The best hikes from bus stations in Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ρεθύμνης

The main entrance to the old town of Rethymno in Crete is the Guora Gate, also known as Megali Porta (Great Gate). It dates from the 16th century, from the Venetian period, and is the only surviving part of the old city wall.

The Mosque of Ibrahim Khan is located almost in the center of the imposing Fortezza fortress in Rethymno. The building was erected in 1583 during the Venetian occupation and served as a Christian church in honor of Saint Nicholas. The city's cathedral had been destroyed by an invasion in 1571, which is why the Venetians decided to move the service to a safer place within the Fortezza castle. However, it seems that due to lack of space, it was not the central temple of the city. After the Ottomans occupied the city in 1646, the Church of Saint Nicholas was converted into a mosque dedicated to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Ibrahim Khan. Then the large dome with a diameter of 11 m was added, which distinguishes the building from all other buildings in the fortress. The building has a square floor plan with spherical triangles in the corners formed by the arches on its four walls. Above the entrance, there is a relief arch, while the mihrab is decorated with relief patterns. Externally, the base of the broken minaret is preserved. The valuable rainwater for the fortress was concentrated in a large tank next to the mosque, thus covering the water needs during the harsh sieges. Source: https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/cities-and-towns-in-crete/rethymnon-city/religious-monuments-of-rethymnon-city/the-sultan-ibrahim-khan-mosque-in-rethymnon

The old town of Rethymno is partly Venetian, partly Ottoman, but always unmistakably Cretan. A walk through the original settlement of the city, halfway between Chania and Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, brings the past to life through striking buildings, street markets, atmospheric alleys and historical monuments. You will recognize how the old town became Crete's third-largest settlement, spreading from the port around 1300, but you will also appreciate how intimate and colorful the old town appears with small bars, cafes and concept stores that have opened in renovated buildings. Of course, there are still taverns where you can enjoy traditional Cretan food and Cretan music. Decorated doors adorned with Venetian coats of arms, Ottoman mosques with minarets and wooden facades of mansions attract attention - before you land on the shore of the famous harbor.

Beautiful old town near the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Megali Panagia) in Rethymnon.

View from the castle Entrance 5€

Well done, could be a few more signs

The gorge itself is a fascinating relic from the time when 16 active watermills stood here in the 19th century! 🏞️✨ They supplied the region with flour and still shape the name of the gorge today ("Mili" means mill). Today, you can still discover many ruined mill ruins along the riverbed – with information boards that tell you the story.

The gorge itself is a fascinating relic from the time when 16 active water mills stood here in the 19th century! 🏞️✨ They supplied the region with flour and still shape the name of the gorge today ("Mili" means mill). Today, you can discover many dilapidated mill ruins along the riverbed – with information boards that tell you the history.