, El Greco and Rithymna Beach, are deservedly firm favourites with families and couples alike. And if you've decided to go deluxe, take a look at the Grecotel Creta Palace - where fabulous facilities for sport and leisure combine with several eateries, sea views, and super service for the best of summer holidays in Rethymnon.
Sightseers, shoppers and beach-lovers, singles, couples and families - there's something for everyone in this old Venetian town and its satellite resorts. So whether you're planning your trip well in advance or looking for last minute holidays to Rethymnon, you'll be joining a growing band of fans who flock here for summer fun.