Crete tourist guide

The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.

Rethymnon - a city of the Renaissance

Rethymnon with less than 40,000 inhabitants, it is the third and largest city of Crete after Heraklion and Chania . The city lies in the north-western part of Crete, more or less in the middle of the New National Road section connecting Chania and Heraklion .

Rethymnon

History

Despite the fact that this place was already populated in the Minoan period, almost no traces from that period have survived to this day.

In the Greek-Roman period, the city was an important commercial center. Rithymn's strength (and importance as it was called Rethymnon) should be testified by the fact that the city was minting its own coins. Descriptions of the city appear also in contemporary literary messages, mentioned even by Ptolemy



The city flourished the most during the reign of the Venetians, who decided to transform Rethymnon into an important trade center (next to Heraklion and Chania). It is from this period that today's Old Town (poly flame) comes from. In 1540, due to the growing threat from the increasingly stronger Turkey, the Venetian authorities decided to extend the existing fortifications and defensive walls protecting the city. Despite the effort put in securing the city, in 1571 pirates Ouloutza-Ali showed with all severity the weakness of this expansion. Rethymnon was robbed by them and completely burned.

Delfini

Two years after these events, the Venetians decided to build a new, better fortress on the Paleokastro Hill, which should protect the city more effectively. This is how Fortezza was created, which is probably the most characteristic tourist attraction of Rethymnon. It is worth visiting this place, because these fortifications are one of the best-preserved fortresses on Crete.



In 1646, the city is occupied by Ottoman Turks who will rule it for almost three centuries. Rethymnon continued to play an important role for the region and was the seat of local authorities, the center of the then district called sanjak. The turbulent period of the Turkish occupation ends in 1897, when Crete is transferred under the jurisdiction of world powers. During this period, the Russian army stationed in Rethymnon, which eventually withdraws from the city in 1907. However, it was not until 1913 that Crete became an integral part of Greece. In 1924, under the Treaty of Lausanne, the Turkish population of Rethymnon is resettled to Asia Minor. These events thus close the division of strong Turkish influence on this city.

During World War II, Rethymnon did not avoid significant damage that arose during the battle for this city, and in particular during heavy air bombardments. Initially, Greek defenders and Australian soldiers successfully repelled the attacks of the Axis forces. Only German reinforced meals took Rethymnon on May 29, 1941.

Today

The last several decades of the history of this city is a particularly strong development of the tourism industry. Currently, Rethymnon is one of the most important tourist centers in Crete. Agriculture is still important, in particular the production of olive oil and other products typical of the Mediterranean region.




Rethymnon is also an important academic center. In this city there is the seat of the School of Philosophy, the Library of the University of Cretan and the College of Social and Political Sciences. During the academic year, the university campus is a place of residence for about 8,000 students.

What to see

Below you will find short descriptions of the most interesting places that you can visit in Rethymnon:

Fortezza is the largest Venetian castle in Crete ever built. During the summer season, outdoor performances and other such events are organized here. Within the fortress there is the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque. The fortress is open until 19.00, however, the last visitors are admitted until 18.15. Admission ticket for an adultit costs about 4 EURO.




The Rimondi Fountain is now on Platanos Square, in the old center of the Venetian city. It was built in 1626 by the Venetian governor A. Rimondi. Between the four Corinthian columns there are three lion's mouths, from which water spurts. The fountain was covered with a dome, however, according to the legend, it was pulled down so that the car carrying Eleftherios Venizelos could pass through the extended passage.


The Archaeological Museum was built in 1990 in a former Venetian prison. When planning a tour, remember that it is open (except Mondays) only until 3 pm. The admission ticket costs 3 EURO. The museum is rather small, the exhibition is concentrated in one larger room. The presented collections cover the time from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic period.



The Venetian gate of Megali Porta , also known as the Goura gate. The current remains of this building admired by tourists are only a substitute for the former central gate of Rethymnon. Megali Porta literally means the big door, and the second name of the building comes from the name of the Venetian governor Jocopo Guoro ruling in the years when it was built.

Old Venetian port in Rethymnon from the 13th century. A small lighthouse at the end of the breakwater was built in the seventeenth century by the Turks. Compared to the Venetian port of Heraklion or Chania, this one in Rethymnon is definitely smaller. In the Venetian port, only small fishing boats and yachts are located. The harbor coast is a real basin of various types of taverns and taverns.



Renaissance Festival - since 1987 in Rethymno every summer in July, the Renaissance Festival is organized. Over the many years of the festival's existence, most of the works of Cretan dramaturgists, as well as Shakespeare, Moliere, Goldoni and many others were presented in the theater located in Fortezza (Erofili).

Dozens of musicians presented music from around the world, from the Renaissance to modern times. A great attraction are the plays of comedy, which are performed on the narrow streets of the old town. More information about this festival can be found on this page: http://www.rfr.gr/



How to get?

Rethymnon is located roughly halfway between Chania and Heraklion . From both these cities it is possible to get very easily by the New National Road, which runs in close proximity to Retymnon. It is worth remembering that there are only two exits from New National Road allowing access to Rethymnon. Each of them is located at the opposite end of the city.

Rethymnon - map

Driving from the side of Chania you have to reckon with considerable problems with parking the car. The only slightly larger car park is located near Fortezza, but it is very crowded. Of course, you can try your luck looking for a free parking space in the city center, but in the season it's a miracle. Entry from the Heraklion side is definitely better, which allows relatively easy access to the big Marina car park. There is no problem finding a free place in this huge square. On some days it is payable, but the rates are not too high, for about 3.5 hours of parking you will pay slightly more than 2 EURO. In addition, the attraction of this car park is that it is adjacent to the marina, where a beautiful view stretches from this place.

west
central
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Interesting places on Crete

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Knossos
Knossos

Knossos

Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go.

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Heraklion
Heraklion

Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Greece.

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Margarites
Margarites

Margarites

Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.

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Heraklion - airport
Heraklion - airport

Heraklion - airport

International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.

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Heraklion
Heraklion

Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city.

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Moni Arkadiou
Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou

The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.

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Moni Arkadiou
Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou

The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.

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Rethymnon
Rethymnon

Rethymnon

Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.

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Thrapsano
Thrapsano

Thrapsano

Thrapsano is a small town inhabited by slightly over 2,500 people, the vast majority of which until recently maintained their activity as a potter.

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Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism

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Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism

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Jaskinia Idi
Jaskinia Idi

Jaskinia Idi

According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Plakias
Plakias

Plakias

Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

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more
Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

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Gorge Kourtaliotiko
Gorge Kourtaliotiko

Gorge Kourtaliotiko

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.

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Minoan Agia Triada
Minoan Agia Triada

Minoan Agia Triada

Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.

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Fajstos
Fajstos

Fajstos

Około 60 kilometrów na południowy zachód od stolicy Krety - Heraklionu znajdują się ruiny drugiego co do wielkości starożytnego pałacu - Fajstos.

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Melidoni Cave
Melidoni Cave

Melidoni Cave

Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824.

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Koules Fortress
Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.

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Archeological museum
Archeological museum

Archeological museum

It is one of the most important and largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe.

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Tylissos
Tylissos

Tylissos

Tylissos is one of the few places in Crete that has kept its name since ancient times.

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Damnoni
Damnoni

Damnoni

Plaża w Damnoni jest położona po sąsiedzku z Plakias - popularną turystyczną miejscowością

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Agios Pavlos
Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos is a small town located on the southern coast of Crete near Saktouria.

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Triopetra
Triopetra

Triopetra

Triopetra is located at the foot of the Siderotas mountain about 52 km south of Rethymno.

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Agia Galini
Agia Galini

Agia Galini

gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.

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Skinakas Observatory
Skinakas Observatory

Skinakas Observatory

The observatory is located at the top of the Skinakas mountain at an altitude of 1750 m. The idea for its construction was born in 1984.

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Armeni
Armeni

Armeni

The Late-Romanesque cemetery in Armeni is located on the outskirts of this town, located less than 10 km south of the center of Rethymno.

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Military Museum
Military Museum

Military Museum

The museum presents the dramatic history of Crete written over the last several hundred years.

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Argyroupolis
Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis

The modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi)

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Lentas
Lentas

Lentas

Lentas is a good idea for those who want to get away from villages steeped in industrial tourism.

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Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos
Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος.

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Archeological Museum in Eleftherna
Estiatorio Chrisopigi
Estiatorio Chrisopigi

Estiatorio Chrisopigi

If anyone of you is looking for a good restaurant near Matala and Kalamaki, then we would like to recommend estiório Chrisopigi.

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Gortyna
Gortyna

Gortyna

Gortyna is considered one of the most extensive excavations in Greece.

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Psiloritis - Timios Stavros
Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis (Timios Stavros - Holy Cross) is the top of the highest mountain of Crete, rising to 2456 m above sea level.

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Rouvas Gorge
Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.

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Matala
Matala

Matala

Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.

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Monastery of Odigitrias
Monastery of Odigitrias

Monastery of Odigitrias

The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.

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Kali Limenes
Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes (meaning Dobre Porty or Piękny Przystanie) is a coastal town located in the Asterousia Mountains on the southern coast of Crete.

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Vathipetro
Vathipetro

Vathipetro

In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.

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Kommos
Kommos

Kommos

When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.

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Sfendoni Cave
Sfendoni Cave

Sfendoni Cave

Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl

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Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse
Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

The old Venetian port and the lighthouse are one of the most recognizable elements of Rethymno.

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Nice
Nice

Nice

Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also called the village hidden in the gorge.

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Komentarze

 gość}
gość marek andrzej
2014-05-07 10:31:42

polski cmentarz a Retymnonie

Kilka lat temu odwiedziłem w Retymnonie maleńki cmentarz, przy ul.Timoleontos, gdzie spoczywa 18.polskich żołnierzy (łatwo trafić, ponieważ na zewnątrz cmentarnego muru znajduje się marmurowa tablica ze stosownymi napisami).Zmarli służyli  w 13. Pułku Strzelców, stanowiącym część rosyjskiego kontyngentu, przybyłego na wyspę w 1897 r. Specjalnie dla polskich żołnierzy ( a było ich ok. 300) zbudowano w Retymnonie katolicki kościół , pw. św. Antoniego z Padwy. Do dziś mieści się on przy ul. Melissinou. Wiem, że niestety planowano likwidację cmentarza i zbudowanie na jego miejscu parkingu. Sprawdzę to za kilka tygodni, gdyż w czerwcu zamierzam po raz kolejny odwiedzić moje ulubione miasto.

Ciekawe, że nie natknąłem się na informacje o polskich żołnierzach i miejscu ich spoczynku w żadnych przewodnikach. Moze nie miałem szczęścia.

Pozdrawiam - ma

 gość}
gość gość 1
2019-07-04 13:48:55

polski cmentarz w Retymnonie

Do : gość marek Andrzej . Bardzo dziękujemy za informacje o polskim cmentarzu w Retymnonie. Tak nas Pan zainspirował, że poszliśmy szukać cmentarza i znaleźliśmy. Nadal istnieje. Parking wybudowano obok. Na cmentarz nie da się wejść, ale ponad bramą widać, że jest bardzo zaniedbany. Na murze znajduje się tablica w języku polskim, angielskim i greckim: MIEJSCE WIECZNEGO SPOCZYNKU ŻOŁNIERZY POLSKICH POLEGŁYCH W WALCE O WOLNOŚĆ GRECJI 1897-1905. Może ktoś przy okazji pobytu w Retymno się wybierze?

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Najnowsze komentarze:

Καλή Σαρακοστή ☺
Warto zobaczyć, byliśmy jest pieknie
Piękne miejsce.
Prace wykonane przez Evansa, tak bardzo kontrowersyjne, doprowadziły jednak do tego, że Pałac w Knossos jest najchętniej odwiedzanym zabytkiem na Krecie. Pałac w Zakros czy nawet Fajstos, tak bardzo autentyczne, nie mogą się poszczycić taką popularnością. (...)
Niezapomniane wrażenia
Byłam, widziałam, poczułam moc tego miejsca
Warto zwiedzić.
Nádherná památka byla jsem tam 2x ❤️
gość PiotrWie : Już i na południu jest sporo ludzi - pamiętam puste plaże za Asterousią a w 2019 i w Tris Ekklisies i w Lentas a nawet na plażach Tripiti i Trachoulas było sporo ludzi.A na Serifos czy Kimolos byliśmy sami ewentualnie z jakąś drugą dwójką.
Zostaje mniej oblegane południe , ja pamiętam Kretę z przed 2 dekad i Balos gdzie prawie nie było ludzi :)
Taknpomyślałam, że pewnie trochę zatrzęsło... A wówczas nawet wykonane prace zabezpieczające nie dadzą 100% bezpieczeństwa. Dobrze, że nikt nie ucierpiał
gość PiotrWie : My wybieramy się w maju na Ikarię. Tam czegoś takiego nie będzie jeszcze jakiś czas. Polecam wyspy na którym nie ma lotnisk międzynarodowych - chętni na takie resorty nie uznają podróży z przesiadkami. Np Serifos, Sifnos czy Astipaleę.  
Dobrze, że są miejsca gdzie udało się odsunąć te plany. Typu Plakias , Falassarna
To już nie będzie Kreta dzika i swojska. Będą tłumy i komercja.
Masakra
Pamiętam lekki chłód w porównaniu z upałem sierpniowym poza wąwozem i taką duszącą wilgoć
Ciekawe miejsce. Idąc tam , próbowaliśmy cofnąć czas, wyobrażając sobie wioskę w pełnym rozkwicie…
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