Excursions from Rethymno

Rethymno is quickly becoming a favorite destination for travelers who want to explore Crete and the surrounding Greek Islands. The town is located on Crete’s northern shore, in the middle of the island, making it the perfect base for your Aegean odyssey.

You can enjoy day trips and tours from Rethymno to a host of enchanting destinations — while enjoying the relative peace and comfort that is often lost in the more busy cities of Chania and Heraklion.

Elafonisi Island

Located on the western edge of Crete you’ll find Elafonisi Island — an almost mythical setting where pink sand combines with azure water and pitch-black volcanic rock to create one of the Aegean Sea’s most stunning vistas.

The iconic pink terrain is thanks to the shells of a local marine critter that are crushed down to sand over a span of years. Visitors on an Elafonisi Island day trip can expect to spend the day luxuriating on the beach and frolicking in the waves — while also visiting stunning local villages on your way from Rethymno.

Chania

Together with Heraklion, no visit to Crete is complete without a tour of Chania, and Rethymno is the perfect starting point — with the town just down the road. Chania sports an illustrious history, with the city dating back to Minoan times.

Back then, it was known as Kydonia, an important city-state during Greece’s classical period. During the centuries, the town was ruled by the Greeks, Byzantines, Ottomans and Venetians, weaving a rich tapestry of cultures that can still be seen today.

Samaria Gorge

Located on the southern part of Crete, Samaria Gorge was created by a small, seemingly insignificant river carving its way through the cliffs. It took millions of years to form and today it is protected as a reserve.

The gorge is home to many breathtaking sights, the most famous of which is “The Gates”, a narrow choke point, perfect for a memorable photo. The Samaria Gorge is 16 kilometers long and drops 1,200 meters as it winds its way to the sea — making it the ideal location for hiking, canyoning and abseiling.

Preveli

Chances are if you’ve seen social media photos of Crete, you’ve seen pictures of Preveli Beach. It’s easy to understand why, with a turquoise river spilling itself into the sparkling waters of the Aegean, whilst surrounded by a palm forest.

Preveli Beach can get a bit busy, making it a perfect destination for a guided tour from Rethymno — as your tour leader will help you avoid the crowds while visiting some of the more secluded, but no less spectacular, spots.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the largest city on Crete and the island’s capital. This famed city traces its roots back to the time of the Minoans, and the location of Knossos — the setting for the mythological showdown between Theseus and the Minotaur.

The city played an integral part in Crete’s history, with the Byzantines, Ottomans and the Venetians all using the city as a holdfast — from where they controlled the island and the important trade routes connecting the west and the east.

The city also sports a proud culinary heritage and you’ll find several food tours and wine tasting excursions here.

Gramvousa Island

Gramvousa is a small isle just northwest of Crete and it sports some of the most pristine beaches and coastline that Crete has to offer. Your itinerary during a day trip to Gramvousa Island is dominated by water activities, like swimming and snorkeling, perfect for exploring the pellucid waters.

Boat tours are a favorite way to explore these shores, and you can hike to the Island’s interior and an abandoned Venetian fort.

Knossos

The ancient city of Knossos speaks to a time when the Minoans dominated the waters around Greece and when Athena was naught but an upstart. Today, only ruins remain of this flourishing kingdom, expertly brought to life in the Knossos Palace exhibition and Heraklion Archeological Museum.

During a day trip to Knossos, you’ll learn more about the legendary Minoan culture and how they inspired the Ancient Greeks — with some scholars believing them to be the inspiration for the city of Atlantis.

Spili

It’s easy to think of Crete as a collection of stunning beaches and quaint seaside towns, ultimately discounting the island’s rugged interior. To do so, however, would be a mistake, as is evident when visiting the beautiful village of Spili.

It’s said that the village gets its name from the nearby caverns, and its fountains were an important water source in Crete’s arid interior. This is still evident in the Lions Heads Fountains which keeps travelers refreshed to this day.

Imbros Gorge

If you want to avoid the more crowded Samaria Gorge, the lesser-visited Imbros Gorge is a great option. It’s also a less challenging hike than the more popular Samaria Gorge, making it an ideal escape into nature for families with young children. The entire trail is around 7 kilometers long and it will take just under 3 hours to complete when sticking to a leisurely pace.

Santorini

Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, with the island attracting over 2 million visitors per year. Unfortunately, coupled with this popularity comes higher accommodation costs and crowded streets.

One of the best ways to circumvent these challenges is with a day trip from Rethymno. This way, you’ll pay only for the day out and your guide will help you avoid the throngs through invaluable local know-how.

Lake Kournas

If you should ask a local for their perfect day out in Crete, 9 out of 10 would mention Lake Kournas. This crystal-blue body of water is the island’s only freshwater lake and one of Crete’s best-kept secrets.

Situated inland, far from the bustling beaches with bronze bodies jostling for a bathing spot, Lake Kournas offers a great hideaway — perfect for a day trip from Rethymno. The summer months come with lower water levels, exposing the surrounding beaches and making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Agia Galini

Agia Galini, meaning Holy Serenity, is a quaint seaside village on the southern shores of Crete that lives up to its name. The tight-knit community mostly grew around fishing, and this much is still true, judging from the pretty fishing boats dotting the harbor.

The harbor also boasts some great local restaurants and tavernas, making it the perfect setting to enjoy the bounty of the deep.

Matala

Matala is an unmissable stop when exploring the southern coast of Crete from Rethymno, with the picturesque village featuring a protected bay — making it the ideal place to spend a couple of hours swimming and sunbathing.

Nearby, you’ll find man-made caves that date back to the Neolithic period, carved into a sandstone cliff adding another layer to this fascinating destination.

Myli Gorge

After a short journey into Rethymno’s countryside, you’ll find a destination that’s seldom mentioned in tourist brochures. The place in question is Myli Gorge, nowhere near as famous as Samaria or Imbros Gorge, but still well worth a visit due to its natural beauty and close proximity to Rethymno.

The gorge is a popular destination for hiking and bicycle tours and the 4-kilometer route will take you through indigenous forests and abandoned villages. At the end of the hike, you’ll find a local tavern that specializes in Cretian cuisine, a welcome reward after your short trek.

Agios Nikolaos

Located on the eastern coast of Crete, Agios Nikolaos is a perfect destination for a day trip from Rethymno — especially when exploring the idyllic villages and farms that dot the Lasithi Plateau.

Don’t be deceived by the Agios Nikolaos’ irenic aura because as soon as the sun sets, this sleepy town transforms into one big street party.

Spinalonga

This small island just off Crete’s northeastern coast might look insignificant when viewed on a map, but on closer inspection, it boasts a rich history. Spinalonga was fortified during the 15th century, protecting the harbors and inland regions against raids from the east.

In the 18th century, the island was the last Venetian stronghold to fall to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the island until the 1866 revolt. During the 20th century, the island was designated as a leper colony until the disease was eradicated in 1957 — adding a macabre twist to an already fascinating legacy.