Updated: September 30, 2026
Greece › Crete › Rethymno Hotels
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
My Favorite Hotels in Rethymno
• Best Hotel in Rethymno: Avli
• Best Romantic Old Town Hotel: Rimondi
• Best Historic Boutique Hotel: Veneto
• Best Luxury Beach Hotel: Nautilux
• Best Family Resort: Grecotel Creta Palace
• Best Value Near Rethymno Old Town: Hotel Ideon
The Old Town and Venetian Harbor area is the best place to stay in Rethymno for couples, first-timers, and visitors without a car.
Staying in Rethymno: My Tips
- Rethymno is Crete’s best all-rounder. It has a beautiful Venetian-Ottoman Old Town, a long sandy beach right in town, good restaurants, easier crowds than Chania, and a useful location between Chania and Heraklion. It is not quite as spectacular as Chania, but it is easier and more practical.
- Stay in the Old Town for atmosphere. This is my choice for short stays, couples, first-timers, food, nightlife, and boutique hotels. The lanes are largely pedestrianized, and the harbor and Fortezza are close. You do not need a car, and parking is in public lots outside the Old Town.
- Stay by the beach for swimming, pools, and families. Rethymno’s long town beach starts just east of the harbor and continues for kilometers along the coast. The closest beach hotels let you walk to both the sand and Old Town. Farther east, around Perivolia, Missiria, and Adelianos Kampos, the hotels get larger and more resort-like, but you’ll need taxis or buses for dinners in the Old Town. Nautilux is my favorite upscale beach hotel close to town.
- Rethymno has no airport. You will arrive through Chania or Heraklion, both roughly 75 to 90 minutes away by car. Buses from both cities are frequent and practical. The KTEL bus station is on the western edge of town, about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Old Town, but take a taxi if you have luggage.
- The Rethymno to Santorini ferry is useful but seasonal. In 2026, the SeaJets high-speed ferry runs from May 20 to October 18, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a crossing of about 2 hours 20 minutes. Schedules can change, so do not build a tight international flight connection around it without checking current ferry times.
- Rethymno is excellent without a car. The Old Town, harbor, Fortezza, restaurants, beach, and bus station are all walkable. Rent a car for Kapsaliana, south-coast beaches, mountain villages, Arkadi Monastery, Preveli, wineries, or a longer Crete road trip.
- Do not judge Rethymno by the harbor restaurants. The Venetian Harbor is beautiful, especially at night, but many waterfront restaurants are aimed at passing tourists. The better meals are in the backstreets of the Old Town, away from the water. This is one of the best food towns in Crete if you choose well.
Rethymno Beaches
- Rethymno Town Beach: One of the city’s biggest advantages. The beach starts just east of the harbor and runs for kilometers, with sand, sunbeds, beach bars, shallow water, and hotels along the shore. Nautilux is the standout upscale hotel with direct beach access.
- South Coast Beaches: The best scenery is south of Rethymno on the Libyan Sea, 45 to 75 minutes away by car. Preveli has the famous palm river setting, Plakias is a useful beach town with tavernas, and Triopetra and Agios Pavlos feel wilder and more dramatic. These are best with a rental car.
- Bali and Panormos: East of Rethymno, these smaller coastal villages are good for calmer water and a more compact beach stay. Bali has several sheltered coves and a more resort-like feel. Panormos is smaller, quieter, and more traditional.
Where to Stay in Rethymno
Rethymno Old Town is the best area for most visitors. Stay here for boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, historic lanes, the Fortezza, Rimondi Fountain, and the Venetian Harbor. It is the most atmospheric part of town and my choice for a 2- or 3-night stay.
The Venetian Harbor is the prettiest part of Rethymno but not the best place to eat or sleep. It is scenic, central, and romantic, but the busiest harbor-front spots are touristy. I prefer staying a few lanes back in the Old Town.
The town beach area is the best compromise if you want to swim every day but still spend evenings in the Old Town. Hotels closest to the center are an easy walk from both.
Perivolia, Missiria, and Adelianos Kampos are the beach-resort areas east of the center, with bigger hotels, pools, family facilities, and easy beach access. Grecotel Creta Palace is my favorite full-scale family resort, while Caramel Grecotel is smaller and quieter.
Panormos and Bali are better for beach-village stays outside Rethymno. Royal Senses and Royal Blue are the strongest resort options near Panormos. They are not Rethymno Town hotels, so expect to drive or take taxis for Old Town sightseeing and dinners.
Kapsaliana is completely different: a restored village in the olive groves near Arkadi Monastery. It is a great choice for food, quiet, and countryside, but a car is essential.
The 10 Best Hotels in Rethymno
1. Avli Lounge Apartments
The best hotel in Rethymno for food, atmosphere, and Old Town character. Avli is one of Rethymno’s best restaurant addresses, with its courtyard fine-dining restaurant, 1600 Raki BaRaki meze restaurant, Enoteca wine cellar, and a small collection of beautifully designed suites spread across Venetian-era buildings.
Suites are individually decorated, with details such as stone walls, antique fireplaces, canopy beds, jacuzzi baths, and private balconies in select categories. Guests also have access to a rooftop jacuzzi with Fortezza views. This is my top choice for couples and food-focused travelers who want to stay deep in the Old Town.
2. Rimondi Boutique Hotel
The best romantic boutique hotel in Rethymno Old Town. Rimondi sits in the heart of the historic center near Rimondi Fountain, the Neratze Mosque, the harbor, and the best Old Town lanes. Pools and quiet courtyards are unusual bonuses for a hotel in this part of town.
Rooms, maisonettes, and suites are spread between the Palazzo and the more luxurious Estate. Some rooms add balconies, terraces, jetted tubs, or outdoor jacuzzis. Rimondi is my favorite for couples who want romance and a pool without leaving the Old Town. Families needing more space should look at the separate Rimondi Residences.
3. Veneto Boutique Hotel
The best historic boutique hotel in Rethymno. Veneto occupies a restored 15th-century Venetian mansion that was once part of a Dominican monastery. It is close to Our Lady of the Angels Church, Neratze Mosque, the Archaeological Museum, and the main Old Town restaurants.
Suites are individually designed around the old architecture, with stone arches, wood beams, terracotta floors, and private terraces in some categories. The courtyard restaurant and wine cellar are highlights. Veneto is a great choice for history, food, and Old Town atmosphere.
4. Kapsaliana Village – Kapsalianá
The best countryside hotel in the Rethymno region. Kapsaliana is a restored historic village in the olive groves near Arkadi Monastery, about 15 km from Rethymno. Old stone houses have been converted into rooms and suites, with a beautiful pool, gardens, a historic olive mill, and an excellent Cretan restaurant.
Cooking classes, olive-oil and wine tastings, village walks, and other activities make this especially good for travelers interested in food and inland Crete. A car is essential.
5. Nautilux
The best luxury beach hotel in Rethymno. Nautilux sits directly on Rethymno Beach east of the center, with a private beach area, two outdoor pools, and an excellent wellness center with a heated indoor pool.
Many rooms have balconies, while selected suites add private heated pools or outdoor jacuzzis. The Old Town is about a 30-minute seafront walk away. Nautilux accepts adults and children over age 12, making it especially good for couples and families with teenagers.
6. Royal Senses Resort & Spa – Panormos
The best full-service luxury resort near Rethymno. Royal Senses is a large hillside resort east of Rethymno, with excellent sea views, several pools, a kids’ pool and water park, spa, and a good choice of restaurants and bars. Rooms, suites, and villas are spacious and contemporary, with private pools in several categories.
Royal Senses is particularly good for families and anyone planning to spend most of the day at the resort. Guests also have access to the beach at sister property Royal Blue across the road. Stay in Rethymno Town instead if you want to walk to restaurants and the Old Town every evening.
7. Royal Blue Resort – Panormos
The best luxury beach resort in the Rethymno area. Royal Blue sits directly on the coast east of Rethymno, with a private beach, large pools, thalassotherapy spa, restaurants and bars, and rooms, suites, and villas with shared or private pools.
I prefer Royal Blue to Royal Senses for couples and anyone who puts direct beach access, quiet, and relaxation ahead of kids’ facilities. Royal Senses is newer and has more going on; Royal Blue has the better seaside setting. Rethymno is about 18 km away.
8. Caramel Grecotel – Adelianos Kampos
The best smaller luxury beach resort east of Rethymno. Caramel has bright suites, bungalows, maisonettes, and villas, a beautiful pool, beach access, and some higher-category rooms with private pools or outdoor jacuzzis.
It is much smaller than Creta Palace or Royal Senses and works well for couples and families who want a quieter resort. Adelianos Kampos has restaurants and shops nearby, while Rethymno Old Town is a short taxi ride away.
9. Grecotel Creta Palace
The best full-scale family resort near Rethymno. Creta Palace has been extensively updated, with four main pools, a new Beach Club, a family zone, and a new Aqua Park with six waterslides. There is also a zero-entry family pool, Grecoland Kids’ Club, and extensive dining.
Rooms, bungalows, suites, and family accommodations range from garden-view rooms to larger upgraded categories. This is my first choice near Rethymno for families who want a full resort with plenty for children but still want easy access to the Old Town by taxi or bus.
10. Casa Vitae Villas
The best private-villa stay in Rethymno Old Town. Casa Vitae is a restored Venetian property in the historic center with three two-bedroom villas. Each has a private pool, kitchen, living space, and outdoor area, a rare combination in the Old Town.
The location is central for restaurants, shops, Rimondi Fountain, and the harbor. Casa Vitae is better than a conventional hotel for families or couples wanting more space and privacy; Avli and Rimondi are better if you want full hotel service.
Beach Hotels near Old Town Rethymno
These are my favorite hotels along the town beach, starting with the best combination of beach and walkability:
• Aquila Porto Rethymno – best overall for beach plus easy access to the Old Town.
• Batis Aero – smaller, good-value beachfront hotel within walking distance of the center.
• Palm Beach Hotel – good for couples and families wanting a smaller beachfront stay.
• Nautilux – the best luxury hotel on the town beach, but farther from the Old Town.
Rethymno Hotels FAQ
Is Rethymno a good base in Crete, or is Chania better?
Chania is prettier and my first choice for most first-time visitors, especially for exploring western Crete. Rethymno is better for combining an Old Town stay with daily beach time and is more centrally located for exploring both western and central Crete.
What is the best area to stay in Rethymno?
The Old Town is best for most visitors. Stay along the town beach instead if swimming, pools, and family convenience matter more.
What is the best hotel in Rethymno?
Avli is my favorite hotel in Rethymno for its Old Town location, characterful suites, and excellent food. Rimondi is my favorite for romance and a pool in the Old Town, Nautilux for beach luxury, and Grecotel Creta Palace for families.
Should I stay in Rethymno Old Town or by the beach?
Stay in the Old Town for atmosphere, restaurants, boutique hotels, and sightseeing. Stay by the beach if swimming and pools are priorities. The closest beach hotels let you walk to both.
Do I need a car in Rethymno?
No, not if you stay in the Old Town or near the town beach. Rent a car for Preveli, Plakias, Triopetra, Arkadi Monastery, mountain villages, and south-coast exploring. Avoid staying deep inside the pedestrian Old Town if you plan to drive every day.
How many nights should I stay in Rethymno?
Three nights is a good minimum for the Old Town, Fortezza, restaurants, and beach. Stay four or five nights if you want to explore the south coast, Arkadi Monastery, villages, and beaches without rushing.
About Santorini Dave