Rethymnon, Crete – A Jewel In The ‘Home Of The Gods’
Posted on February 5th, 2010 in Greek Islands | Comments Off
Situated almost exactly at the halfway point between the former and current capitals of Crete, Rethymnon is the third largest town on Greece’s largest island. Dating back to the 3rd century AD and being in a location which was strategically important to its European neighbours, it wears the influences of the many attempts to hold it captive, most notably those of the Venetians and the Turks.
Like its neighbours, Chania and Heraklion, Rethymnon is a delightful mix of the ancient and the modern. Old shuttered buildings dating back to Venetian times nestle comfortably alongside more recently-built shops, restaurants and cafes, leaving no visitor to the town short of interest. Whether you want to explore the ‘Fortezza’, the Venetian fortress which sits at the heart of Rethymnon and overlooks the town, soak up the atmosphere of the narrow alleyways and streets which sit behind the harbour, shop in the many modern boutiques that the town has to offer or do like the Greeks and simply while away the hours looking out to sea over a leisurely cup of coffee, you will never find yourself short of things to do, whatever the time of day or evening.
