Drive along the coastal road to the prefecture of Rethymnon. Visit the settlement of Arkadi where the homonymous monastery of great importance for Cretan people is located. Built on the edge of a fertile upland, the monastery bears a long time history. In 1866 during the Ottoman domination it became the symbol of freedom when monks, citizens and Cretan fighters locked inside burned it down to avoid enslavement. The museum hosted in its premises unfolds its history piece by piece.

Next stop is the picturesque Mediterranean town of Rethymnon, characterised by its unique Renaissance architecture, the Venetian fortress Fortezza and the old harbour. Enjoy a city tour in the old town and relax in one of its various cafes by the sea. The seductive personality of Rethimnon will surely bewitch you.

Kournas is one of the very few areas of Crete where plenty of fresh water is stored throughout the year. For this reason, it is protected under the Natura 2000 program.

 

Fodele

Fodele , is the museum of the painter El Greco or otherwise EL GRECO. It is a kind of natural monument that deserves everyone to visit . The village of Fodele is known among other things for the delicious oranges which grow extensively in the region.
 

Rethymno

Rethymno is the third largest city and is situated between Heraklion and Chania. The current city is built on the same site as the ancient Rithymna. Evidence for the existence of the city are from the 5th to 4th century BC Rethymno bathed by two seas , the Cretan north and south of Libyan Pelagos.O current population is estimated at around 32,000 residents. The city's economy relies mainly on tourism , and has a number of sandy beaches, large hotel complexes , many attractions , monuments , museums and monasteries. Generally the prefecture of Rethymno has a strong historical, archaeological and religious interest for holidaymakers .

Kournas

The lake has been created by the accumulation of groundwater coming from the White Mountains. The water gushes from a spring called Amati or Mati (meaning “eye”), which is over the lake surface in the summer months, while it’s hidden below the surface during winter. There is a second spring, which is always underneath the surface.