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. With plenty of time to relax and explore, a beach trip to Rethymnon is the ideal way to recharge.

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. Each of these 4 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Rethymnon just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 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 5-day road trip through Ηράκλειο, Ρέθυμνο, and Χανιά 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 5-day itinerary means that Rethymnon can easily be combined with other top destinations in Greece without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Ηράκλειο, Ρέθυμνο, and Χανιά by public transport, renting a car in Greece opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 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: Ηράκλειο, Ρέθυμνο, Χανιά, Δήμος Κισσάμου, Δήμος Χανίων, Δήμος Ρεθύμνης, Δήμος Ηρακλείου, Perifereia Kritis, Ellas, and Κρήτη
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel

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 Ηράκλειο

• Destinations: Ηράκλειο
• Driving distance: 151.85 km, approx. 2 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Rocca a Mare Fortress, Knossos Palace, Morosini Fountain, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Church of Agios Minas
• Recommended tour: Minoans World 3D Museum & 9D Cinema

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Rocca a Mare Fortress, Knossos Palace, Morosini Fountain, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Church of Agios Minas. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Ηράκλειο, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Chania.

Day 3: Discover Χανιά and Δήμος Χανίων

• Destinations: Χανιά and Δήμος Χανίων
• Driving distance: 53.7 km, approx. 1 hour and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Old Chania Market, Lighthouse of Chania, Old Venetian Port of Chania, Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery, and Seitan Limania
• Recommended tour: The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour – Explore East Chania Mainland

Spend the day exploring Old Chania Market, Lighthouse of Chania, Old Venetian Port of Chania, Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery, and Seitan Limania. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Ρέθυμνο, Χανιά, and Δήμος Κισσάμου

• Destinations: Ρέθυμνο, Χανιά, and Δήμος Κισσάμου
• Driving distance: 247.64 km, approx. 4 hours and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Gramvousa Beach, Rimondi Fountain, Balos Beach, and Venetian Fortezza Castle
• Recommended tour: Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus

Continue your journey through Ρέθυμνο, Χανιά, and Δήμος Κισσάμου, where you can explore Gramvousa Beach, Rimondi Fountain, Balos Beach, and Venetian Fortezza Castle. 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 Heraklion.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Heraklion

• Departure city: Ηράκλειο
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds

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 the route is around 359 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Rethymnon. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 5-day road trip itinerary through Ηράκλειο, Ρέθυμνο, and Χανιά is an excellent choice.

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

Enjoy a 6-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 6-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 Agrimia Restaurant, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

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 and Guora gate.

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!

A 5-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 Taverna Geronymos, Marina, and Peskesi, 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 Guora gate, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 5-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 5 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 Rethymnon Municipal Garden, Guora gate, and Mili gorge 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 5: 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 5-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 5 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 Guora gate, stopping by Neratze Mosque for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Rethymnon

No itinerary in Rethymnon is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Venetian Monastery of Halevi.
• Afternoon: Explore Mili gorge, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - 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!