Wonderful Free Things to Do in Rethymnon, Crete

free things to do in Rethymnon

When we are planning a trip, we want to keep our budget under control. There’s so much to pay for already that trying to keep our expenses to a minimum is one more thought to have in mind.

But worry not! A trip to Crete does not need to be expensive! You can make the best out of your trip and discover both the city of Rethymnon city and the surrounding area without breaking the bank.

Here is a list of wonderful free things to do in Rethymnon. Take a look!

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Rethymnon on a Budget: Great Free Things to Do in Rethymnon, Crete!

Wonderful things to do in Rethymnon, Crete, for free!

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In this list, you’ll be able to find great things to do in Rethymnon without spending a fortune…

Yes, because it’s always possible to spend a wonderful holiday in Crete no matter how much money you carry with you.

Visit the Old Town of Rethymnon

Fountain, Crete
Rimondi Fountain, in the old town.

The Old Town of Rethymnon is really beautiful. Colorful old Venetian buildings, wooden Turkish balconies, hidden gardens, lovely fountains, and numerous shops to glimpse.

You can admire the beautiful Neratze Mosque, look at the Venetian Loggia, and walk to the edge of the Venetian harbor to take unforgettable photos in front of the Egyptian Lighthouse.

free things to do in Rethymnon
Neratze Mosque.

Donā€™t be shy; visit art galleries and handicraft workshops to see examples of traditional Cretan artifacts and paintings.Ā 

Discover more things to do in Rethymnon’s Old Town.

Check the Gardens of Rethymnon

free things to do in Rethymnon
Gardens of Rethymnon.

There’s an enchanting garden in the city’s center where you can shelter from the hot summer sun. Stroll along the paths and pay attention to the signs. The Garden has a wonderful collection of Mediterranean flora.

It is also a nice opportunity to learn about the great men of Greece, as there are plenty of sculptures around the park.

Unfortunately, the text under the sculptures is mostly Greek, but you can always Google the names to find some interesting facts about Greek history.Ā 

The garden also has a small playground for children, so the whole family can spend some time having fun!

Discover Stagakis Cretan Lyra Workshop and Museum

free things to do in Rethymnon

A visit to this small workshop is completely free. And it’s a great opportunity to discover how the famous Cretan Lyra is made.

The workshop owner will gladly tell you about other national Greek and Cretan instruments, show you how to use them, and even let you try and play the ones you like.

In the shop, you can also visit the small museum room where you can learn the history of this workshop where, during the last three to 3 generations, some of the best musical instruments in Crete have been crafted with passion and skill!

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete

free things to do in Rethymnon
A screenshot of the museum’s website (visit it here).

Every Thursday, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete for free. Over here, you can admire some of the best examples of Greek modern art from abstraction to digital art, including neo-expressionism, conceptual art, and geometry.

The Museum also houses the works of the well-known Rethymnian artist Lefteris Kanakakis.

Very often, there are also temporary exhibitions of contemporary art from all around the world, so who knows, maybe you will get a chance to look at impressive art pieces completely for free.

Looking for more free things to do in Rethymnon? This guide has plenty of them!

Get Inspired by the Panoramic City Views

free things to do in Rethymnon
Rethymnon at sunset.

There are a few great panoramic viewpoints where you can get a breathtaking picture of the city.

The first of them is located next to Taverna Korfi, on top of the city. The view from here will take your breath away, especially if you come before sunset.

There are beautiful oleander bushes with flowers and pine trees that create the perfect frame for pictures.

One more spot can be found at the seafront promenade next to the Fortezza castle.

Not only do you get scenic pictures of the western part of the city but also a great opportunity to take pictures of the fortress itself.

Another magnificent place for photos is the Venetian Harbor.

You can first take some pictures from the harborside and then walk to the Lighthouse where you will see for yourself how amazing this place is.

GREECE - CRETE - RETHYMNON - VENETIAN PORT
The small Venetian Harbor.

A great point for pictures is also the Marina of Rethymnon. From here, you can capture views of the Old Harbor and the Fortezza, as well as the beach spreading from the other side, all the way to the east.

A great thing to do in Rethymnon for free is to check the beaches. Check out the beaches of Rethymnon!

Discover the Church of Four Martyrs

inside church, dome, Crete
Wall painting, church, saints

This historical church plays a crucial role in the religious and spiritual life of Rethymnon.

Dedicated to the four Cretans that lost their lives for not converting from Christianity to Islam, the locals call them the Four Martyrs.

The church has an incredible interior with impressive frescos and murals, wonderful chandeliers, and beautiful icons from different Cretan religious painting schools.

The church is situated directly in the center of town. In front of the main entrance, you can see also a sculpture dedicated to Kostis Yiamboudakis, a hero of the Arkadi Monastery Battle.

Hike the Gorges (A great free thing to do in Rethymnon!)

free things to do in Rethymnon
Mili Gorge.

There are two gorges not so far from Rethymnon that have great hiking paths for you to discover the island’s nature.

The first of them, Mili Gorge, is just a 15-minute drive from the city of Rethymnon. It has a relatively easy path for hiking and the natural landscape is magnificent!

The path develops under the shade of oak trees, and as you go down, you will find a lovely mountain river. The rock formations are amazing, besides, right at the mountain, you can discover the small church of Saint Patapios.

free things to do in Rethymnon
Patsos Gorge.

As you continue, you will walk through an abandoned village too, and later on, find the remains of old windmills and a stone bridge.

There is also a small cafƩ that offers a great view of the gorge.

The second gorge close to Rethymnon is Patsos or Agios Antonios.

free things to do in Rethymnon
My son playing hide and seek in Saint Anthony’s Gorge.

It is a little bit further, around 30 minutes drive from Rethymnon city. The canyon is impressive and it has easy access too.

Free things to do in Rethymnon, Crete
The beautiful nature in the gorges of Crete.

Directly inside the cave, there’s the small church of Agios Antonios, the saint that also gives the name to the gorge. The place is so lush and green and the air is crisp and clear.

There’s a small mountain river that runs through the gorge and creates a very peaceful atmosphere. 

Village of Spili

GREECE - CRETE - RETHYMNON - SPILI - FOUNTAIN LION HEADS
An iconic image of Spili.

A true mountain gem, the village of Spili is a perfect gateway from Rethymnon City. It’s a bit more than half an hour’s drive by car to get yourself into the atmosphere of an authentic and traditional Cretan village.

Spili is famous for the Lions Fountain. A long Venetian fountain that is powered by the mountain springs with a constant flow of water coming out of 25 stone lion heads.

The water is so pure and clean that you can drink it in complete safety, so take an empty bottle with you (as a matter of fact, all the surrounding cafes take water from that fountain).

Another thing to see in Spili is the Folk Museum, a place where you can learn about the rustic Cretan life and past local traditions. By the way, the entrance is free.

Looking for more to do in town? Check what to do in Rethymnon at night!

Reach the Ruins of Ancient Eleftherna

roof, valley, Eleftherna, Crete, archaeological site,
Eleftherna.

Ancient Eleftherna is an archeological site approximately 40 minutes from Rethymnon by car. This extensive territory was once part of the Minoan city of Eleftherna, one of the most important cities of Ancient Crete.

Here, there is a path starting not far away from the modern village of Eleftherna. As you follow the path you will find on your way remains of ancient buildings, like the old Tower and water reservoirs.

The path is not very easy, so you will need to have comfortable shoes.

free things to do in Rethymnon
The magnificent landscape around Eleftherna.

Visiting this place is a great adventure through which you can visit archeological remains while hiking a beautiful natural area. Access to the hiking area is free.

Get Lost in Margarites

free things to do in Rethymnon
Margarites, Rethymnon.

Margarites is another traditional village that’s worth a visit. It is famous for its outstanding pottery and the artisan ceramic shops scattered all over the area.

Each house is decorated with hundreds of pottery items, from plates and cups to pots and vases as well as different kinds of memorabilia.

free things to do in Rethymnon

Of course, it is very difficult to resist buying some of these cute things, but even just a stroll along the narrow streets decorated with colorful pottery will make it an unforgettable trip.

If you want to keep exploring, take some time to discover the Gorge of Margarites, which is part of a group of parallel gorges in the Psiloritis Natural Park, close to the villages of Orthe, Eleftherna, and Margarites.

Margarites village, Rethymnon

The area is populated by small streams that spring out from Mount Psiloritis to join the Geropotamos River, creating a magical landscape.

Paying a visit to Margarites is one of the best free things to do in Rethymnon!

Attend the Renaissance Festival of Rethymnon

free things to do in Rethymnon
Join the Renaissance Festival in Rethymnon.

Each summer in July and August, the municipality of Rethymnon organizes this unique and colorful festival to celebrate art in all its shapes.

There are plenty of events going on that are free, for instance, open-air concerts, fairs, workshops, and performances of different artists all around the city.

The program is available on the official website where you can find out about free events, and check dates, and schedules. 

Have Tons of Fun at the Carnival of Rethymnon

free things to do in Rethymnon
Carnival, Rethymnon.

If you happen to visit Rethymnon late in February or at the beginning of March, then donā€™t miss to visit the Grand Parade of the famous Carnival of Rethymnon.

Hundreds of people in bright and colorful costumes flood the streets while live music and cheerful laughing can be heard from all corners.

It’s a feast of confetti, horns, and whistles that easily put you in this amazing carnival mood. Access to the Grand Parade is free and you can enjoy this party all day long.

More Free Things to Do in Rethymnon: Last But Not Least… 

GREECE - CRETE - RETHYMNON - CALYPSO
Kalypso Beach, Rethymnon.

If you were to add to all these activities amazing the most amazing beaches in the region, it’s easy to spend an unforgettable holiday in Rethymnon without spending lots of money.

By the way, ask locals about the events in the nearby area.

Very often the villages have some interesting but not well-known one-time events, like local fairs or small festivals, usually for free, you truly never know what amazing things Cretan villages can offer you!

Read more about Rethymnon

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More resources to enhance your Crete adventure

Start by checking this guide to plan a trip to Crete. Remember to explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and helpful insider secrets. This comprehensive Crete packing list ensures you have everything you need.

When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Rethymnon or Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.

Suggested accommodation in Rethymnon

More useful travel resources

  • Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
  • Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service.
  • To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I always recommend Get Your Guide.

Hey! Don’t Leave without Pinning This Great Guide to the Best Free Things to Do in Rethymnon!

Wonderful things to do in Rethymnon, Crete, for free!


About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the island. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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