Rethymno
on the north coast, lies on the island's longest sandy beach
and is known by visitors as the "hidden jewel" of
Crete. 
Since
1400 B.C. the Minoans, Venetians, Turks and Cretans have built
their ancient cities, minarets, citadels, the hilltop Fortezza,
winding narrow streets, fishing harbour and lighthouse which
create an old-wolrd charm. Situated at about equal distances
from Heraklion (80 Km) and Hania (65 Km), Rethymnon is also
only a short distance from the most spectacular countryside
making it an ideal centre to explore the island.
Rethymno is the capital of the Prefecture (Nomos) of Rethymno.
The main mass of Mountain Psiloreitis (2,456 m.), the highest
mountain on Crete, commands the prefecture to the east. Along
the north coast,one can see and visit to the east one of the
largest sand beaches in Crete (12 km) and to the west a rocky
coastline that ends up to another large sand beach after 10
km.
Today Rethymnon is the administrative, communications and commercial
center of the Prefecture with approximately 25.000 residents.
You
can visit:
The Great Gate, one of the old city gates left over from the
Venetian fortifications of 1540-1570.
The Loggia, mid-16th century, was a social club where the lords
and noblemen used to meet and relax. It is now the Archaeological
Museum containing interesting archaeological finds from the
region as well as a fine coin collection.
The Rimondi Fountain, north of Petihaki Square, a 17th century
work.
The Fortezza, north of the city, on Paleokastro Hill,the small
but well preserved fortress. Built in 1574, it offers a marvelous
view of the city and the sea.
The facades of Venetian houses, most of which are found in the
old city.
The small but picturesque Venetian harbor.
The churches of San Francesco and Our Lady of the Angels, known
as the church of the "Little Virgin" (Mikri Panayia).
The
Monastery of Arkadi (Moni Arkadi) (23 km. southeast of Rethimno),
built in the 16th century in a wonderful natural setting. It
is linked with memorable events in the island's struggle against
Turkish oppression. There is a tourist pavilion outside the
monastery.
The
Monastery of Preveli (36 km. south of Rethimno). A historic
monastery well worth visiting with a small museum and beautiful
view of the Preveli lagoon. 
The
Europa Nostra awarded holy monastery of Aghia Irini, Rethymno.
