Rethymno is one of the four prefectures of Crete, with exceptional natural features such as imposing gorges, lush vineyards and evergreen forests, crystal clear rivers and lakes, long sandy beaches and high mountains with impressive caves. It is the most mountainous area of ​​the island, bordered to the west by the White Mountains and to the east by the mountain of Psiloritis. It is considered to be the most scenic area of ​​Crete, making for unforgettable holidays and impressing even the most discerning visitor.

Besides the natural beauty, one can get to know the history of the Prefecture through a wealth of archaeological, historical and religious sites. In addition, visitors can choose any one of the many popular seaside resorts, such as Plakias and Agia Galini,  and from a host of nightclubs and bars in the city of Rethymno when the sun goes down. Rethymnon is an attractive destination all year round, providing a good tourist infrastructure with accommodations, shops, car rental offices, travel agencies and entertainment venues.

History of Rethymnon
According to Greek mythology, ancient Crete was ruled by King Minos. It tells us that, as the king refused to sacrifice a bull to the gods, Neptune punish him by mading his wife fall in love with a bull. The Minotaur  was born of this union and was imprisoned in a maze that King Minos built for him.

According to another legend, to avenge the death of his son killed by the Athenians, Minos ordered that seven girls and boys should be sent to Crete each year as sacrifices to the Minotaur. On one such journey, Theseus, the son of the Athenian King, sailed to Crete with the young Athenians, and with the help of Ariadne, Minos’ daughter, killed the Minotaur.

Archaeological finds in the prefecture of Rethymno have proven life in the prefecture during the Neolithic period (6000-2600 BC). Crete is where the historical Minoan civilization (2600-1150 BC) began. Famous palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros were constructed at that time. The Minoans created a naval empire in the Mediterranean, which was probably  destroyed by the enormous tidal waves caused by the eruption of the volcano of Santorini in 1450 BC. and also from the invasion of the Achaeans and the Dorians.

During the Geometric period (710-270 BC) there are traces of civilizations in the area of ​​Eleftherna. The Roman occupation began in 69 AD. and lasted until 330 AD.,the First Byzantine period (325-824 AD), and the period of the Arab occupation (824-961 AD). The liberation of Crete by Nikephoros Phokas in 961, which followed its reintegration into the Byzantine Empire, marked the beginning of the Second Byzantine period, which endured until the  Venetian arrival in 1204.

Venetian domination began in 1204, when Crete was transferred to the Bonifatius of Montferrato, which later handed it over to the Venetians. They built new castles, reinforced the old Arabic structures, and founded new fortified cities. However, the Genoese pirate Enrico Pescatore invaded the island in 1206, but the Venetians managed to regain control of Crete and remain until 1210. The Cretans led a series of revolutes between 1211 and 1367.

The attack of pirate Ulutz-Ali in 1571 effectively destroyed Rethymno. The Turks plundered the deserted city. However, the Venetians reinforced the city and by the end of the 16th century the city underwent it’s Renaissance. In this period, luxury private and public mansions were constructed, the city gained a central square, fountains, sundial, a main road, as well as smaller roads that led to the temples and the houses of the inhabitants. Artists such as the famous painter El Greco and scientists from Constantinople and other parts of the old Byzantine Empire came to Crete.

In 1645, the first Turkish troops arrived in Chania. A year later, Hussein Pasha’s troops were in Rethymno. The city walls were already weakened due to the raids of the Turks after their establishment in the area of ​​Chania. Turkish domination of the inhabitants of Rethymnon and of the whole island brought changes in everyday life. The city’s image changed radically. The Ottomans lived in the Venetian mansions and decorated them with Ottoman architectural elements. At the same time, they began to build mosques and minarets, and the massacre of Christians led to a series of uprisings and revolutions.