Prinos: Fantaxospiliara Cave on Koules Hill

Prinos offers a clear archaeological point of interest: Fantaxospiliara Cave on Koules Hill. When searching for a holiday apartment, this specific connection to the area may be a selection criterion if historical themes are part of your trip. The wider destination of Rethymno also has its own highlights, with its history, landscape and culture.

Fantaxospiliara Cave and archaeological traces

Archaeological finds from the Hellenistic period were discovered mainly inside Fantaxospiliara Cave. Sherds of Late Minoan pottery were found outside the cave. The two groups of finds therefore differ both in their dating and in where they were found. These specific connections make the archaeological theme in Prinos tangible: the cave is on Koules, while the Late Minoan pottery sherds were discovered outside it. Those interested in history can use these different traces as a reason to consider Prinos when choosing a holiday destination.

Old town and museums in the wider destination of Rethymno

The old town of Rethymno is designated a protected historic monument and traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian fortress, Fortezza. In Rethymno, the protected status, the layered development of the city and the location of the centre below the fortress are distinct historical aspects.

The museums in Rethymno also offer a range of thematic perspectives. 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, by contrast, is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. In five rooms, its permanent exhibition presents traditional crafts and folk art. Archaeological periods and traditional crafts thus form clearly distinct areas of focus.

Chromonastiri is designated a historic settlement worthy of preservation. The Military Museum there is housed in a Venetian villa belonging to the Clodio family, built in 1610. The museum displays weapons dating from the Greek Revolution of 1821 to the Second World War and includes a room devoted to the historic Battle of Crete. The range of cultural themes in the wider Rethymno area therefore extends from urban history and everyday culture to military history.

Other historical highlights include the Armeni necropolis and the area of Eleftherna. Armeni is an extensive Late Minoan cemetery where more than 220 tombs have been excavated. The tombs were family graves containing several deceased people; their grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the time. The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. Excavations in the area of the present-day villages of Eleftherna and Ancient Eleftherna have uncovered significant parts of the ancient city.

Coast, nature and landscape in Rethymno

In the wider destination of Rethymno, the municipality's coastline 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; the municipality's coastline also includes the Venetian harbour. Loggerhead turtles nest on the sandy beach in the Arkadi municipal district. Systematic measures are taken to protect them. Those who include landscape and nature in their holiday plans will find not only coastline here but also a specific conservation focus.

The gorges offer a different perspective on the landscape. The Muloi Gorge includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of Muloi, where traditional architecture, old churches and caves can be seen. It begins near Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. The Arkadi Gorge begins at Arkadi Monastery and passes through impressive scenery to the village of Pikri, which features significant elements of Venetian architecture. The stated endpoints and village connections help distinguish the two landscape highlights without reducing them to the same experience.

Festivals, theatre and local specialities

The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer and features music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The carnival is a traditional event; the parade is organised annually by volunteers. The city theatre also presents performances every year. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival or performance, check the specific event dates in advance.

For a culinary highlight, Rethymno has traditional coffee houses serving local specialities. The destination also offers opportunities for diving. When planning, you can weigh up different interests: archaeological themes in Prinos, urban and cultural history in the wider Rethymno area, or the coast, landscape and events.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Venio, Pigianos Kampos, Argiroupoli, Agia Paraskevi, Choumeri, Drosia, Chromonastiri, Petrochori.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rethymno.