Rethymno is one of Crete’s most beautiful regions and an amazing place to visit. Choosing the right area to stay can make a real difference to your holiday. You can stay in town and have restaurants, shops and the beach within easy reach, choose a well-developed seaside resort, or head to the south coast for the more relaxed landscapes of the Libyan Sea.
There is even the option of staying in a mountain village, for those who prefer the Cretan countryside to large tourist resorts.
I’ve chosen seven areas in the Rethymno region that are quite different from one another and that I think suit different tastes and styles of holiday. Before booking your accommodation, it’s worth deciding what matters most to you: nightlife, the beach, historic atmosphere, peace and quiet, family-friendly facilities, or the opportunity to explore different beaches and villages.
Which area of Rethymno should you choose?
- Rethymno Old Town: Best for couples, sightseeing and romantic atmosphere.
- Rethymno Town: Best for nightlife and holidays without a car.
- Adelianos Kampos: Best for families and resort holidays.
- Bali: Best for relaxed family holidays by the sea.
- Agia Galini: Best for couples and peaceful holidays in southern Crete.
- Plakias: Best for beautiful beaches and nature in southern Crete.
- Spili: Best for a peaceful stay in a Cretan mountain village, with easy access to the beaches.
1. Rethymno Old Town – Best for atmosphere and sightseeing
The Old Town is usually the area people choose when they want to feel that they are staying right in the heart of Rethymno. It is the most picturesque part of town, with narrow cobbled streets, archways, Venetian mansions, old fountains, mosques, churches and squares.
Some of Rethymno’s most important attractions are located here, including the Fortezza, Rimondi Fountain, Guora Gate, Neratze Mosque and the Venetian Port. There is also no shortage of restaurants, bars, cafés and shops.
Pros
- The most beautiful and atmospheric area to stay in Rethymno.
- The main attractions are within walking distance.
- A very wide choice of restaurants, cafés and bars.
- Many charming boutique hotels are housed in historic buildings.
- An excellent choice for couples and short city breaks.
- Very close to the town beach.
Cons
- Access and parking can be more difficult if you have a car.
- Accommodation in older buildings does not always offer all the amenities of a modern hotel.
- Some central locations can be noisy until late at night.
Recommended places to stay in Rethymno Old Town
- (€€€) Omma Suites: An adults-only collection of five elegant suites on the seafront promenade, right beside the Old Town. Some suites offer sea views and private jetted tubs, making this a lovely choice for couples looking for a more special stay.
- (€€) Neratze Hammam Suites: Stylish rooms and suites in the heart of the Old Town, close to Mikrasiaton Square. I’ve stayed here myself, and it is a particularly nice option if you want to enjoy Rethymno’s historic atmosphere while having restaurants and attractions within walking distance.
- (€) Atelier: Traditional-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, located on a quiet street close to the Fortezza. I’ve also stayed here, and I think it is a good choice for travellers who prefer a smaller, independent property to a conventional hotel.
2. Rethymno Town – Best for year-round stays and holidays without a car
The modern part of Rethymno Town is the most practical choice for travellers who want to combine the beach, good food, nightlife and easy access to the sights.
Rethymno is a proper, lived-in town rather than just a summer holiday resort, even though it sits right beside the beach and has plenty of hotels, resorts and beach bars. In other words, it combines the conveniences of a town with many of the amenities you would expect from a seaside resort.
Pros
- There is life in the town throughout the year, with restaurants and services that remain open beyond the summer season.
- The beach is right in town, so you can easily reach it on foot.
- You can walk to the Old Town and its main attractions.
- There are plenty of restaurants, tavernas, cafés and bars, as well as a good nightlife scene.
- It is particularly suitable for first-time visitors to Rethymno.
Cons
- It does not have the same atmosphere and architecture as the Old Town.
- There can be quite a lot of traffic and noise – remember, this is a working town.
- The beach is extremely convenient, but it does not offer the wild scenery of the beaches in southern Crete.
Recommended places to stay in Rethymno Town
- (€€€) Theartemis Palace: A four-star city resort with swimming pools, a spa and a good choice of rooms, including family rooms. It is around 200 metres from the beach and 1 km from the Old Town, making it a convenient option for combining relaxation with sightseeing.
- (€€) Ilios Beach Hotel Apartments: An adults-only hotel right by the town beach, with a swimming pool and easy access to restaurants and the Old Town. A good choice for couples who want to stay close to the sea without giving up the convenience of the town centre.
- (€) Remis Studios: Modern studios with kitchen facilities in the Missiria area, around 150 metres from the beach. They are a practical option if you want more independence and a lower-cost stay, although the town centre is around 3 km away.
3. Adelianos Kampos – Best for resorts and family holidays near town
Adelianos Kampos is located east of Rethymno Town and is one of the most developed seaside resort areas on the north coast. It is an area with large hotels, resorts, swimming pools and accommodation offering direct access to the sea.
The long sandy beach is its main advantage. Many sections are organised, while tavernas, shops, supermarkets and other visitor-friendly businesses can be found throughout the area.
This area is particularly suitable for families who want to spend much of their day at the beach or enjoying their hotel’s facilities, while still having Rethymno Town close enough for an afternoon or evening out.
Pros
- A long sandy beach.
- Plenty of hotels and resorts right by the sea.
- A very good choice for families.
- Close to Rethymno Town.
- Well-developed tourist facilities and water sports.
- Convenient for travellers who mainly want to relax and enjoy easy beach days.
Cons
- It does not have the traditional atmosphere of a Cretan village.
- If you want to visit the Old Town frequently, you will need to use the bus, a taxi or a car.
- The open north coast can have waves when strong northerly winds are blowing.
Recommended places to stay in Adelianos Kampos
- (€€€) Aquila Rithymna Beach: A five-star beachfront resort with several swimming pools, a waterpark, children’s clubs, restaurants and spa facilities. It is an excellent option for families who want plenty of activities and amenities without having to leave the resort every day.
- (€€) Yiannis Apartments: A small collection of studios and apartments very close to the beach. The property offers family apartments with kitchen facilities, and there is a bus stop nearby for travelling into Rethymno Town. A practical choice for families who prefer self-catering accommodation.
- (€) Matthias Hotel Apartments: Studios and apartments with kitchenettes, outdoor swimming pools and breakfast options, located close to the beach. A good alternative for travellers who want resort-style convenience without choosing a large luxury hotel.
4. Bali – Best for small bays and family holidays
Bali is located on the north coast and has developed around a series of small bays. This is also the main thing that sets it apart from Adelianos Kampos. Instead of one long, open beach, Bali gives you a choice of different coves and beaches, including Livadi, Varkotopos, the harbour area and Karavostasi.
Most of these bays are relatively sheltered from the wind, which is one of the reasons Bali is considered a good choice for families.
Around the bays, you will find hotels, rooms to rent, tavernas and cafés, so it is easy to spend several days here without having to travel far.
Pros
- Several different beaches within a small area.
- The bays are more sheltered than many of the open beaches on the north coast.
- A good choice for families with children.
- Plenty of options for food and accommodation.
Cons
- The beaches can become very crowded during the high season.
- The area is tourist-oriented and much quieter outside the summer months.
- It is not the right base if you are looking for lively nightlife or lots of cultural attractions.
Recommended places to stay in Bali
- (€€€) Blue Bay Lifestyle: A stylish boutique hotel in a beautiful seafront setting, with a swimming pool, restaurant and rooms offering sea views. It is a particularly attractive choice for couples, although some of its larger rooms can also accommodate families.
- (€€) Mira Mare Luxury Residence: Modern apartments with kitchenettes and balconies, many of which have lovely views of the sea. Its location close to Bali’s beaches makes it a convenient choice for travellers who want to enjoy the area without making long journeys every day.
- (€) Bella Vista: A simple and practical option offering studios and apartments with kitchen facilities, close to the beach. Worth considering if you would rather spend your budget on exploring Crete than on extensive hotel facilities.
5. Agia Galini – Best for relaxed holidays by the Libyan Sea
Agia Galini is one of the most charming places to stay in southern Crete. The village rises amphitheatrically above the harbour and looks out towards the Libyan Sea, creating a completely different setting from the resorts on the north coast.
In the centre, you will find tavernas, restaurants, cafés, small bars and shops, while the organised beach lies to the east of the harbour.
Agia Galini has enough tourist facilities to make it an easy choice for a holiday, but it still has a more relaxed pace than Rethymno Town.
Pros
- Beautiful views and a picturesque harbour.
- An organised beach close to the village.
- A good choice for couples and travellers looking for a peaceful holiday.
- Restaurants and cafés within walking distance.
- A good base for exploring southern Crete.
Cons
- It is quite far from Rethymno Town.
- The hills and steps are not ideal for everyone.
- Nightlife is limited compared with Rethymno.
Recommended places to stay in Agia Galini
- (€€€) Palazzo Greco: A charming boutique hotel with stylish rooms and suites, a swimming pool and beautiful views over the bay. Its location close to the village’s restaurants and beaches makes it an excellent choice for couples looking for a comfortable and romantic stay.
- (€€) Rozmari and Spa: A small, elegant property with individually designed rooms, a spa and a breakfast featuring homemade Greek specialities. A lovely option for travellers who prefer a more intimate atmosphere to a large seaside resort.
- (€) Antigoni: A straightforward accommodation option with equipped rooms, located close to the village and its beach. A practical choice for travellers who want to enjoy Agia Galini and explore the surrounding area without spending too much on accommodation.
6. Plakias – Best for the beaches and nature of southern Rethymno
If your main goal is to explore southern Rethymno, Plakias is probably the most practical base. It is a popular and fairly tourist-oriented destination with a long beach, hotels, apartments, tavernas, cafés and a few bars.
Its biggest advantage is its proximity to many other beautiful beaches, including Damnoni, Ammoudi, Schinaria and Souda. It is also close to the palm forest and beach of Preveli, as well as Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
Pros
- A very good base for exploring the south coast.
• A long beach right in front of the village. - Many more excellent beaches within a short distance.
- Close to gorges, hiking trails and natural attractions.
- Plenty of options for food and accommodation.
- Suitable for families, couples and active travellers.
Cons
- The area can be very windy.
- Nightlife is relaxed and cannot be compared with Rethymno Town.
- It is quite far from the north coast and the island’s larger towns.
Recommended places to stay in Plakias
- (€€€) Cyano Hotel: A modern four-star boutique hotel with a swimming pool and spacious suites, located around 150 metres from Plakias Beach. Some suites include kitchen facilities, making it a comfortable choice for both couples and families.
- (€€) Plakias Resorts: A beachfront complex offering apartments and villas, including accommodation with multiple bedrooms. With swimming pools and easy access to the beach, it is a particularly good option for families or groups who want more space and independence.
- (€) Studio Manousos: Simple, well-located studios close to the beach, with kitchen facilities and balconies. A good choice if you plan to spend most of your days exploring the beaches and natural attractions of southern Rethymno.
7. Spili – Best for traditional atmosphere and a stay in the countryside
Spili is the only option on this list that is not by the sea, and that is exactly why I think it deserves a place here.
It is a mountain village at an altitude of around 430 metres, in a convenient location on the route connecting Rethymno with the southern part of the region.
Around the central square, you will find plane trees, traditional cafés and tavernas, while the smaller streets are home to traditional houses and churches.
Spili is a good choice for travellers who want a quieter, more traditional setting and do not feel the need to wake up beside the sea. It also works very well as a base for a road trip, as you can easily head towards Plakias, Agia Galini, the beaches of the south coast and the villages of the Cretan countryside.
Pros
- Traditional atmosphere and a more authentic experience of the Cretan countryside.
- A convenient location for excursions to southern Crete.
- A quieter environment.
- Traditional cafés and tavernas with a more local character.
- A good choice for road trips, hiking and exploring villages.
- A pleasant alternative for those who do not want a typical seaside resort.
Cons
- There is no beach in the village.
- Very limited nightlife.
- Fewer accommodation options than in the larger tourist areas.
Recommended places to stay in Spili
- (€€€) Heracles Traditional Cretan Houses: Fully equipped apartments in a carefully restored traditional house, located in a quiet part of the village. A lovely choice if you want to experience the atmosphere of a Cretan mountain village while having the convenience of your own kitchen.
- (€€) Rastoni: A small accommodation option with equipped rooms, a swimming pool and breakfast, located a short distance from the village centre. A good choice for travellers who want a peaceful base for exploring the countryside and southern beaches.
- (€) Costas Inn: A small guesthouse in the centre of Spili, with comfortable rooms and an on-site café serving breakfast. A practical option for travellers who want to stay right in the village and enjoy its traditional atmosphere.
I hope this guide helps you choose the right area to stay in Rethymno and find accommodation that suits your travel style. Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you enjoy discovering this beautiful part of Crete!
