Rethymno 's unique Nature & Archaeological Heritage

Rethymno encompasses an area with a landscape as varied as you go from the cost line to the mountain inland. From the full of multicutural historic beauty of the Rethymno's old town to the Venetian monuments spread all over the region, Rethymno has great gorges, long sand beaches and many walking paths, monasteries and vibrant villages waiting for many surprises. Rethymno is also have several natural and archaeological attractions. Each offers an exceptional experience that can be appreciated by people of all ages.

Those suggested activities are the one that can offer customized offbeat travel and eco-friendly tours.

The result is an supreme personal traveling experience offered to our visitors.

For a fun and adventurous one of a kind experience, we suggest checking out the following places to visit in Rethymno that are naturally and at the same time archaeologically unique.

Ancient Elutherna12 km northeast you will come across with a place of natural beauty and archaeological significance, Ancient Eleutherna.  The archaeological site is located on the serrated ridge of Psiloritis mountain, at a height of 380 m. The archaeologists brought to the light findings of great importance referring to a part of an ancient settlement of several eras that includes Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine.  On the west side of the hill, visitors of the museum will have the opportunity to see a necropolis of the geometric and archaic era. The exhibition within the museum is very significant and at the same time supported by the newest technological equipment.At the entrance of the museum you will find touchscreens installed, with information for the visitors.

The Armeni Late Minoan cementery The  Armeni Late Minoan cemetery is  located near Rethymno. The village of Armenoi is 11 km far from Rethymno. It is located in the valley of Armenokampos at the foot of Vrisinas Mountain. The area was first inhabited by Armenian soldiers who came with Nikiforos Fokas to liberate Crete (961 AD). In the past, the villagers’ main occupation was the collection of acorns, which were used for tannery. Near the Armeni village there is an oak forest with a late Minoan cemetery (13th-12th century BC). The late Minoan Cemetery of Armenoi is located at Prinokefala site, on the crossroad towards Somatas vilage.

Onithe - Goulediana 

Located in the platue of Vrissina just 18 km from the city of Rethymno is the ancient city that seems to be located to the SE part of the territory of ancient Rithymna.

The prosperity of the city is dated back to the Archaic period (7th-6th century BC), but traces of human presence from the Neolithic era (4th millennium BC) and with some chronic  gaps, continues till today. 

Argiroupoli - Agies Pente Parthenes (Holy Five Virgins)

In the northwest of Argiroupoli, at a 1 km distance approximately, there are five toms in a cave, where Agies Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins) were believed to be buried after martyring in the years of Roman emperor Decius, in 250 AD approximately. On the tombs, from which holy water comes out, a small church has been built and is dedicated to Agies Pente Parthenes.  Archaeological findings support the view that this place was a family tomb-mausoleum of the Roman period. An extensive cemetery dating back to the Roman years has been discovered in recent years. The rich findings of the excavations and, also, those that had been collected before systematic excavations started, among which are two marble statues and a copper statuette, are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. Visit the water springs.

With its unique Natural and Archaeological attractions, Rethymno Tourism Bureau features many other activities for all year round.You can find suggestions to visit several of Rethymno’s outdoor attractions walking or cycling.

A comprehensive Rethymno excursion

planning for outdoor attractions and a list of events, activities, villages and places to visit during your stay in Rethymno, is always on the lookout for interesting things to do in Rethymno .

Find all the must-see attractions and discover many of the region's hidden gems visiting http://www.rethymno.gr/en/. If your in Rethymno drop by at the Info point located at the entrance of Venetian port or

QRMUNICIPALITY OF RETHYMNORethymno Tourism BureauEl. Venizelou 20 - 74100, RethymnoTel. +30 28310 21459Email: tourism@rethymno.gr