Armenoi: Late Minoan necropolis and regional culture

The Late Minoan cemetery at Armenoi in Prínokefala gives the destination a distinct archaeological focus. It dates from the 13th to the 12th century BC.

Necropolis: burials and grave goods

More than 220 tombs have been excavated in the necropolis; this number may change as research progresses. The tombs in the necropolis of Armeni, within the wider destination of Rethymno, were family tombs containing several deceased people. Their grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the period.

A themed digital tour

A mobile app offers a themed digital tour of the Protopalatial centre of Monastiraki in Amari and the Minoan cemetery of Armenoi in Rethymno, dating to the Neopalatial and Postpalatial periods respectively. The app is available for Android and iOS. The combined tour brings together different periods of Minoan history.

The old olive oil mill

The old olive oil mill in Armenoi was inaugurated in 2024. A museum and a venue for cultural activities were planned for its subsequent use.

In the wider destination of Rethymno

In the wider destination of Rethymno, cultural attractions range from urban history to museums and events. Rethymno’s Old Town is designated a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later reshaped under Turkish rule; the historic centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the Fortezza’s main entrance. 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 17th-century Venetian mansion. Its permanent exhibition, spread across five rooms, displays traditional crafts and folk art. The Chromonastiri Military Museum offers a different focus: one room is devoted to the historic Battle of Crete, and the exhibition includes weapons dating from the Greek Revolution of 1821 to the Second World War. Architectural history takes centre stage in Arkadi, too: the twin-aisled Church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour at Arkadi Monastery was built in 1587 and features elements of Renaissance architecture from the Venetian period. After the Revolution of 1866–1869, the monastery became an enduring symbol of freedom.

Events also provide recurring highlights in the regional cultural calendar: the Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, with music, theatre and dance performances as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event; volunteers organise its parade each year.

The Venetian harbour is part of the coastline of the Municipality of Rethymno. Rethymno Beach is 12 km long, beginning at the historic city centre and stretching east to Scaleta; its sand is fine-grained and light brown. Loggerhead 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 cafés serve local specialities.

Discover more destinations: Melissourgaki Geropotamos, Margarites, Venio, Kirianna, Petrochori, Nithafri, Lambi, Agia Paraskevi.

Return to the wider travel overview: Rethymno.