General Information
The midwestern prefecture of Crete lies between two imposing mountain ranges, the Psiloritis (high mountain) and the Lefka Ori (white mountains) and two vast seas, the Aegean Sea and the Libyan Sea. A direct result of this uncanny situation is the coexistence of impressive mountainous landscapes such as gorges, plateaus, valleys and canyons, and the seductive beaches that attract most of the visitors, especially in the summer. It covers an area of 1496 sq. km, where about 82000 people reside.
History - Culture
As with the entire island of Crete, the region has been inhabited since the prehistoric years. The Minoan civilization, focused on its commercial markets to the East and South, did not establish any major centers here, even though the cave of Idaeon Andron was one of the most significant places of worship of this age. Later on, the city of Rithymna (today"s Rethymno) emerged as the most important center of the region. It flourished into power and wealth between the 5th and the 3rd century BC, and grew strong enough to issue its own currency. Alas, sometime in the 3rd century BC, it fell into decline, which continued throughout the Roman years and the Byzantine Era, when it was a city of little importance. After 1210, another known period of prosperity arrived with the coming of the Venetians, who wished to establish a major base between the ports of Chania and Heracleon. At that time, the region was called Rettimo. However, both the conquerors and the people of Rethymno faced a common threat, the notorious pirate raids that ravaged the land and had to be dealt with decisively. So, sometime after a successful invasion by the pirates led by the infamous Barbarossa in 1538, they set forth to undertake a massive defensive construction project. The fortifications, still visible today in the city of Rethymno, were capitalized with the erection of the fortezza, a nigh-impregnable castle. Unfortunately, even this was not enough to stop the Turks, who captured the city in 1646, slaughtering a large part of the population, a practice they found convenient to repeat in 1821 and 1824. Nearly a century later, in 1897, Russian troops occupied the area, and remained there until 1909. Rethymno was eventually reunited with Greece in 1913, after long hardships and struggles.
Sights
As mentioned above, the fact that the prefecture is simultaneously bordered by mountain ranges and seas has resulted to the formation of a breathtaking natural environment with many alternating landscapes, including extremities such as snow-capped mountain tops and palm-strewn beaches, less than 20 km from eachother (!). An abundance of monuments, such as archaeological sites, Byzantine constructs, picturesque villages and relics of the Venetian era add the touch of man to this wonderful work of nature. Among the most significant sights are the Idaeon Andron, the very cave where Zeus ?the father figure of the Greek Pantheon and leader of the Olympian Gods- was hidden from his devouring father and grown to power with nectar and ambrosia. The cave also housed rites of ancient Minoan worship, as evidenced by significant findings from excavations made within it. A built-in temple in a cave is situated close to the noted village of Anogia, and the site of ancient Axos is close to the village of Axos, while ancient Eleftherna is also nearby. The Monastery of Arkadi is one of the most remarkable monasteries on the island and the place where the local populace martyred in their struggle for freedom from the Turkish oppression; women and children, seeking refuge here after a failed revolt, were slaughtered mercilessly. There is also the cave Sfendoni in the area of Zoniana as well as the imposing Koxare Gorge, which is 2 km in length and of amazing beauty. Besides, there are a dozen of beautiful villages in the region of Rethymno, awaiting and accommodating travellers that can appreciate what the prefecture has to offer in its less popular but highly genuine regions, which retain the Cretan tradition ?which reflects a historical continuation of more than four millennia- intact. Visitors will definitely admire the castle ?the famous fortezza, built in 1573- are the remains of different phases of fortifications, churches, mosques, and about 700 facades of old Venetian houses. There is also the Lotzia, an impressive Venetian structure which nowadays houses the Archaeological Museum.
Entertainment-Sports-Shopping
Few people are so fond of their homeland as the Cretans. Thus, they have used the development of tourism to create a positive effect on their beautiful, beloved land, instead of spoiling it irreversibly, as is the sad case in many other places. The capital city of Rethymno has developed into a modern city, yet has maintained its unique traditional features. It offers accommodations, entertainment, shopping and sports facilities of the highest standards that can stand up to any comparison whatsoever. There is a large number of hotels of all categories, a camping site, a wide variety of restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bars, night clubs and cinemas. Meanwhile, most of the facilities mentioned above can also be found in the villages, albeit on a smaller scale. Some of these are Agia Galini, Fodele, Bali, Panormos, Perama, Plakias and Polyrizo. The fine road network enables comfortable journeying and shopping all across the prefecture. Sports facilities include tennis courts and golf courses within the premises of luxury hotel units, while on the beaches water sports are available. The highland interior is ideal for trekking adventures with a view to the sea. Attending local festivals is encouraged and appreciated by hospitable Cretans, and those who will let themselves loose to fully enjoy the opportunity will be off for a lifetime experience. The popular local drink, raki, is very strong, so consider yourself warned! The local cuisine is delicious, a genuine gastronomical experience. Traditional local products include embroideries, woodcarvings, religious hand-made icons and herbs, cream cheese and olive oil of the finest quality. After all, Cretan agricultural products are renowned for their quality.
Access
There are flights carried out from Athens to Chania from where there is a bus connection with Rethymno. There is also a bus service from Thessaloniki via the port of Piraeus. All year round, ferries depart from Piraeus to Rethymno with service being more frequent during the summer.
Connections
There is a daily bus connection with Chania and Herakleion.
Museums
In Rethymno, one can find an Archaeological-Historical Museum, a Folk Art Museum, and an Art Gallery where modern works of art are exhibited.
Alternative Tourism
Agrotourism, ecotourism, congressional, spiritual, cultural, archaeology, gastronomy, sporting (trekking, water sports, windsurfing, sailing).
Useful Telephone Numbers:
RETHYMNO AREA CODE: 28310-
POLICE STATION: 28310-88154
TRAFFIC POLICE: 28310-28891, 22589
TOURIST POLICE: 28310-28156, 29148
MUNICIPALITY: 28310-88301, 88305, 22245, 28313-41278
NATIONAL TOURISM ORG.: 28310-83127, 29148
PORT POLICE: 28310-22276, 55150
POST OFFICE: 28310-54379, 22303
BUS STATION: 28310-22785, 22212
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 28310-35000, 59300
TAXI STATION: 28310-25000, 24000, 22316, 24316
HOSPITAL: 28310-87100
PHARMACIES: 28310-23666, 23088, 28750, 26115, 25839, 28795, 25813, 50640
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