Updated: January 22, 2026
Greece › Crete › Rethymno Hotels
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Our Favorite Hotels in Rethymno
• Best Hotel: Avli
• For Couples: Rimondi
• For Families: Grecotel Creta Palace
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 centrally located on the northern coast of Crete, sitting almost halfway between Chania (to the west) and Heraklion (to the east). It is approximately a 75 to 90-minute drive from either international airport. The high-speed Seajets ferry to Santorini typically runs twice per week (usually Tuesdays and Saturdays) from May to October. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours.
- The Old Town is the heart of the city and is largely pedestrian-only. This is where you will find the best boutique hotels, romantic alleys, and vibrant nightlife. You do not need a car if you stay here; parking is difficult and usually requires finding a spot in a public lot on the perimeter.
- The KTEL Bus Station is located on the western edge of the city, near the Fortezza. It is within walking distance of the Old Town (10-15 minutes), though a taxi is recommended if you have heavy luggage. Buses run frequently to Heraklion and Chania, as well as to the south coast beaches.
- Deciding where to stay is a choice between Old Town vs. Beach. I recommend staying in the Old Town for the atmosphere, history, and dining. However, the coast east of the marina (Perivolia, Adelianos Kampos) is lined with larger beachfront resorts that offer pools and direct water access. If you choose the beach resorts, plan on taking a taxi or bus into the Old Town for your evenings.
- Rethymno is one of the best-preserved Venetian cities in Greece. The skyline is a mix of Venetian architecture and Ottoman minarets. Key sights include the massive 16th-century Fortezza, the Rimondi Fountain, and the Loggia.
- The Venetian Harbor is the most photogenic spot in town, anchored by the Egyptian Lighthouse. While the harbor restaurants offer spectacular water views, they are often tourist traps. The absolute best food is found in the narrow, winding alleys of the Old Town, away from the water.
Rethymno Beaches
- Rethymno Town Beach: This massive stretch of golden sand begins just east of the Venetian Harbor and extends for 12 km. It is fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. The water is shallow and generally safe, making it the most convenient choice for families staying in town.
- South Coast Beaches: The best beaches in the region are on the Libyan Sea (south coast), about a 45 to 60-minute drive away. Preveli Beach is famous for its rare palm forest and river lagoon. Plakias is a large, family-friendly bay with great tavernas. Triopetra and Agios Pavlos offer dramatic sand dunes and crystal-clear water with fewer crowds.
- Bali & Panormos: Located about 20-30 minutes east of Rethymno, these former fishing villages offer sheltered coves that are often calmer than the main town beach on windy days. Bali has a series of small, scenic bays, while Panormos retains a more traditional village feel.
The 7 Best Hotels in Rethymno
1. Avli Lounge Apartments
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 58250, +30 28310 26213
Even if you don’t stay here, you must eat here. Avli’s restaurant predates the hotel, serving a fine-dining menu of creative Cretan fare in an intimate garden courtyard. Other gastronomic offerings on site include the meze bar, Raki Ba Raki, and the wine bar, Enoteca. The hotel comprises 10 delightfully decorated suites spread across three Venetian-era buildings, each unique in size, layout, and decor. Some suites feature antique fireplaces, jacuzzi baths, or canopy beds, while top-tier apartments have private balconies. All guests have access to the hotel’s rooftop jacuzzi with views of the Fortezza. The hotel offers a thoughtful selection of Cretan cooking classes, Greek and Cretan wine tastings, and olive oil workshops.
2. Rimondi Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 51001
This elegant boutique hotel, complete with a spa and hammam, is situated in the heart of the Old Town. It offers rooms, maisonettes, and suites across two buildings: the Venetian-era Palazzo and the more luxurious Estate, each featuring pools in lush garden courtyards. The Estate houses an all-day Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant, while the Palazzo offers a pool bar with light meals and drinks. Guests have access to both buildings’ pools and dining facilities. Accommodations may include balconies, terraces, and jetted or outdoor jacuzzis. Additionally, two Rimondi Residences close to the Contemporary Art Museum offer full kitchens, living spaces, and family-sized outdoor jacuzzis. Its prime location is near the 17th-century Rimondi Fountain, Neratze Mosque, and the harbor.
3. Veneto Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 56634
This four-star, all-suite boutique hotel is set in a 16th-century mansion, formerly a Dominican monastery. It features a celebrated restaurant set in a romantic courtyard and accompanied by a carefully curated wine cellar. Each suite is individually designed to accommodate the historic architecture; some feature stone arches or wood beam ceilings, hardwood or terracotta floors, and private terraces or spiral staircases. All feature walk-in showers. Larger suites add sofa beds, handmade mattresses, or private terraces. The attached Art Shop features hand-selected clothing, jewelry, and decor by Greek artists. Beautiful Old Town location near the 16th-century Our Lady of the Angels Church, Neratze Mosque, and the Archaeological Museum.
4. Casa Vitae
Hotel Phone: + 30 28310 35058
A luxury boutique hotel housed in a 16th-century Venetian palazzo. It features eight high-end suites with traditional stone walls and wooden ceilings. There are no private pools here, but the private courtyard is one of the most peaceful breakfast spots in the Old Town. It is located in a quiet alley just a short walk from the Rimondi Fountain.
5. Hotel Ideon
Hotel Phone: +30 2831 028667
This is a reliable, mid-range hotel located right at the edge of the Old Town and the Venetian Harbor. It’s a perfect spot for those who want to be near the action without paying boutique prices. The swimming pool is a rare find for a hotel this close to the harbor.
6. Aquila Porto
Hotel Phone: +30 2831 200400
The hotel has a fun, relaxing atmosphere without having a party vibe. It sits directly on a great beach and is only a short walk from the Old Town entrance.
7. Grecotel Creta Palace
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 55181
This is the best luxury resort for families near Rethymno. It features a massive main pool and children’s pool with waterslides. If you want a full-service resort experience while staying within reach of the city, this is the top choice. Kid, junior, and teen clubs offer age-appropriate, supervised activities on the water and in the garden. Dining is varied and plentiful, with nine restaurants and bars offering Cretan, Mediterranean, sushi, and more. Guests can choose bed and breakfast, half-board, or all-inclusive meal programs. Rooms, bungalows, suites, and villas feature sunny, contemporary spaces with private balconies or terraces with garden or sea views. Upgraded suites add private plunge pools or swimming pools. Idyllic location on Missiria Beach, about four km from the Old Town. There is a bus near the hotel entrance with regular service into town, or take a taxi for about €10.
Beach Hotels near Old Town Rethymno
Many of the Rethymno beach hotels are great for families and an easy walk to the Old Town, Ferry Port, and Harbor.
Good hotels directly across from the beach:
• Aquila Porto
• Batis Beach Hotel
• Poseidon Hotel
• Palm Beach Hotel Apartments
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