Kalonyktis: An old village on the hill Νικηφόρος

An old village on the hill Νικηφόρος

Kalonyktis is located 15 kilometres southwest of Rethymno, on the 270-metre-high hill “Νικηφόρος”. The small, old settlement lies south of the old national road. Nikephoros Phokas is considered the village’s founder. This attribution gives the history of the place a specific name. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can place Kalonyktis in context as a small, old hill village and compare this focus with the urban, coastal and cultural themes of the wider Rethymno destination.

A dated event adds to the picture of the village: At the 11th Nikiforeios Road on 4 and 5 April 2026, Kalonyktis was the starting and finishing point for the main race and the cycling tour. The two-day event was supplemented with additional nature elements. This also describes Kalonyktis as the setting for this specific sporting event.

Rethymno: Old Town, coast and museums

Within the wider Rethymno destination, the Old Town is designated as a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered during Ottoman rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. This change over time, as well as the centre’s location below the fortress, is central to understanding the city’s history.

The coast of the Municipality of Rethymno is characterised by a beautiful sandy beach. Rethymno Beach is 12 kilometres long: it begins at the historic city centre and stretches eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. This description provides a distinct coastal focus alongside the Old Town and its historical themes.

The museums in Rethymno also offer different points of interest. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century. Its permanent exhibition, arranged across five rooms, showcases traditional crafts and folk art. Regional archaeological history and traditional crafts and art thus offer different areas of interest.

Historic sites and nature in the Rethymno destination

Chromonastiri is designated as a historic settlement worthy of preservation. The Military Museum of Chromonastiri is housed in a Venetian villa belonging to the Clodio family, built in 1610. One room covers the historic Battle of Crete; the museum also displays weapons from the Greek Revolution of 1821 through to the Second World War.

At Arkadi Monastery, the two-aisled church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour was built in 1587. The building, dating from the period of Venetian rule, features elements of Renaissance architecture. After the revolution of 1866–1869, the monastery became an everlasting symbol of freedom. The Arkadi Gorge adds its own distinctive landscape: it begins at the monastery and runs through impressive scenery to the village of Pikri, which features significant elements of Venetian architecture.

Archaeological sites in the wider Rethymno destination range from the Armeni Necropolis to the site of Ancient Eleftherna. More than 220 tombs have been excavated in Armeni, at an extensive Late Minoan cemetery. The tombs were family tombs containing several deceased people; their grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the time. Excavations in the area of the present-day villages of Eleftherna and Ancient Eleftherna uncovered significant parts of the ancient city. The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. Its exhibitions show life in ancient Eleftherna from the late millennia of the 4th millennium BC through to the Byzantine period.

Other landscape and cultural highlights include the Muloi Gorge and events in Rethymno. The gorge includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of Muloi, where traditional architecture, old churches and caves can be seen. It begins at Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, featuring music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event; the carnival parade is organised by volunteers each year. If you are planning specific event dates for your trip, check the relevant dates in advance.

Nature and local everyday culture are also part of the wider Rethymno destination. Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest on the sandy beach in the Arkadi municipal district, and systematic measures are taken to protect them. Rethymno also offers opportunities for diving and traditional coffee houses serving local specialities. When looking for a holiday rental, you can weigh up the small-settlement character of Kalonyktis against the urban, coastal, cultural and natural themes of the wider Rethymno destination.

Discover more destinations: Roústika, Agios Vasilios, Gonia, Roupes, Fourfouras, Kato Rodakino, Roussospiti, Sellía.

Return to the wider travel overview: Rethymno.