Rethymno: A Jewel on Crete's Coastline

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kanete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Ygeia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosou, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fyge!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astynomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekα)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apogeuma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ochto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (ya ....)]

Rethymno, situated on the northern coast of Crete, has ancient roots that date back to the Minoan civilization, around 1600 BCE. The city was an important center of Minoan culture and trade. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts such as pottery, tools, and remnants of ancient structures, revealing the rich heritage and early urban development of the area.

During the Classical and Hellenistic periods, Rethymno continued to thrive as a prominent city-state. The influence of Greek culture became more pronounced, and the city was known for its temples, public buildings, and bustling marketplaces. The strategic location of Rethymno made it a vital hub for maritime trade and cultural exchange in the Mediterranean.

With the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BCE, Rethymno became part of the Roman Empire. The city saw the construction of grand structures such as aqueducts, baths, and villas. Later, during the Byzantine era, Rethymno flourished as a religious and administrative center. The cityscape was adorned with churches and fortifications, reflecting the Byzantine architectural style.

In 1204, following the Fourth Crusade, Crete came under Venetian control, and Rethymno experienced a period of significant transformation. The Venetians fortified the city with impressive walls and constructed the iconic Fortezza, a massive fortress that still dominates the landscape. The city’s layout was restructured, and elegant Renaissance buildings, fountains, and squares were established, reflecting Venetian architectural influence.

Rethymno fell to the Ottomans in 1646 after a protracted siege. The Ottoman period introduced new elements to the city's culture and architecture. Mosques were built, and the Neratze Mosque, originally a Venetian church, became a prominent landmark. The cityscape featured a blend of Venetian and Ottoman styles, with narrow streets and bustling bazaars adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

In the early 20th century, Rethymno played a crucial role in the Cretan struggle for independence from Ottoman rule, which eventually led to the union of Crete with Greece in 1913. The city has since evolved into a modern urban center, balancing its rich historical legacy with contemporary developments. Today, Rethymno is known for its preserved old town, charming Venetian harbor, and cultural festivals that celebrate its diverse history.

Rethymno is located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. The nearest international airports are Chania International Airport (approximately 65 kilometers west) and Heraklion International Airport (approximately 80 kilometers east). From either airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Rethymno. Ferry services are also available from the mainland to the port of Rethymno, offering a scenic journey across the Aegean Sea.

Rethymno is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses operate regularly, connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For more flexibility, you can rent a car, scooter, or bicycle. Note that driving in the city center can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Rethymno, and you can use them to withdraw cash. It is advisable to carry some cash with you, especially for small purchases or in rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Rethymno is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists in Rethymno.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the pan-European emergency number. Rethymno has a local hospital and several medical clinics for health emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing or beachwear outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Kalimera' (Good Morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good Evening) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't leave a tip directly on the table; instead, hand it to the waiter or place it in the provided tip jar.

To experience Rethymno like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cretan goods. Engage with locals at the many cafes and tavernas, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a stroll through the old town, with its narrow streets, Venetian architecture, and hidden courtyards. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or event, such as the Rethymno Carnival or the Renaissance Festival, to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.