The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt in 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.
- Location: Arkadi, 23 km to the southeast of Rethymnon
- Telephone: +30 28310 83076
- Email: info@arkadimonastery.gr
- Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00
- Ticket Price (€): 2.5
- Accessible for people with special needs: YES
- Location: Opposite the main gate of the Fortetza.
- Telephone: +30 28310 54668
- Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00
- Ticket Price (€): 3
- Reduced Ticket Price (€): 2
The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno was founded in 1887 by the Society of the Friends of Education. Today it is housed in the pentagonal bastion in front of the central, east gate of the Fortezza. This building represents one of the fortified construction works accomplished by the Turks, who chose this location in order to defend the central entrance to the fortress. The archaeological findings are exhibited in the Museum in archaeological order and include the following collections: Late Neolithic and Proto-Minoan findings, mainly vessels, tools and figurines from the Gerani and Melidoni caves.
The fortezza fortress was built on Rethymno’s Paleokastro hill between 1573 and 1580 by the Venetians in order to increase the fortifications of Crete against the Ottoman empire.
During the 5th Ottoman – Venetian Was, the fortress was besieged by the Ottomans and two months later the Venetians surrendered with the fortress and the rest of Crete falling on Turkish rule.
By the 20th century, many houses were built within the fortress but were destroyed at World War II. Nowadays the fortress is open to the public and is among the most popular attractions of Rethymno and the best panoramic view you can get.
- Access by Boat: YES
- Access by Car: YES
- Accessible for people with special needs: YES
- Access on Foot: YES
- Beach Type: WHITE SAND
- Near Restaurants: YES
- Lifeguard: YES
- Natural Shade: NO
- Nudist beach: YES
- Sea Activities: YES
- Surfing: YES
- Sea Activities: YES
- Depth: SHALLOW
38km south of Rethymno, shortly before you arrive at the historic Monastery of Preveli, a track on the left hand side leads downhill to a parking place. After approximately 15-minutes downhill walk you arrive at the beautiful sandy beach with palm trees, where the River Kourtaliotis empties into the sea.
- Access by Boat: NO
- Access by Car: NO
- Accessible for people with special needs: NO
- Access on Foot: YES
- Near Restaurants: YES
- Lifeguard: NO
- Sea Activities: YES
- Depth: DEEP
The village of Plakias is situated 40 km south of Rethymno. This resort boasts a superb sandy beach, and the well-organised infrastructure includes hotels, rooms, tavernas and restaurants. The organised beach offers both bathing and various water sports.
- Ligeguard Service: YES
- Activities: Diving & Snorkeling, Kite Surfing
- Accessible for people with special needs: YES
- Access on Foot: YES
- Near Restaurants: YES
Restaurants
- Prima Plora – Cretan Cuicine – Akrotiriou 4 – (0030) 28310 56990
- Avli – Cretan Cuicine – Xanthoulidou 22 – (0030) 28310 58250
- Alana Restaurant – Cretan Cuicine – 15 Salaminos Str. Old Town – (0030) 28310 27737
- Asikiko Restaurant – Emmanouil Vernardou 13 – (0030) 28310 42496
- Peperoncino – Italian Restaurant – Eleftheriou Venizelou 45 – (0030) 697 904 8529
Cafe
- Barrio – Dimitrakaki & Koumoundourou Str. – (0030) 28310 51600
- Living Room – Eleftheriou Venizelou 5 – (0030) 28310 21386
- Noble – Aggelou Sikelianou 1 – (0030) 28310 58383
- Vivliothiki Cafe – Koundouriotou Str. 127 – (0030) 28310 50650
- Pantermo – Tsouderon 33 – (0030) 28310 36888
Bars
- Monitor Art Cafe – Vernardou 21 23 – (0030) 697 413 0764
- Ali Vafi’s Garden – 65 Tzane Bouniali Str. / old town – (0030) 697 207 3316
- Bora Bora Beach Bar – Ari Velouchioti 42 – (0030) 693 844 1313
- Home Seaside – Emmanouil Kefalogianni Avenue 18 – (0030) 28310 22782
- Living Room – Eleftheriou Venizelou 5 – (0030) 28310 21386
- Noble – Aggelou Sikelianou 1 – (0030) 28310 58383