About this activity

Discover the highlights of central and south Crete , region of Rethymnon  on a tour that covers the charming Venetian  old town of Rethymno, the monastery of Preveli, Plakias Beach by the Libyan Sea, and Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Photo stop )  with breathtaking views.

• Walk through the old town of Rethymno and see unique architecture and landmarks.
• Free time to enjoy the old town and have a coffee
• Visit the Preveli Monastery and see the Holy  Cross.
• Enjoy Plakias Beach and swim in the blue waters of the Libyan Sea.
• Discover the natural beauty of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.(Photo stop )

Who organizes the tour ? The tour is organized by Visit Knossos a website operated by Panos Kritikos and Ioanna Christofakaki, both professional licensed guides and  owners of the travel agency Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made travel services .  The tour is offered directly to the guests / visitors of Crete and our services are not available through any of the online platforms ( such as Viator, Getyourguide, Toursbylocals TourHQ etc).

Cost : The cost of the tour is 660  euro and refers to the cost of the guide for a private tour. ( with all taxes and  24% VAT included)

Duration  of the tour : Estimate the  duration to a full day tour (8h ).

Group capacity: Maximum participants  per group / booking up to 4  pax . For a larger group, you can add the extra participants – 40 euro per person ( ticket is not included- but you can contact us to prearrange the tickets and avoid any lines )

Larger groups :  If you are a larger group / family / friends travelling together, you can add participants during the booking process up to 16 pax ( extra cost per participant 50 euro )

City of Rethymno

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 and easy to walk around and explore city (because of the pedestrian streets), 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 extent, formed during the Venetian period and later reformed during the Turkish occupation. We feel lucky that the city was not flattened during the Second World War, although battles against the Germans took place in the area and the villages close by.

Rethymno combines rarely united features: the old town’s charm and history, with proximity to a long sandy beach (to both sides, either east or west). It is not as crowded as touristic areas close to Heraklion (Chersonissos or Malia) or Chania (Platanias) and many visitors choose this city because they want to feel the atmosphere, in a more relaxing way.

Although it is the third largest town in Crete, visitors and tourists at Rethimnon don’t get the feeling that they are in a city, but more like in a village, where locals walk around in a relaxing pace, drink their coffee by the port. Rethymnon it has a provincial air; it’s a place that moves slowly, a very romantic pace and preserves much of its Venetian and Turkish influence.

Explore one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece. Venetian fortification, the famous Fortezza overlooking the port and the city, the center of Rethymnon with orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, majestic mansions of Venetian style and architecture, arches and cobbled paths which create a magical atmosphere.

The Venetian harbor.

Rethymno’s harbor area is a fine place for a coffee at one of the cafes and perhaps you can choose one of the restaurants and eat there, just for the atmosphere. Our personal suggestion as insiders, is to drink a coffee or get an ice-cream there, and choose one of the restaurants further in the city and enjoy a real traditional lunch or dinner there. Once again, don’t forget, follow the Cretans as far as the food is concerned, follow the locals…

The Venetian Loggia, dating back to the 16th century. Used as the archaeological museum’s shop. (Books, editions from the Ministry of Culture, regarding archaeological sites, copies of statues and clay models, Open Monday to Friday 08.00-15.00. (at the moment under renovation )
This is a good landmark as a meeting/rendezvous place.

Folklore and history museum on Vernardou 30. Open Monday to Friday 09.30-14.30. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Housed in a restored Venetian building with an interior courtyard. Eight halls with collections that include textile and basket weaving, embroidery & lace, costumes, ceramics, historic photographs and maps, weapons and coins. Over 5.000 items dating from the 17th to the 20th century are displayed. This can be visited in your free time if you are interested.

Next door is an old bakery/pastry shop where the baker keeps his old Venetian door open and is happy to show how he makes the traditional “fyllo” pastry leaves.

The main minaret (Neratze mosque) is on Venardou Street, though it is surrounded by a very hefty scaffolding structure for a while. Used currently as a music school (Odeion).

Towards the end of Arkadiou street (corner of Ougo str.), the Kara Musa Pasa mosque. See also the uptown minaret, Veli Pasa mosque, under some refurbishment. Up from the post office, near corner of Markellou and Andoulidaki streets.

The Rimondi fountain, with rich decoration is situated at Platanos square, the centre of the Venetian town. It was built in 1626, by A.Rimondi, in order to provide the citizens with fresh water.

Every Year the Events of the Carnival at Rethymnon are a “must” for all locals…

Carnival: every late February/early March strange and colorful outfits, floats decorated in brash, bright and sometimes controversial themes, hordes of people, together create the Rethymno carnival. Known as the biggest of its kind in Crete. This is set on a holiday known as “Apokries” (the Greek Halloween). The big carnival parade is the climax of the celebration and great fun for adults and kids alike.