Venetian Harbour & Lighthouse of Rethymno
Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ρεθύμνου
A small semicircular Venetian harbor crowded with seafood restaurants. At the end of the breakwater stands a 19th-century Ottoman-era stone lighthouse, the most photogenic corner of the old town.
The old harbor dates from the Venetian period. Silt has long limited it to small boats, and today the harbor's edge is lined with seafood and Cretan restaurants. They tend to be touristy and pricey, so for more authentic food, look for small eateries in the old town alleys. Walking along the northern breakwater to the lighthouse at its end takes about 10 minutes. The lighthouse was built in the 1830s-40s, during Egyptian rule of Crete, and is one of the best-preserved old lighthouses on the island. From it, you can photograph the old harbor, the old town and the Fortezza fortress all at once. Entry is free and it is open all day. Waves can splash over the breakwater in strong winds, so take care.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Rimondi Fountain
- Neratze Mosque
- Rethymno Old Town
- Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
- Fortezza of Rethymno
- Rethymno Beach
- Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni
- Arkadi Monastery