Money
by dimilag
Greece's major banks all have branches in Rethymnon, and most of these banks will provide currency exchange services. Bank hours are generally the following: Monday - Thursday 08.00-14.30hrs, Friday 08.00-14.00hrs. Many banks provide 24 hour ATM services, additional ATM machines may be found at various locations in Rethymnon centre. Western Union money transfer services are available at the main Post Office and in the News Stand on Plateia Iroon.Several tour companies and travel agents in Rethymnon also offer currency exchange facilities; it is of course advisable to check daily rates and commission before proceeding with any transaction. In Rethymnon itself credit cards are widely accepted in tourist shops and restaurants, however, in local kafeneions and off the beaten track payment is more likely to be cash only. If in doubt, ask!
Prevelli Beach
by PhilC2
We took a bus from Rethymnon bus station to Prevelli, which leaves at 10:00 a.m. and returns from Prevelli at 4:30 p.m. For a few Euroes each, this was great value considering we travelled the breadth of the island in a modern air-conditioned bus. It is also a chance to view the rugged interior of the islands, which amazes with its looming hills and sharp gorges. In the middle of all this, you stop from time to time in a village in the middle of nowhere and an old lady would get on and then get off a couple of stops later (not the same one). Village life in the interior of Crete looks hard but it also appeals as a seemingly tranquil & peaceful existence.
Beware, when you arrive at Prevelli you are faced with a sharp descent to the beach, which takes at least 15-minutes. You will experience problems if you bring a lot of baggage. Sun loungers are available at the bottom though. The views however are spectacular. The beach itself is relatively small, although it can get busy. Another larger beach was situated the other side of a rock and this was practically empty.
The beach itself is sliced into two, forming a sandy spit upon which bathers can sit, by a stream from the interior that runs down the hill, flanked by lovely palm trees behind the beach, and into the sea. Freshwater is freezing! When you first get into the sea you are engulfed in freshwater but if you swim out a bit, the water becomes warmer. Be careful also, as the seabed is lined with rounded rocks, that aren't jagged but will leave you with a stubbed toe, if you're not careful.
The beach was beautiful but one failing was the wind! It must channel down the gorge behind the beach and pick up speed. Basically, it seemed as though we were sitting in a wind tunnel! Reading a newspaper there is near on impossible.
For refreshments, there is a small bar there that serves drinks and food, so you won't be stuck if you don't bring any. Save some puff for the walk up though and make sure you leave enough time to walk up to catch the bus at 4:30 p.m.
The sax player is always there
cakies of every type
