RETHYMNON
The picturesque town of Rethymnon is located on the north coast
and lies approximately halfway between the towns Heraklion and Chania and is
capital of the province of the same name.
Rethymnon has two harbours, one for ferry connections with the
mainland of Greece and the scenic Venetian fishing port fringed by the terraces
of the local tavernas.
The Venetian Fortress "Fortezza" dominates the
mediaeval old town of Rethymnon. The minarets and Turkish houses, with their
covered wooden balconies, give an oriental flair, which contrast with the
renaissance feature of the Venetian buildings in the narrow streets of the old
quarter. This oriental flavour of the town brings to life the ever-changing
history since ancient times.
The area around Rethymnon is ideal for swimming and water
sports; it has a magnificent and long sandy beach, stretching 16 km from the
port towards the east, broken into small shingle coves here and there along the
way.
Because of its central position, Rethymnon is an excellent place
to begin excursions by car or for those who love walking, the countryside and
mountains surrounding Rethymnon are something of a paradise.
One can also make a boat trip from Rethymnon along the coast to
Panormos and Bali and Georgioupolis, or take a one-day cruise to the volcanic
island of Santorini.