Car & Van Hire - Rethymno

The majority of tourist sights in Rethymno are located near the port, in a compact and easily walkable area. One of the most visited landmarks is the 16th-century Venetian fortress. You can also find an amphitheatre, ancient warehouses and old chapels, all commanding spectacular sea views from the large complex.

More examples of Venetian architecture and ancient archaeological remains can be found in Rethymno’s old town. Access to the area is marked by Porta Guora or the Old City gate. A short walk from Porta Guora, you’ll come across Petichaki Square and Rimondi Fountain, another popular historical landmark.

If you enjoy museums, Rethymno will keep you entertained with its multiple cultural venues. During your stay, make time to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of History and Folklore, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of the Cretan Lyra. You can learn about the musical traditions of this Greek island at these museums. Visitors with children will enjoy a visit to the Paleontological Museum, which has some interesting fossil exhibits.

The city’s beaches are another great option for a day out with children. Rethymno Beach is popular with locals and visitors and is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and restaurants. With a van hire in Rethymno, you have the freedom to explore the coastline and find the perfect spot to spend a day under the sun, such as the beaches of Spilies and Episkopi.

Rethymno is also an attractive destination for nature lovers. Barely 10 kilometres away are spectacular natural landmarks like Mili Gorge, accessible via two trailheads. Other hiking routes take you to the gorges in Prassano and Arkadi. If you booked a car or van rental in Rethymno, set a day aside to explore the surrounding countryside without a fixed destination. You can make your way through tranquil villages, vineyards and olive groves.

Rethymno’s eateries cater to all gastronomic preferences. In the cobblestone streets of Rethymno’s Old Town, you’ll find modern gastropubs, Greek tavernas, fine-dining venues, artsy cafes and restaurants serving fusion cuisine. There are also plenty of eating and drinking venues along the waterfront, including formal restaurants and casual beach bars.

In addition to a couple of farmer’s markets offering fresh local produce, there are supermarkets and convenience stores that sell everyday necessities. For souvenirs, gifts or window shopping, head to the streets in the Old Town. This is where you’ll find handcrafted leather goods, jewellery, boutiques and more.

This Cretan town has a thriving cultural scene, reflected in the various events that take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the city’s Carnival (February-March), the Rethymno Rocks music festival (March), Rethymno Days (May) and the Cretan Diet Festival (July).

Driving in Rethymno isn’t much different from driving in other European towns of a similar size. However, when venturing outside of town to explore the surrounding areas, defensive driving is a must. There are different types of hazards you should anticipate when on Cretan roads.

If you visit in the early spring and plan on driving in the mountains south of Rethymno, ask the locals about road conditions. Some mountain roads can be damaged due to heavy rains or fallen rocks. In rural areas, it’s common to see animals on the road at any time of the year. Keep this in mind when exploring the countryside around Rethymno, as you won’t always find road signs indicating the possible presence of animals.

Other potential hazards to be aware of include speeding motorcycles, vehicles overtaking on the right, and stopped cars around blind corners on narrow countryside roads. In urban areas like downtown Rethymno, watch out for hazards obstructed by double-parked cars and jaywalking pedestrians.

There are several paid parking facilities in the Old Town. The most convenient for visitors is the parking lot at the base of the Venetian fortress or the one by the harbour.

As there are no motorways in Crete, the maximum speed limit is 90 k/ph. This applies when driving on national roads like Road 90, which you’ll need to drive on to get to and from Chania Airport. When driving in built-up areas, don’t exceed 50 k/ph. Safe speeds on mountain roads aren’t always indicated, so use your own judgement, even if that means going below 50 k/ph.

There’s an unofficial 20 k/ph tolerance for speeding, but don’t count on this being a hard rule. Speeding violation fines can reach hundreds of euros. Fines for driving over the blood alcohol limit are even steeper. Depending on breathalyzer results, driving under the influence could potentially lead to imprisonment.