Best Things to do in Rethymno (Crete) | Must-see attractions 2025

Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Museum

28-30 M.Vernadou Street

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The Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon in Crete features local artifacts, costumes, and folk art, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region through time.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

€3 for adults, €1.50 for children, discounts available for groups.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

Μεσολογγίου 32

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Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete in Rethymno features approximately 680 works by Lefteris Kanakakis and other contemporary artists in a historic Venetian building.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Nature Park

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Nature reserve

741 00 Rethymno

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Nature Park in Rethymno, Crete showcases the island's biodiversity with endemic plants, animals, and educational exhibits in a tranquil outdoor setting.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Donations encouraged for park maintenance and educational programs.

Stagakis Cretan Lyra Workshop

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

Chatzimichali Giannari 45

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Stagakis Cretan Lyra Workshop in Rethymno offers tours of Cretan musical history, featuring instrument construction and local traditional music experiences.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Special activities may have a nominal fee.

Chromonastiri Military Museum

8:00 AM–2:00 PM

Museum

Eparchiaki Odos Perivolias-Chromanastiriou

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Chromonastiri Military Museum in Rethymno, Crete, houses artifacts from various historical periods within a 1610 Venetian villa, formerly a noble summer residence.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Psychro Cave

Mo-Su 08:00-18:30

Cave

Eparchiaki Odos Mesa Lasithiou - Kastelliou

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Psychro Cave in Rethymno, Greece, is historically significant as the legendary birthplace of Zeus, featuring unique geological formations and an ancient cult worship site.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Guided tours may incur a fee.

Church Of Four Martyrs

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Gerakari 6

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The Church of Four Martyrs in Rethymno, Greece, is an Orthodox church known for its historical significance and unique architecture.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free entry. Donations are appreciated to help maintain the church.

Rimondi Fountain

Open all day

Fountain

Κωνσταντίνου Παλαιολόγου

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Rimondi Fountain in Rethymno, Crete, Greece, is a historical 17th-century Venetian fountain featuring Corinthian columns and lion-head spouts.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free.

Ekklisiastiko Mousio

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Pl. Mitropoleos

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Ekklisiastiko Mousio in Rethymno showcases religious artifacts, manuscripts, and the history of the Greek Orthodox Church in Crete, reflecting centuries of cultural heritage.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Centre of Byzantine Art

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

Ethnikis Antistaseos

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Centre of Byzantine Art in Rethymno, Crete showcases Byzantine-era artifacts, offering deep insights into Byzantine culture and art.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

General Admission: €5. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

Tu-Su 10:00-18:00

Museum

Αγ. Φραγκίσκου

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The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, located in a Venetian church, features a diverse collection of Minoan, Byzantine, and Venetian relics from Crete.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Paid. General admission is €4; reduced rate €2 for students and seniors.

Institute of Mediterranean Studies

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Event hall

Νικηφόρου Φωκά 130 (btwn Μελισσηνού & Κλειδή)

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Institute of Mediterranean Studies in Rethymno, Crete, Greece conducts research on Mediterranean culture, history, and environment, promoting scholarly activities and collaboration.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Neratze Mosque

6:00 PM–11:00 PM

Mosque

Vernardou

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Neratze Mosque in Rethymno, Crete, was once an Augustinian church, converted to a mosque in 1657, and now serves as a concert hall and music conservatory.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations may support performances and maintenance.

Paleontological Museum of Rethimno

Mo-Sa 09:00-15:00; PH off

Museum

Satha Markellou

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The Paleontological Museum of Rethimno exhibits fossilized remains of extinct species, including the dwarf Cretan elephant, in a historic 17th-century mosque.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may have a fee.

Dimotikos Kipos

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Καλλέργη Ζάχ.

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Dimotikos Kipos in Rethymno, Crete, is a public garden featuring a diverse plant collection, serene walkways, and a charming atmosphere for relaxation.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may vary in pricing.

Halevi monastery

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Rethimno 741 00

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Halevi Monastery in Rethymno, Crete, Greece, is a historical religious site known for its serene architecture and cultural significance in the region.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Prassano Gorge

Open All Day

Park

Rethimno 741 00

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Prassano Gorge in Rethymno, Crete, offers breathtaking hiking through a scenic canyon, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours recommended for a complete experience.

Free. No entry fee required for access to the hiking trails.

Mili Gorge

Open 24 hours

Nature reserve

Rethimno,

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Mili Gorge in Rethymno, Crete, is a scenic hiking destination featuring a diverse natural landscape with rich flora and wildlife, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. No charge for accessing the hiking trails.

Arsani Monastery

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Greece

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Arsani Monastery, founded in the 16th century, showcases impressive architecture and rich historical significance in Rethymno, Crete, Greece.

Duration: Approximately 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated to maintain the site.

Cave of Zeus shop

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Mall

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Cave of Zeus shop in Rethymno offers authentic Cretan products, souvenirs, and artifacts, rooted in local tradition and mythology, attracting tourists and locals alike.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free entry. Special product purchases vary in price.

Οπτικα Παλαφουτη Outlet Store

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Mall

51 Arkadiou

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Οπτικα Παλαφουτη Outlet Store in Rethymno, Crete, offers a wide selection of optical products including glasses and lenses at competitive prices.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free to enter. Products vary in price according to specific categories.

Arkadi

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Public Building

Greece

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Arkadi in Rethymno, Crete is a historic monastery known for its role in the Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule and features unique architecture and scenic surroundings.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Neratzes Mosque

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Ethnikis Antistaseos (Vernardou)

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Neratzes Mosque in Rethymno, Greece, is a historic mosque featuring unique architecture and cultural significance, built in the 17th century on the site of a former church.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free.

St. Lazare Chapel

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Public Building

Πατελάρου 14

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St. Lazare Chapel in Rethymno, Crete, is a historic 16th-century church, known for its unique architecture and serene ambiance, attracting visitors interested in history and culture.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and restoration.