Thalassographia

Rethymno


With cascading terraces from fortress to sea, this is where locals head for dinner and unbeatable coastal views. The eclectic Mediterranean menu offers up skilfully created dishes like stuffed mushrooms, Cretan cheese in filo with smoked pork and herbs, roasted sardines or steamed mussels in white wine. It’s all best washed down with local Brink’s beer. If it’s windy, dress warmly.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rethymno attractions

1. Fortezza

0.06 MILES

Looming over Rethymno, the star-shaped Venetian fortress cuts an imposing figure with its massive walls and bastions but was nevertheless unable to stave…

2. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.11 MILES

The cornerstone of the permanent collection of this well-curated modern-art museum, founded in 1992, is the oils, drawings and watercolours of local lad…

3. Rimondi Fountain

0.18 MILES

Another vestige of Venetian rule is this small fountain where water spouts from three lions’ heads into three basins flanked by Corinthian columns. Above…

4. Historical & Folk Art Museum

0.2 MILES

In a lovely 17th-century Venetian mansion, the five-room permanent exhibit here documents traditional rural life on Crete with displays of clothing,…

5. Loggia

0.22 MILES

This nicely restored 16th-century landmark originally served as a meeting house for Venetian nobility to discuss politics and money, and morphed into a…

6. Venetian Harbour

0.22 MILES

Rethymno’s compact historic harbour is chock-a-block with tourist-geared fish tavernas and cafes. For a more atmospheric perspective, walk along the…

7. Neratzes Mosque

0.22 MILES

This triple-domed mosque began life as an Augustinian church and was converted by the Turks in 1657, although the recently restored minaret wasn't added…

8. Agios Spyridon Church

0.23 MILES

Built right into the cliff beneath the Venetian fortress, tiny Agios Spyridon has enough atmosphere to fill a cathedral. This Byzantine chapel is filled…