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Rethymno

Greece · Coast · EUR · 35.365600, 24.482300
Family friendly 6.9/10 · Rank 843 of 2 709
Best season: May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)

Best for

For history lovers, beaches, Cretan cuisine and peaceful holidays.

Best season

May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)

Daily budget
$138.00 (≈ 11 581 ₽ · ≈ 123 EUR)
For 7 days
$966.00 (≈ 81 067 ₽ · ≈ 863 EUR)
Rethymno is one of the most charming towns on Crete, where the Venetian Fortezza fortress towers over medieval streets and a lively waterfront. The old town with its labyrinth of alleyways and Ottoman mosques creates a unique atmosphere, while the sandy beaches in the vicinity attract sun-seekers. Rethymno is the perfect combination of history, culture, and beach relaxation.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
10.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Hospitable, friendly, proud of their history and culture.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history (Venetian and Ottoman)
  • Beautiful sandy beach
  • Fewer tourists than Heraklion
  • Authentic Cretan atmosphere
  • Developed infrastructure

Cons

  • Many tourists in summer
  • High cost
  • Dangerous sea urchins
  • Limited infrastructure in low season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
12.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
16.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
10.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
winter (November-March)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
golden sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
good
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Rethymno Beach (city beach)
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main dangers are sea urchins and intense sun. Lifeguards on beaches.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are present in the sea, be cautious

Corals and reefs — details

  • Sea fans (Gorgonia) — found in Rethymno coastal waters, displayed in the Marine Life Museum
  • Corals can cause cuts on contact, caution recommended

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish risk is low (3/10), rarely encountered

Sharks — details

  • Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) — found in the Mediterranean, large and potentially dangerous, but attacks are extremely rare
  • Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) — second largest fish in the world, feeds on plankton, harmless
  • Blue shark (Prionace glauca) — found in open waters, usually not dangerous
Attractions

Fortezza Venetian Fortress

Magnificent 16th-century Venetian fortress on a hill with panoramic views of the city and sea.

Venetian Harbour

Picturesque old harbour with colourful fishing boats, tavernas and a lighthouse.

Rethymno Old Town

Labyrinth of narrow streets with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, shops and restaurants.

Rethymno Archaeological Museum

Museum with artefacts from the Minoan, Greek and Roman eras.

Kara Musa Pasha Mosque

17th-century Ottoman mosque, now a concert hall.

Rethymno Beach

Long sandy beach stretching for many kilometres along the city.

Best areas

Old Town

Historic centre with Venetian and Ottoman architecture.

Beach Area

Area along the long sandy beach with hotels and restaurants.

Venetian Harbour

Picturesque area by the old harbour with tavernas and cafes.

Must-try food

Moussaka

Layered dish of aubergines, minced meat and béchamel sauce.

Greek Salad

Salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and olive oil.

Grilled Fresh Fish

Catch of the day grilled with herbs and lemon.

Tzatziki

Yoghurt, cucumber and garlic dip served with bread.

Cretan Olive Bread

Traditional Cretan bread with olives and herbs.

Where to go next

Bali Resort

Popular resort with beaches and hotels, ~30 km.

Preveli Beach

Famous beach with palm trees and a river, ~35 km.

Heraklion

Crete's largest city with an archaeological museum, ~80 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Ханья Международный Аэропорт Иоаннис Даскалояннис (CHQ).
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Visa
Visa requirements
Schengen visa for non-EU citizens
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 49 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$88.00
≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 79 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 107 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$147.00
≈ 12 336 ₽ · ≈ 131 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 161 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 107 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽ · ≈ 8 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽ · ≈ 8 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Rethymno: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Rethymno: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Rethymno: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +10.0°C, during the day — up to +16.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Rethymno: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Rethymno: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on winter (November-March). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Rethymno: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "golden sand" surface, golden sand, good water. The most popular beaches: Rethymno Beach (city beach). The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Rethymno: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Rethymno: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Main dangers are sea urchins and intense sun. Lifeguards on beaches.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Rethymno: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $138.00 (≈ 11 581 ₽ · ≈ 123 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Rethymno: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $55.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $88.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $147.00 per night, an apartment — $120.00 per night, a villa — $180.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Rethymno: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $30.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Rethymno: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Rethymno: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Fortezza Venetian Fortress — Magnificent 16th-century Venetian fortress on a hill with panoramic views of the city and sea.; Venetian Harbour — Picturesque old harbour with colourful fishing boats, tavernas and a lighthouse.; Rethymno Old Town — Labyrinth of narrow streets with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, shops and restaurants.; Rethymno Archaeological Museum — Museum with artefacts from the Minoan, Greek and Roman eras.; Kara Musa Pasha Mosque — 17th-century Ottoman mosque, now a concert hall.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Rethymno: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Moussaka — Layered dish of aubergines, minced meat and béchamel sauce.; Greek Salad — Salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and olive oil.; Grilled Fresh Fish — Catch of the day grilled with herbs and lemon.; Tzatziki — Yoghurt, cucumber and garlic dip served with bread.; Cretan Olive Bread — Traditional Cretan bread with olives and herbs.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Rethymno: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Old Town — Historic centre with Venetian and Ottoman architecture.; Beach Area — Area along the long sandy beach with hotels and restaurants.; Venetian Harbour — Picturesque area by the old harbour with tavernas and cafes.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Rethymno: is a visa required?
Visa: Schengen visa for non-EU citizens. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Rethymno: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Ханья Международный Аэропорт Иоаннис Даскалояннис (code CHQ). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Rethymno: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $138.00 (≈ 11 581 ₽ · ≈ 123 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Rethymno: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Rethymno: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Rethymno: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Bali Resort — Popular resort with beaches and hotels, ~30 km.; Preveli Beach — Famous beach with palm trees and a river, ~35 km.; Heraklion — Crete's largest city with an archaeological museum, ~80 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.9/10
Overall rank: 843 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 582