Crete Hidden Gems, Valia’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
Knossos: The city at the heart of the Minoan civilisation. In the vast area of the palace complex, visitors can see the Little Palace, the House of Frescoes and the Throne Room.
227 locals recommend
Minoan Palace of Knossos
8 ΦειδίουKnossos: The city at the heart of the Minoan civilisation. In the vast area of the palace complex, visitors can see the Little Palace, the House of Frescoes and the Throne Room.
The Venetian Fortezza (1573-1580) is a vast fortress inside which you can see the traces of the rector’s residence, cisterns and gunpowder batteries, as well as the St Nicholas Cathedral and the churches of Agia Ekaterini and Agios Theodoros Trichinas. Erofyli Theater, at the Bastion of Agios Ilias, hosts all sorts of cultural events in the summer, including the excellent Rethymno Renaissance Festival.
541 locals recommend
Fortezza Castle
The Venetian Fortezza (1573-1580) is a vast fortress inside which you can see the traces of the rector’s residence, cisterns and gunpowder batteries, as well as the St Nicholas Cathedral and the churches of Agia Ekaterini and Agios Theodoros Trichinas. Erofyli Theater, at the Bastion of Agios Ilias, hosts all sorts of cultural events in the summer, including the excellent Rethymno Renaissance Festival.
The beautiful monastery of Arkadi can be found in the foothills of the western Ida (Psiloritis) Mountain. The Cretans consider the monastery as a symbol of freedom from the turks. During the revolt in 1866, hundreds of refugees and Cretan freedom fighters sought sanctuary in the wine store rooms with the monks, where there was also a stash of gunpowder. When the Turks made their way towards their last refuge, the Abbot gave the order to fire the gunpowder. Hundreds of Cretans and Turks were killed; giving real meaning to the battle cry of Crete - “freedom or death”!
178 locals recommend
Monastery of Arkadi
The beautiful monastery of Arkadi can be found in the foothills of the western Ida (Psiloritis) Mountain. The Cretans consider the monastery as a symbol of freedom from the turks. During the revolt in 1866, hundreds of refugees and Cretan freedom fighters sought sanctuary in the wine store rooms with the monks, where there was also a stash of gunpowder. When the Turks made their way towards their last refuge, the Abbot gave the order to fire the gunpowder. Hundreds of Cretans and Turks were killed; giving real meaning to the battle cry of Crete - “freedom or death”!
Samaria Gorge one of the most beautiful and well known places on Crete, Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe (18Kms) and is also a national park. There are ancient forests full of pine trees, cypress trees, rare plants, soaring eagles and stunning views. It takes approximately up to 4 hours to cross the gorge, but it’s a unique experience that you should definitely try.
517 locals recommend
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge one of the most beautiful and well known places on Crete, Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe (18Kms) and is also a national park. There are ancient forests full of pine trees, cypress trees, rare plants, soaring eagles and stunning views. It takes approximately up to 4 hours to cross the gorge, but it’s a unique experience that you should definitely try.
Beaches
Beach Adelianos Kampos
Rethymnon
56 Σοφοκλή ΒενιζέλουEpiskopi Beach
Geropotamos Beach
Plakias Beach
Damoni Beach
Preveli Beach
Skinaria Beach
Triopetra Beach, Lampi 740 53, Greece
Balos Beach
Falassarna Beach
Elafonissi Beach
port Panormos
Matala beach
Culture & Landmark
There is a very big mythology around the notion of the shepherd on the island of Crete. They are considered people that have their own perception on life, authority, honor, social life and so on. What is more important though in the notion of the shepherd, that is undoubtedly outside the realms of mythology, is their perception of hospitality and dedication to traditions that last for generations. One of these traditions is the Mitato. The Mitato is the house of the shepherd on the mountain between the months of April and October. In order to understand Crete and its food you have to understand the people and their habits. In Crete the spirit is born in the mountains and is poured in the blue Cretan sea. Mitato was made with love and respect to tradition from Giorgos Kokkinos and has prepared for you an authentic lunch like you have never tasted before. It is a must do experience whilst in Crete.
Great Crete
There is a very big mythology around the notion of the shepherd on the island of Crete. They are considered people that have their own perception on life, authority, honor, social life and so on. What is more important though in the notion of the shepherd, that is undoubtedly outside the realms of mythology, is their perception of hospitality and dedication to traditions that last for generations. One of these traditions is the Mitato. The Mitato is the house of the shepherd on the mountain between the months of April and October. In order to understand Crete and its food you have to understand the people and their habits. In Crete the spirit is born in the mountains and is poured in the blue Cretan sea. Mitato was made with love and respect to tradition from Giorgos Kokkinos and has prepared for you an authentic lunch like you have never tasted before. It is a must do experience whilst in Crete.
Margarites Pottery Village
Ceramics is the basic occupation of many inhabitants, who make not only decorative pottery but also utensils. Ceramics is a traditional art, the history of which is as old as the Minoan times. In the past, the pottery workshops flourished in the prefecture of Lasithi, producing storage objects of every day use. Today, potters at Margarites mould clay just like the Minoans did thousands years ago. Hundreds of vessels, identical to those found in the Minoan palaces, are still used for storing olive oil, grains and other agricultural products.
Mylopotamos Road Trip starting from Margarites:
Amongst the significantly enjoyable, old and historic villages: You can start with a morning coffee in Margarites Village. Then you can make a detour to visit Melidoni and the impressive Melidoni Cave, also known as Gerontospilios. You take the way to the village Garazo, on then northern slope of the mountain. Your next stop can be in Axos village, in a valley north of Psiloritis. Then you ascend the south to visit the Cave of in Zoniana, one of the most impressive caves in Crete and throughout Greece. After Zoniana, return back to the main road and continue for Anogia, a historic village and you can enjoy lunch. Due to the geographical isolation of their region, the Anogians maintained their traditional costumes, traditions, customs and dialect of their ancestors. Many workshops are open to the public and you can watch various traditional activities such as weaving on the loom, etc. If you follow the road leading from the village to the south, you will see Zominthos, where a Minoan settlement is excavated. Returning to Petradolakia and continuing southwest, a few hundred meters later, you will see Nida Plateau. Nida is a starting point of many hikes for nature lovers in Rethymno.
Margarites
Margarites Pottery Village
Ceramics is the basic occupation of many inhabitants, who make not only decorative pottery but also utensils. Ceramics is a traditional art, the history of which is as old as the Minoan times. In the past, the pottery workshops flourished in the prefecture of Lasithi, producing storage objects of every day use. Today, potters at Margarites mould clay just like the Minoans did thousands years ago. Hundreds of vessels, identical to those found in the Minoan palaces, are still used for storing olive oil, grains and other agricultural products.
Mylopotamos Road Trip starting from Margarites:
Amongst the significantly enjoyable, old and historic villages: You can start with a morning coffee in Margarites Village. Then you can make a detour to visit Melidoni and the impressive Melidoni Cave, also known as Gerontospilios. You take the way to the village Garazo, on then northern slope of the mountain. Your next stop can be in Axos village, in a valley north of Psiloritis. Then you ascend the south to visit the Cave of in Zoniana, one of the most impressive caves in Crete and throughout Greece. After Zoniana, return back to the main road and continue for Anogia, a historic village and you can enjoy lunch. Due to the geographical isolation of their region, the Anogians maintained their traditional costumes, traditions, customs and dialect of their ancestors. Many workshops are open to the public and you can watch various traditional activities such as weaving on the loom, etc. If you follow the road leading from the village to the south, you will see Zominthos, where a Minoan settlement is excavated. Returning to Petradolakia and continuing southwest, a few hundred meters later, you will see Nida Plateau. Nida is a starting point of many hikes for nature lovers in Rethymno.
Weave your way through the villages around Psiloritis. Some of the island's most amazing villages are located around Crete's tallest mountain in an imposing landscape with stunning, majestic mountains peaks.
The information center in Anogeia is an ideal starting point for exploring the area, providing all the necessary details, advice & inspiration for excursions.
Anogeia itself is an iconic Cretan village well known for its musical heritage, weaving & hospitality. Due to the geographical isolation of their region, the Anogians maintained their traditional costumes, traditions, customs and dialect of their ancestors. Many workshops are open to the public and you can watch various traditional activities such as weaving on the loom, etc.
Psiloritis Unesco Global Geopark - Information Center
Weave your way through the villages around Psiloritis. Some of the island's most amazing villages are located around Crete's tallest mountain in an imposing landscape with stunning, majestic mountains peaks.
The information center in Anogeia is an ideal starting point for exploring the area, providing all the necessary details, advice & inspiration for excursions.
Anogeia itself is an iconic Cretan village well known for its musical heritage, weaving & hospitality. Due to the geographical isolation of their region, the Anogians maintained their traditional costumes, traditions, customs and dialect of their ancestors. Many workshops are open to the public and you can watch various traditional activities such as weaving on the loom, etc.
Wineries & Farms
Klados Winery
Ethniki Odos Rethimnou IrakliouAgrecoFarms
Parks & Activities
Acqua Plus
Watercity Waterpark Crete
AnopolisLimnoupolis
Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos
Dinosauria Park
Private boat trips: to various destinations are available and is a recommended way of exploring the magnificent beaches and coastline.
Reach out to ThinkVilla & plan your private Sea Escape
Rethymno Port Parking
Private boat trips: to various destinations are available and is a recommended way of exploring the magnificent beaches and coastline.
Reach out to ThinkVilla & plan your private Sea Escape
Ikarus Water Sports is located next to Rethymno Marina. offering high quality water sport activities since 1989.
Jet ski and jet ski safari, flyboard, parasailing, water skiing, kite surfing are just a few of their water activities.
Ikarus Watersports Rethymno
44 Sofokli VenizelouIkarus Water Sports is located next to Rethymno Marina. offering high quality water sport activities since 1989.
Jet ski and jet ski safari, flyboard, parasailing, water skiing, kite surfing are just a few of their water activities.
Crete offers splendid opportunities for horse-back riding and Zoraïda's Horse-Riding lets you taste the finest.
8 locals recommend
Zoraida's Horse Riding
Crete offers splendid opportunities for horse-back riding and Zoraïda's Horse-Riding lets you taste the finest.
Crete offers a wide variety of tennis courts, mini golf, basketball, mini soccer and many many beach volley locations. Let us know which sport activities your are interested and we would be delighted to recommend you the best locations.
Tennis Club - Gallou
Crete offers a wide variety of tennis courts, mini golf, basketball, mini soccer and many many beach volley locations. Let us know which sport activities your are interested and we would be delighted to recommend you the best locations.
One of the best activities to do in Crete is hiking or cycling among the beautiful mountains of Crete.
eBikes Rethymno
1 PanepistimiouOne of the best activities to do in Crete is hiking or cycling among the beautiful mountains of Crete.
From Canyoning to Hiking Adventures, ThinkVilla has curated a collection of experiences to inspire your inner adventurer. In Crete there are many exceptionally beautiful gorges scattered throughout various parts of the island.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
From Canyoning to Hiking Adventures, ThinkVilla has curated a collection of experiences to inspire your inner adventurer. In Crete there are many exceptionally beautiful gorges scattered throughout various parts of the island.
Drive to Kournas lake to enjoy water biking and cherish a well deserved lunch at one of the local tavernas overlooking its beautiful scenery.
361 locals recommend
Lake Kournas
Drive to Kournas lake to enjoy water biking and cherish a well deserved lunch at one of the local tavernas overlooking its beautiful scenery.
The island offers beautiful diving sites such as bottom with huge rocks, steep reefs for multilevel diving, vertical reefs with deep bottom, a maze of rocks, small caves, in various locations.
Paradise Dive Center
The island offers beautiful diving sites such as bottom with huge rocks, steep reefs for multilevel diving, vertical reefs with deep bottom, a maze of rocks, small caves, in various locations.
Food & Drinks
Prima Plora Οrganic Restaurant & Wine Bar
8 AkrotiriouAlana Restaurant
15 SalaminosHasika
11-13 Agias VarvarasAvli rustic fine dining restaurant
17 RadamathiosΘαλασσογραφία - Εστιατόριο Μεζεδοπωλείο Καφέ στο Ρέθυμνο
12 ΚΕΦΑΛΟΓΙΑΝΝΗΔΩΝPoliou House / Το σπίτι του Πολιού
Creperie Haris
8-10 ΜεσολογγίουLIVINGROOM LOUNGE CAFE
5 Eleftheríou VenizélouQueens Room
11 Eleftheríou VenizélouTavern Androulidakis
Peperoncino
45 Eleftheríou VenizélouPorto Parassiris
KALI KARDIA
Eparchiaki Odos Georgioupolis-KournasΤα σουβλάκια του Γαγάνη
Platia MesochoriasKampos taverna
Baja Beach
12 ChiouBlue Lagoon
Cicada Seascape Experience
Agis Dinamis
Eparchiaki Odos Argiroupolis-Asi GoniasAli Vafi's garden
65 Tzane BounialiCAVO Rethymnon Restaurant
13 AkrotiriouThinkVilla
While in Rethymno, do not hesitate to stop by our office to say hi! Our team will be more than happy to meet you in person.
127 locals recommend
ThinkVilla
14 GerakariWhile in Rethymno, do not hesitate to stop by our office to say hi! Our team will be more than happy to meet you in person.