Rethymno, in particular, is an area of great historical importance and natural beauty, with many sightseeing worth to visit. The historical Monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are very important places to visit in Rethymno. Visitors should also not miss a stroll to the Old Town of Rethymno with the Venetian style and the picturesque old port, as well as to the Fortezza above the town. Apart from the sandy beaches, very beautiful are the seaside villages of Rethymno, such as Bali, Agia Galini, and Plakias.
Magnificent beaches are found along the coasts of Rethymno, both on the northern and the southern side of the prefecture. Rethymno beaches on the northern side are more organized and popular, lined up with hotels, restaurants, cafeterias and water sports centers. Most Rethymno beaches on the southern side remain untouched by tourism and ideal for total privacy.
The Municipality of Rethymnon includes the most important urban center and capital city of the prefecture, Rethymnon.
Rethymno is the third largest municipality of Crete with 40,000 habitants and capital of the homonymous prefecture of Crete.In the east is Iraklion (80 km) and to the west is Hania (60 km).
It lies along the north coast, having to the east one of the largest sand beaches in Crete (12 km) and to the west a rocky coastline that ends up to another large sand beach after 10 km.
It accommodates more than half a million tourists and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors on day tours and cruises annually.more than 7000 active students make the city particularly vibrant during the rest of the year. Rethymnon has retained its color and character since the Venetian and Turkish periods.