Rethymno - Crete Greece
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.
People live here amidst nature and emotions, outside the code of
behavior found in big cities. No matter where you go, be it even to
the most isolated village, our people will open their doors to you
to treat you to a "tsikoudia" and befriend you.
Rethymno is the homeland of Zeus, the god of Hospitality. The
great number of visitors who return repeatedly confirms the words
of the poet: "Rethymno is not a place where you go to, but a place
where you return."
The county of Rethymno, located between those of Chania to the
west and Herakleion to the east, is one that covers an area of over
1,400 square km. Combining the rough dominating mountains, and the
soft sandy beaches along the north and south coasts, Rethymno is a
very beautiful part of Crete, and one that offers a diverse
selection for your holidays and travels.
Rethymno is the most mountainous of all four counties of Crete.
It is a major production centre for olive oil, olives and
vegetables on Crete.
The landscape here is one that cries out to be explored, and
those who are travelling by car or bike can venture off and explore
many of the hidden gems of Rethymno.
For those who enjoy the beach, there are some very beautiful and
popular beaches located to the east of Rethymno town. Two of the
most popular along the northern coast of Rethymno are the beaches
found at Panormo and Bali. Here you can lie back on the soft sands,
and bathe in the crystal blue waters. Along the southern coast are
some very nice beaches, including those of Plakias and Agia
Galini.
Though there are not as many archaeological sites found in the
county of Rethymno, there are several other sites that more than
compensate for this. One of the most popular is the stunning cave
of Ideon Antron. It is here that legend tells us that the mythical
Zeus was raised. Findings in and around this area by archaeologists
have also brought to light various findings from the Minoan period.
Other places of interest in Rethymno include the heroic Arkadi
Monastery that is often referred to as the symbol of liberty.
Rethymno is a very beautiful part of Crete, and makes an
excellent base from which one can venture out and explore the
neighbouring counties of Chania and Herakleio. Whether you are
looking for a holiday in Crete to simply unwind and relax, or one
filled with fun and adventure, you can be confident that the county
of Rethymno has everything you could possibly desire.
Mythology
There are two main areas in the prefecture of Rethymno, which
are closely connected with Cretan mythology: The Ideon Antron on
Psiloritis and the Talaea Mountains, which today are called Mount
Kouloukounas and are situated in the north-eastern part of the
prefecture.
In the sacred cave on the Ida Mountain, which was predestined to
become the most important centre of worship of the ancient world,
Zeus, the most powerful of the gods, was born and raised.
