Top Things to do in Rethymno with kids

Rethymno is a city with a rich history. You can find monuments from every historical period– from the Renaissance and Venetian times to the Ottoman empire. You can see their heritage in buildings scattered around the city. The modern culture of Rethymno is also apparent; there is no doubt why Rethymno is named the ‘City of Education and Arts’.

Here are our Top Things to do in Rethymno with kids:

Visit the Venetian Fortezza

With breathtaking views of the sea and city, the Fortezza (fortress) attracts many visitors. The walls cover a large area. Inside the grounds, you will find St Nicolas’ Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church that was used as a mosque during the Ottoman occupation.

Wander around the fortress with your kids and travel back in time to the era when this magical fortress protected the city of Rethymno from pirates and other invaders.

Walk around the Old City

You will be amazed by all the beautiful spots that are hidden around every single corner of Rethymno’s old city including the beautiful harbor. Put on your most comfortable pair of shoes and take your family around all the picturesque streets. You will be charmed by the vivid colors, sounds, and scents everywhere.

Rent a family Bike at the Beachfront

Rethymno has a 4 km long boulevard. The old Venetian port is an ideal point to start a cycling tour. Just follow the seafront road and enjoy the cooling sea breeze. The best time for cycling is in the summer because you can stop anywhere you like to take a swim.  The sea in Rethymno is ideal for swimming. Its beaches are organized and beautiful, something that is usually hard to find in cities!

Visit the Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi is one of the most important monasteries in Crete, identified by UNESCO as a ‘European Monument of Freedom’. It is well maintained and worth visiting because it has a rich history connected to the Cretan revolution of 1866.

We recommend that you do some background research before you visit Arkadi monastery. This way, you will be able to better explain to your kids what happened here in history. They will surely be fascinated!

Discover the South of Rethymno

One of the main characteristics of West Crete and Rethymno is its incredible amount of magnificent beaches. If you do not have your own car, do rent one to explore the area and find as many of these marvellous beaches as possible, most of which are in the south of Rethymno. 

Preveli, Damnoni, Plakias, Rodakino, and Triopetra are just a few of the best beaches and each one will enchant you with its natural beauty and crystal clear waters.