Updated: December 20, 2025
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 Harbor is the best place to stay in Rethymno for couples, first-timers, and visitors without a car.
Staying in Rethymno – My Tips
- Rethymno sits on the northern coast of Crete, almost exactly halfway between Chania and Heraklion. It is roughly 75 to 90 minutes from both of Crete’s international airports. While regional ferries vary, the high-speed ferry to Santorini typically runs twice per week during the high season, making this historic town an easy addition to a Greek island hopping itinerary.
- The Old Town is mostly pedestrian-only. This is where you will find the best boutique hotels, atmospheric tavernas, and hidden bars. You do not need a car if you stay here. The main bus station is within walking distance, offering frequent service to the eastern sandy beaches and other major Cretan cities.
- Deciding where to stay comes down to Old Town vs. Beach. I recommend staying in the Old Town to experience the history and the best dining. However, the eastern part of the city is better for those who want large beachfront resorts and easy water access. If you stay at the beach, you should still plan to spend every evening in the Old Town.
- Rethymno is among the best-preserved Venetian settlements in Greece. Key sights include the Fortezza (the massive 16th-century fortress), the Rimondi Fountain, and the Loggia. The skyline is defined by both Venetian architecture and Ottoman minarets and domes, reflecting the city’s diverse history.
- The Venetian Harbor is the most iconic spot in town, famous for its Egyptian Lighthouse. While the harbor restaurants offer great views, the absolute best food is usually found tucked away in the narrow alleys further into the Old Town.
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 consists of ten delightfully decorated suites spread over three Venetian-era buildings, each unique in size, layout, and decor – some with antique fireplaces, jacuzzi baths, or canopy beds. 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 Old Town’s heart. 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, 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
Four-star, all-suite boutique hotel set in a 16th-century mansion, formerly a Dominican monastery, with 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 with stone arches or wood beam ceilings, hardwood or terracotta floors, and some have private terraces or a spiral staircase. 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
This is 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 the Blue Flag 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 a dedicated kids’ water park. 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
About Santorini Dave