Chania Kournas Rethimno: Your Travel Review & Tips

Crete, so that incredibly pretty Greek island, very much packs a punch with places that would be great to visit. We’re talking Chania, Lake Kournas, also Rethimno – three spots offering, basically, their own different thing. So, whether you’re into taking it easy on sandy beaches, poking around historic old towns, maybe exploring nature’s treasures, then this little corner of Crete actually has something for you, literally. I will talk about what each spot has going on, offer tips from my own travels, plus hopefully inspire your next Greek getaway, literally.

Chania: A Walk Through Venetian History

Chania, now that’s a place, is almost like stepping into a travel postcard. I mean, that Venetian Harbor? Completely stunning. The whole scene, actually – that lighthouse, those little boats bobbing in the water, like, is the stuff dreams are really made of, right? So, it makes for killer photos, of course, that said, it’s way more than just a pretty face. Because the history around here, is very, very old and definitely rich.

When you actually wander into the Old Town, the feel, literally, is completely different. You could be in Italy, not that far from Greece, more or less. That maze of streets is cool for browsing shops selling everything from handmade jewelry, also that yummy Cretan honey, basically. Do take the time to actually get lost, because there’s usually something exciting, almost, waiting around every corner, usually. So that old architecture is amazing to see – you notice, also, how different cultures left their mark.

Don’t, you know, skip the Archaeological Museum of Chania too it’s almost essential for getting your history fix, so. Now that it’s in a former Venetian monastery, which basically adds something extra to all that old pottery and those relics, kind of. You will learn all sorts of stuff regarding Minoan civilization as well, that was, like, way old times.

I really, really liked eating, is that a bit obvious? That Old Harbor, especially, looks totally picturesque in the evenings. There’s so many waterside tavernas which do amazing, truly amazing fresh seafood, usually. Try the dakos, very simple Cretan salad, but it does hit that spot every time for me, literally. Is great for lunches too, actually.

Lake Kournas: Crete’s Only Freshwater Lake

Lake Kournas is totally different when compared to Crete’s shoreline, is that. That change of scene feels almost weird. Actually it’s only freshwater lake on Crete, literally. You should have a chill day, and leave those sandy beaches behind you for something rather different, you know?

When you’re looking to have a super-relaxing afternoon, get a paddle boat. When you’re going slowly, slowly you see those terrapins and fish down underneath in the water, it’s magical for many people, typically. Around the lake, more or less, there’s views of distant mountains and olive groves as well.

When I last came I, obviously, brought that swimsuit and then had a little swim too it’s almost impossible to resist because water is really tempting on sunny days, in fact. When the weather is really nice, the water stays pretty shallow near the shoreline making things easier if you’re visiting along with small children too, obviously.

When you’re getting a bit peckish, those tavernas surrounding Kournas actually serve yummy traditional Cretan dishes which, by the way, are very tasty, so. So, having lunch, then soaking up all the view has almost become the thing to do. Lake Kournas gets seriously busy in the peak season but during the mornings things tends to be that touch calmer, generally.

Rethimno: Fortress, Culture, and Beach Life

Rethimno manages to merge something like historic appeal along with modern tourism too it’s almost magical, virtually. Rethimno Old Town has its own story too it’s almost an obvious thing, really. But, unlike Chania, then you will see more influences of both Venetian, plus Ottoman design as well. As you’d wander the lanes, have a good look upwards, also you might see, like, wood balconies overflowing with flowers – which can make that very pretty picture!

That Fortezza has seriously amazing panoramic views looking out right across all the city. The building feels interesting, as you get that overview regarding Rethimno’s past from medieval stories. Give yourself quite a few hours just so that you could really see what’s going on.

Rimondi Fountain’s, you know, totally gorgeous. Also, that’s a place you can refill a water bottle during hot days as well, typically! Around about that area you will find some cool coffee shops and things, typically where you might be tempted just to stop, perhaps people watch as well.

You probably already expected a beach or two? As Rethimno actually does, and in the best ways delivers a pretty long stretch around from which, almost, to relax on when things do heat up. What’s nice? Those waters usually look gentle; which is completely superb for paddling. In fact there are watersports going on. You will find quite a lot of restaurants, as well as some bars along there as well, literally. It’s worth checking whether the loggerhead sea turtles nest upon beaches that you use when its summer, still.

Enjoying your getaway to Chania Kournas and Rethimno almost, means different and memorable things that probably mean different things to all types of people. Chania blends past along with something like beauty of harbors ideally, actually. And that Lake Kournas does let you unwind from something typical relating to coastlines there too it’s almost like an alternative type, kind of. So when your plans go towards those culture as well as all beaches – and let’s not rule that last one out completely then Rethymno would definitely fill everything up you will look for on Crete vacations.