Rethymno is one of the largest cities of Crete and definitely one of the most popular ones. It lies on the north coast of the island, approximately in the middle of its length.
It has a lot to offer to essentially every kind of tourist. Similarly to Chania, it has a venetian Harbor but here there's also a large lighthouse at the waterfront. Rethymno's old town is absolutely lovely and pleasant for wandering about and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere. It's full of taverns, picturesque alleys and large plants. Some of the streets are covered up with vines that provide natural shade.
Rethymno astually has a lot of interesting temples of Greek Orthodox and mosques, There's also a 16th century citadel, but we haven't gone there. Actually, I think that due to cretan extremely hot summer temperature during the day a lot of important sights slipped our attention.
A long, sandy beach stretches to the east of the city, and it is lined with numerous hotels and resorts that fought over sea-access for the convenience of their guests. The beach is connected to the old harbor by a long and wide promenade, where life appears at night when the heat of the day fades a bit and all the beach-goers head to the centre to look for dinner.
Kourna Lake
A few kilometers from Rethymno there's a hidden gem of central Crete. Kourna lake is the largest sweetwater lake of the region and it's relatively large having 3,5km in perimeter. It is almost perfectly round with tall hills right over it what lookes very cool.
It is a natural habitat of many species of fish and turtles! Paddling boats are available to rent, so you can paddle around the lake and see some if you are lucky.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Well thinking about gorges in Crete it's most likely that Samaria will pop up in your mind first. It's on every second travel brochure and numerous trips are organised to wave a walk through that striking rocky gorge.
Being afraid that Samaria will be overcrowded we drove to see a smaller and less known gorge of a very long and hard to remember name. Kourtaliotiko was less accessible, and as far as our research shown us - mostly accessible to drive through by car. We did stop a few times to take some shots, but also climbed uphill to discover a small monastery. Maybe this gorge was smaller, but it was still breathtaking for me. Sadly, I didn't have a lens that would be wide enough to show the spaciousness of this landscape.
Spili
On our way from Rethymno to the southern beaches we stopped for a walk and a glass of fresh pomegrate juice in an adorable mountain village, Spili. I think that this was the most authentic village that we've been to, specially once we went up, further away from the centre.
Preveli
Last but not least, the Preveli beach and its surroundings. Before entering the beach itself we stopped by an old bridge, and then on a spectacular viewpoint. From the parking it was still a long walk down to the beach on a rocky path. Long and tiring, by the end of the trail my shins were trembling, but it was worth it.
Preveli beach is actually a kind of lagoon or an oasis that popped up in the area surrounding the river valley, in which a palm forest grew. It was possible to walk through the valley if you're a more experienced trekker.
Preveli beach is actually a kind of lagoon or an oasis that popped up in the area surrounding the river valley, in which a palm forest grew. It was possible to walk through the valley if you're a more experienced trekker.
On our way back to Rethymno we came across a lovely tavern with even lovelier view from the terrace!
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