ISVC 2013, July 29-31

Rethymnon, Crete, Greece

Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is an island of contrasts. Home to around 650,000 people, the island remains ever popular with visitors from northern Europe, other parts of Greece, and indeed, visitors from all over the World. Crete is a place with its own tradition, its own character and its own dialect. Local people are very proud of their Cretan origin. Throughout the island the remnants of occupation by invaders from the Romans, through to the Turks, can still be seen, with aqueducts and architecture still plainly visible. But throughout these invasions the Cretan people have remained relatively unscathed and retain their justifiable pride in their island and their culture. In the south of the island, you will find hundreds of exotic beaches, some crowded and some isolated which can satisfy any taste. Crete is famous for its fruit, vegetables and pure olive oil. Crete consists of four prefectures: Rethymnon, Heraklion, Chania and Lasithi (Aghios Nikolaos).

Whilst not essential in many places renting a car will enable you to make the most of your holiday in Crete. You’ll be able to take in so much more of the many things the island has to offer - visit some of the many archaeological sites like Knossos and Faistos, enjoy the grandeur of the mountains and Crete’s famous gorges, search out some of the isolated, uncrowded beaches or visit some of the beautiful Venetian towns. You’ll have the freedom to do what you want, when you want to.

Rethymnon

Rethymnon is located between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. The town of Rethymnon still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbour and narrow streets. The Venetian Loggia and the municipal gardens are also some sites that you don't want to miss. Arcadi monastery is a place which reminds to all Cretans and any visitor the struggle for freedom against Turkish conqueror. It is a historical monument which attracts many visitors every year.

There are two sides to Rethymno offering two styles of visit: the endless big beach hotel strip that stretches from the east end of Rethymno, lapping up the coastal "villages" of Perivolia, Platanias, Adelianos Kambos, Pigianos Kambos, Sfakaki, Stavromenos and Skaleta - and - the Rethymno that allows you the character of the old town with its mix of architecture and history, cultural influences and styles ranging from Venetian to Ottoman empire. The town of Rethymnon offers great amusements as small bars near the seaside, clubs, restaurants and many small picturesque taverns. People of Rethymnon as all Cretans, are very hospitable people and they will try to make you feel like your home.

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