Top 4 Itineraries in Rethymnon

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Rethymnon.

If you only have a few days, Rethymnon weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Rethymnon offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Rethymnon are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Rethymnon’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Rethymnon offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Greece's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Rethymnon offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Rethymnon truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Rethymnon belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Rethymnon are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Rethymnon and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Rethymnon itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Rethymnon for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Rethymnon without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Rethymnon!

A scenic 12-day road trip through Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, Krasi, and Psychro is one of the best ways to experience Greece. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Rethymnon can easily be combined with other top destinations in Greece without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, Krasi, and Psychro by public transport, renting a car in Greece opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Heraklion

• Arrival city: Irakleio
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Heraklion. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Irakleio and Kallithea

• Destinations: Irakleio and Kallithea
• Driving distance: 15.93 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Rocca a Mare Fortress, Natural History Museum of Crete, Holy Cathedral Temple of Saint Titus, Knossos Palace, and Morosini Fountain
• Recommended tour: Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Rocca a Mare Fortress, Natural History Museum of Crete, Holy Cathedral Temple of Saint Titus, Knossos Palace, and Morosini Fountain. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Irakleio and Kallithea, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Rethymno

• Destinations: Rethymno
• Driving distance: 86.31 km, approx. 1 hour and 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Rethymno, e.g., Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels
• Sightseeing: Rethymnon Municipal Garden, Neratze Mosque, Guora gate, Rimondi Fountain, and Venetian Fortezza Castle

Spend the day exploring Rethymnon Municipal Garden, Neratze Mosque, Guora gate, Rimondi Fountain, and Venetian Fortezza Castle. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Rethymno.

Day 4: Experience Chania

• Destinations: Chania
• Driving distance: 62.12 km, approx. 1 hour and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church, Old Chania Market, Greek National Football Team Museum, Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church, and Kastélli
• Recommended tour: Chania: Elafonisi & Falasarna Private Tour w/olive oil tasting

Continue your journey through Chania, where you can explore Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church, Old Chania Market, Greek National Football Team Museum, Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church, and Kastélli. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Chania.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Dimos Kissamoy

• Destinations: Dimos Kissamoy
• Driving distance: 148.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Topolia Gorge, Elafonisi, and Cave of Agia Sofia
• Recommended tour: The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour – Explore East Chania Mainland

Drive through Dimos Kissamoy, stopping to visit Topolia Gorge, Elafonisi, and Cave of Agia Sofia. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Chania

• Destinations: Chania
• Driving distance: 7.18 km, approx. 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Eleftherios Venizelos House, Lighthouse of Chania, and Tampakaria
• Recommended tour: Minoans World 3D Museum & 9D Cinema

Spend time discovering Eleftherios Venizelos House, Lighthouse of Chania, and Tampakaria, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Agios Nikolaos

• Destinations: Agios Nikolaos
• Driving distance: 203.9 km, approx. 3 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Agios Nikolaos, e.g., Hotel Port 7
• Sightseeing: Fisherman’s Crypt, The Abduction of Europe, and Cretan Olive Oil Farm
• Recommended tour: Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Elouda

Explore Fisherman’s Crypt, The Abduction of Europe, and Cretan Olive Oil Farm at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Agios Nikolaos.

Day 8: Explore Plaka

• Destinations: Plaka
• Driving distance: 31.32 km, approx. 53 minutes
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Agios Nikolaos, e.g., Hotel Port 7
• Sightseeing: Plaka Beach, Spinalonga, and Spinalonga fortress
• Recommended tour: Cave Of Zeus

Continue your road trip through Plaka, enjoying the flexibility to explore Plaka Beach, Spinalonga, and Spinalonga fortress and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Pacheia Ammos and Ierapetra

• Destinations: Pacheia Ammos and Ierapetra
• Driving distance: 57.3 km, approx. 1 hour and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ierapetra, e.g., Enorme Santanna Beach
• Sightseeing: Archaeological Collection Of Ierapetra, Monumental Ancient Olive Tree Azoria, and Archaeological Site of Gournia

Visit Archaeological Collection Of Ierapetra, Monumental Ancient Olive Tree Azoria, and Archaeological Site of Gournia as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Ierapetra.

Day 10: Uncover Itanoy, Toploy, and Dimos Siteias

• Destinations: Itanoy, Toploy, and Dimos Siteias
• Driving distance: 169.62 km, approx. 3 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ierapetra, e.g., Enorme Santanna Beach
• Sightseeing: Ancient City Itanos, Toplou Monastery, and Vai Beach

Continue your exploration of Ancient City Itanos, Toplou Monastery, and Vai Beach, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Krasi and Psychro

• Destinations: Krasi and Psychro
• Driving distance: 150.46 km, approx. 3 hours and 11 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Monumental Platanos, Cave of Diktaion Andron, Cave Of ZEUS, Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and Mnimeiakos Platanos
• Recommended tour: Private Day Tour Knossos-Lassithi Plateau

Take in the highlights of Monumental Platanos, Cave of Diktaion Andron, Cave Of ZEUS, Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and Mnimeiakos Platanos, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Heraklion.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Heraklion

• Departure city: Ηράκλειο
• Driving distance: 1.21 km, approx. 15 minutes
• Sightseeing: Church of Agios Minas

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Heraklion. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 858 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Rethymnon.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Rethymnon for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Rethymnon with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Rethymnon without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Rethymnon

Arrive in Rethymnon and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Iroon Politechniou Square.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Agrimia Restaurant is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Rethymnon's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Rethymnon by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Rethymnon Municipal Garden, Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete, Neratze Mosque, Guora gate, and Rimondi Fountain.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Rethymnon in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Rethymnon

Spend your last few hours in Rethymnon soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Rethymnon, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Rethymnon travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 10-day beach vacation in Rethymnon offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Rethymnon:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Episkopi beach II, Rethymnon beach, and Episkopi beach.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at OVELISTiRIO O MiTSOS, Taverna Geronymos, and GK Beach Hotel, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Enigma Stoupa, Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, and Diamond Beach Club Moudania, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Venetian Fortezza Castle, Rimondi Fountain, Rethymnon Municipal Garden, and Iroon Politechniou Square, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 10-day beach vacation itinerary in Rethymnon, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Rethymnon

Arrive in Chania, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 10 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Episkopi beach II or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Rethymnon.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Rethymnon beach, a top beach in Rethymnon. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Rimondi Fountain and Venetian Fortezza Castle for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Skaleta beach II. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Melidoni Cave and Reptisland. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Unwind by the Beach

Relax and rejuvenate with a beach day at Episkopi beach II. Bring a book, lounge under an umbrella, and enjoy the day at The Lion Fountain and Folk Museum of Spili, with a refreshing drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 8: Discover Local Culture and Sunset Views

Soak up the sun at Rethymnon beach. In the afternoon, dive into the local culture with visits to Military Museum of Chromonastiri and Mili gorge. As the sun sets, have a picnic on the beach and create some amazing memories.

Day 10: Say Farewell to Rethymnon

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Rethymnon. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Rethymnon. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Rethymnon's coastline.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Rethymnon offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Rethymnon itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Rethymnon weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Rethymnon

Arrive in Rethymnon around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Iroon Politechniou Square, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Rethymnon’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Rethymnon with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Rethymnon Municipal Garden early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Neratze Mosque, stopping by Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Rethymnon

Make the most of your last few hours in Rethymnon before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Rethymnon. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Rethymnon itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Rethymnon, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Rethymnon for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Rethymnon in a way that feels truly unforgettable!