
The Prefecture of Rethymno is the heart of the island of Crete and is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Rethymno awaits you with clear blue seas and Mount Psiloritis, there are traces of a civilisation that dates back 4,500 years, numerous Byzantine churches and monasteries, enchanting Venetian monuments, the most well-preserved Renaissance city in Greece, with endless beaches, caves, gorges and unique flora and fauna. Rethymno and its villages are live postcards, which are pervaded by the aroma of Cretan cuisine and the sound of the Cretan lyre.
The city of Rethymno is an ideal tourist destination for visitors who wish to explore the rich cultural heritage and the natural beauties of Crete. This well-organized city offers to visitors a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit. The old city of Rethymno still preserves its old urban structure to a great extend, formed during the Venetian period and later reformed during the Turkish occupation.
It has been declared a protected historical monument and a traditional settlement. The Municipality actively contributes to the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the old city, and promotes a healthy tourist development and a high quality of life for its citizens through the proper management of socio-economic activities. A number of projects have been realized, or are under realization, covering all aspects of the city life linked to its history, culture and architecture.