Rethymnon is a city on the island of Crete in the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea near Greece, with a population of about 40,000 people. The city's main income is from tourism, so expect plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and beach life -- but, visit for the history, the college life, and the agri-tourism.
History
Called both Rhithymna and Arsinoe in the Minoan era (2700 BC to 1500 BC), the harbor city was a vibrant center of culture, minting its own money, replicas of which can be bought today showing the town crest encircled by two dolphins.
During the Venetian conquest of Crete 1204-1600 AD, Rethymnon became an important commercial station between the towns of Chania and Heraklion. The Palia Poli, or Old Town, was built was built almost entirely by the Venetians -- it is still one of the best preserved old towns on the island of Crete.
Explore the 16th century streets, with their old stone staircases and arched doorways lending the town a faded aristocratic air. Visit the Fortezza, the city's citadel from the Venetian era, and one of the best-preserved castles in the entire Mediterranean.
Local Culture
A Wine Festival is held there annually at the beginning of July. Explore the nearby wineries and the olive tree orchards at the same time.
Another festival is held November 7th and 8th, in memory of the destruction of the Arkadi Monastery, where 943 rebels blew themselves up in 1866 AD rather than surrender to the Ottoman army.
College Life
Experience Mediterranean college life too -- over 8,000 students attend the Philosophical School, and the School of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Crete, which also houses the Academic Institute of Mediterranean Studies. For a more rigorous curriculum, go to the city's Archaeological Museum, or the Historical and Folklore Museum.
