Holiday Advisors

RETHYMNO

Rethymno is a gorgeous, little port city, one of the best-preserved towns in Crete. It maintains its aristocratic character, with elegant buildings dating back to the 16th century, arched passages, narrow alleys, and Byzantine monuments. As a result, Rethymno’s old town is a romantic landscape of eras bygone.

The Guora Gate, known by the locals as Megali Porta, is still the main northern entrance to Rethymno’s old quarter. This 500 years old, 2.6 metres wide stone arch is all that remains of the Venetian city wall.

The Rimondi Fountain, is the only Venetian fountain. All other were constructed during the Ottoman period. In 1626, the Venetian governor Rimondi order its reconstruction over an even older fountain, dating back to 1588. Legend has it that whoever drinks from this fountain soon finds themselves back in Rethymno!

What differentiates Rethymno from Chania and Heraklion? Rethymno is smaller with no more than 45,000 residents. Its natural elegance, mesmerizing sand beach, and magical, unspoilt old quarter with its floral canopies and fine hospitality make it unique. Its aesthetics and history, centres for academic learning, love of carnival and Renaissance music festivals, make it Crete’s cultural capital. The locals, a community that radiates creative energy, bring together ancient tradition with flair and inspiration.

There are now 3 market days in Rethymno, all at different locations. Markets take place on Mondays, near the Power Supply office, Thursdays in the central car park, just east of the Municipal Garden and Saturdays in the car park between the bus station and the Fortezza. The Thursday market is the biggest in terms of number of stalls. In these markets, you can find anything from fresh, locally-grown fruit and vegetables, fresh cheese, honey, and herbs, to fabrics, clothes, shoes, and house necessities. Furthermore, on the southern side of the Municipal Garden, every Wednesday, there is an organic farmers’ market, where you can find only organic fruit and vegetables.

CHANIA

The picturesque city of Chania is the second largest city in Crete. As indicated by excavations on Kastelli Hill, Chania is believed to be built on the site of Minoan Kydonia.

During the Byzantine era, the city was fortified and developed substantially. Later, the Venetians turned Chania into a great castle with impenetrable walls. In 1850, Sultan Abdul Mezit visited Crete and decided to construct a naval base in the gulf of Souda, which established Chania as the capital of the island until 1971. In 1898, following the liberation of Crete from the Turks, and while Crete was an autonomous state, great buildings were constructed in the city and the suburb of Halepa. In 1913, following centuries of slavery, the glory of Chania reached its peak during the hoisting of the Greek flag in the fortress Firkas, marking the final Union of Crete with Greece.

During World War II, Chania played an important role in the outcome of the fight against the Germans. The nearby airport of Maleme was the epicentre of the glorious Battle of Crete. In April 1945, Chania was the last European city to be liberated from the Germans.

Some attractions of Chania include the old town, the Venetian harbour with the Egyptian lighthouse, the mosque of Küçük Hasan, the pedestrian road of Koum Kapi, the shipyards, the great Arsenal which houses the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture, the central market, the Kastelli Hill with the old

Some attractions of Chania include the old town, the Venetian harbour with the Egyptian lighthouse, the mosque of Küçük Hasan, the pedestrian road of Koum Kapi, the shipyards, the great Arsenal which houses the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture, the central market, the Kastelli Hill with the old Palace and the Minoan settlement, Splantzia the picturesque Ottoman district, the church of St. Rocco, the cathedral of Chania, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, the beachfront of Nea Chora district, the Maritime Museum of Crete in Fort Firkas, the government buildings and the Courts, the graves of Venizelos family, the house of Venizelos in Halepa, the Allies’ Cemetery in Souda, the Historical Archive of Crete, and more.

ELAFONISSI BEACH

Elafonissi beach is a place of exceptional, natural beauty and a popular destination. Pink sand and turquoise sea makes Elafonissos an exotic place. The little sand islets, the shallow, lagoon-like turquoise waters, and the fine, white sand, which turns pink at several spots due to crushed shell powder create a unique landscape. This is a protected area under the Natura-Programme. It is strictly forbidden to take sand with you.

BALOS LAGOON

We drive west through the outskirts of Chania to the port of Kastelli, arriving at Gramvoussa island. A boat from Kissamos port will take you to the small island of Gramvoussa with its imposing Venetian castle and breath-taking views. After 2 hours, the tour continues to Balos lagoon. With its fabulous, clear water and white, coral sand, this is an irresistible paradise on earth. Balos is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Crete, Greece. During the summer months, Balos is visited by thousands of people, arriving by ferries from Kissamos port.