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Rethymno is one of the four prefectures of Crete. It is situated between Chania to the west and Heraklio to the east. The prefecture of Lasithi is situated at the eastern-most part of the island. Crete is covered with a dense network of roads with the National Road being its main artery, which follows the northern coastal line from west to east.
| History and Culture of Rethymno |
Rethymnon, on the north coast of Crete, lies on the island's longest sandy beach and is known by visitors as the "hidden jewel" of Crete. Since 1400 BC 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-world charm. Situated midway between Heraklion and Chania, Rethymnon is also only a short distance from the most spectacular countryside making it an ideal centre to explore the island. Rethymnon, the only well-preserved Renaissance town in Greece, is famous for its literature & arts.
The region of Rethymnon is rich in archaeological sites.
The prefecture of Rethymnon features unique natural beauty. It has the highest mountain range in Crete, Mount Idi (Psiloritis), home to many sanctuaries including the famous Ideon Andron, the cave where Zeus was born.
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The Prefecture of Rethymno is ideal for summer holidays since it boasts a large number of beautiful and clean beaches. Magnificent sandy beaches can be visited on the north coast, at the Cretan Sea as well as on the south coast of the island, at the Libyan Sea.
We would like to detail below some of the more characteristic beaches:
Rethymno Beach: Organised sandy beach more than 20 km long, stretching from the town of Rethymno in an easterly direction towards the areas of Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta
Episkopi Beach: Large sandy beach west of Rethymno, partly organised
Panormo: This coastal village is situated 20 km east of Rethymno. It boasts an organised beach as well as a variety of tavernas, hotels and rooms right by the sea.
Bali: Nestling in the surrounding mountains of the bay of Bali you will find the coastal village of the same name 34 km east of Rethymno. Visitors may choose from which of the small inlets to enjoy bathing at organised beaches. The area offers a large number of tavernas, hotels and rooms.
Plakias: The village of Plakias is situated 40 km south of Rethymno. This resort boasts a superb sandy beach, and the well-organised infrastructure includes hotels, rooms, tavernas and restaurants. The organised beach offers both bathing and various water sports.
Souda Plakias: Organised, sandy beach west of the village of Plakias. A few tavernas are situated close to the beach, where rooms are also available.
Damnoni: Organised sandy beach west of the village of Plakias and south of the town of Rethymno. It offers a few tavernas and rooms are also available.
Ammoudi: Small sandy beach near Damnoni not organised and fairly isolated.
Preveli Lagoon: 38km south of Rethymno, shortly before you arrive at the historic Monastery of Preveli, a track on the left hand side leads downhill to a parking place. After approximately 15-minutes downhill walk you arrive at the beautiful sandy beach with palm trees, where the River Kourtaliotis empties into the sea.
Triopetra: The beach of Triopetra, which was named after the three distinctive rocks in the sea, is situated approximately 50 km south of Rethymno. Follow the road to Aghia Galini and turn left after 40 km in the direction of Akoumia. Continue until you arrive at the huge sandy beach, which is not organised and fairly isolated.
Aghios Pavlos: The magnificent sandy beach of Aghios Pavlos is found 58km south of Rethymno. Follow the road to Aghia Galini and after 46km turn right at the crossroads of the village of Kria Vrissi. Continue until you arrive at the seaside. Bathing in one of the isolated inlets, which have formed between the rocks, and seeing the sand dunes will be an unforgettable experience. In the village of the same name you will find rooms and tavernas.
Aghia Galini: This resort is situated 58km south of Rethymno. Apart from the plentiful tourist infrastructure the village also boasts beautiful and clean beaches, which are situated in various picturesque inlets in the area.
Korakas: This beach is also situated on the south coast, more precisely south of the village of Rodakino, 42km from Rethymno. The sandy beach of Korakas is organised and the area offers hotels, as well as a large variety of rooms and tavernas.
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Code +30 28310
Prefectural Committee for the Promotion of Tourism 25012, 25571,2
Fax: 25064
Police 100
Police Department 25247
Tourist Police 28156 -29148
Traffic Police 28891 - 22589
EOT (Greek Tourism Organisation) 29148 - 56350
Rethymno Town Hall 22245
Fire Brigade 199
Hospital 27491
Post Office 22303
Taxi 24316 - 25000
Olympic Airways 22257
ANEK Ferry Lines 29221
Minoan Ferry Lines 22941
KTEL (Buses) 22212
Organisation of Hotel owners in the Prefecture of Rethymno 55873
Organisation of Hotel owners in Aghia Galini 28320- 91380, 91333
Organisation of Hotel owners in Plakias 28320- 31280
Organisation of Mountaineering 57766
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno 54668
Folklore Museum of Rethymno 23398
Centre of Contemporary Art of Rethymno 52530 - 52689
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