In the Medieval times,
Rethymno was one of the most important Venetian harbors. Today it still conserves this atmosphere in the small alleys and in the traditional houses which reflect the Venetian Renaissance architecture as well as the Turkish influences from the past. The most significant of the remaining buildings are the
Fortezza (fortress built by the Venetian in 1573), the
old Venetian harbor and from the Turkish occupation period,the
Ibrahim Pasa mosque. In the surroundings of the town there are plenty of traditional villages such as Kournas (with the romantic lake), Maroulas, Atsipopoulo, Argiroupoli (with its natural springs) and Arkadi (Historic monastery with an interesting relic museum).
The town of Rethymno is located on an ideal starting point for excursions, especially to the south coast.