Crete (Rethymno) in 4 Days
Venetian old town, the palm beach of Preveli, the Arkadi Monastery and the wild Amari valley.
Crete (Rethymno) in 4 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Rethymno. It assumes a hire car from day one.
Rethymno Old Town
Fortezza Fortress
The largest Venetian fortress in Crete, dominating the town from its hilltop. The interior holds a mosque, churches and excellent views over the sea and old town.
Venetian Harbour
The smallest and most charming Venetian harbour in Crete β a perfect semicircle with a lighthouse at the entrance and fish tavernas lining the quay.
Old Town Rethymno
Wander the narrow lanes of the old town β the best-preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture in Crete. The Rimondi Fountain, the Nerantzes Mosque and the loggia are highlights.
Rethymno Beach
12km of sandy beach stretching east from the old town. Town beach section is conveniently close and reasonably uncrowded outside peak season.
Preveli & the Palm Beach
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Dramatic gorge on the road south to Preveli. Eagles nest in the cliffs, and a small chapel of Agios Nikolaos sits beside a waterfall and springs.
Preveli Monastery π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
16th-century monastery perched on a cliff above the Libyan Sea. Played an important role sheltering Allied soldiers during WWII. Museum and church open to visitors.
Preveli Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
One of the most extraordinary beaches in Greece β a river flanked by Cretan date palms flows into the sea through a gorge, creating a small tropical lagoon. Accessible by boat from Plakias or via a 30-minute hike.
Plakias Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Long sandy beach in a relaxed south-coast resort. Good for a late afternoon swim. The town has excellent tavernas for dinner.
Dinner in Rethymno
Drive back to Rethymno (about 1 hour from Plakias on the mountain road through Spili β beautiful at golden hour). Dinner in the Venetian harbour or the back streets of the old town.
Arkadi & the Amari Valley
Arkadi Monastery
The most sacred monument in Crete β scene of the 1866 explosion where hundreds of Cretans chose death over surrender to the Ottomans. Magnificent Baroque facade.
Amari Valley
The most beautiful valley in Crete β a fertile basin beneath the Psiloritis summit, dotted with Byzantine chapels, ancient plane trees and traditional villages. Drive the circular route.
Thronos Village
Tiny village in the Amari Valley with a Byzantine mosaic floor beneath the village church. Lunch at the excellent local taverna Aravanes β mountain food at its best.
Mount Psiloritis Viewpoint
Crete's highest peak at 2456m. Drive to the Nida plateau at 1400m for sweeping views β the Ideon Cave (birthplace of Zeus, alternate tradition) is a 20-minute walk from the plateau.
Evening in Rethymno old town
Drive back through the Amari valley to Rethymno (about 1 hour). After a full day of monasteries and mountain villages, the lights of the old town are a welcome sight.
East Coast & Bali
Bali Village
Small resort built around three scenic coves east of Rethymno. The most beautiful of the coves is Livadi, with clear water and a taverna on the beach.
Panormo Beach
Sandy beach in a quiet village east of Bali. Good facilities, calm water, and a better-value alternative to the more crowded resorts.
Planning questions
Is 4 days enough for Crete (Rethymno)?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Crete (Rethymno)?
Yes. The beaches and villages are spread out and the bus does not reach the ones that matter; book ahead for July and August.
Where should I stay on Crete (Rethymno)?
The plan sleeps in Rethymno.