Hotels near Rethymno Venetian Old Town and Fortezza

Rethymno preserves one of the best Venetian-Ottoman streetscapes in the Mediterranean, with the 16th century Fortezza fortress crowning a low headland above the old harbour. Inside the walls, see the Sultan Ibrahim mosque (formerly the Cathedral of San Nicolo), the Erofili open-air theatre and panoramic views over the rooftops. The old town below is laced with covered passageways, the Rimondi Fountain (1626) and the Neratze mosque-minaret. Fortezza entry is 4 EUR, opening 08:30-19:00 in summer. Spend a full day here and end at the harbour for grilled fish at sunset.

Pro Tip: Climb the Fortezza ramparts 30 minutes before sunset, then walk down through the old town as the lanterns come on.