at 18.7km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
Faros Beach Hotel enjoys a prime location in the Venetian harbour, right by the sea. It offers free Wi-Fi and a panoramic view of the town and bay. This hotel is an ideal solution for those who want well-priced accommodation in a central location. The old Venetian harbour, Rethymno Bay and the Venetian fortress can be admired from Faros Beach Hotel's rooftop terrace. Free sun loungers are available here for your relaxation. Faros Beach Hotel offers plenty of character, as one of the oldest buildings in Rethymnon. The hotel combines history with modern facilities, to provide a simple yet charming setting. Hotel Rooms: 16
at 18.7km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
Centrally situated in Old Rethymno Town, right on the seafront, this property is just opposite the beach. It features air-conditioned rooms with free wired and Wi-Fi internet. The Sea Front Rent Rooms are bright and have wooden floors. They are equipped with a TV and fridge. All units have a furnished balcony and some overlook the Cretan Sea and the Venetian port, while other have a view over the main market street of the old town. The Fortezza castle is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and Arkadi Monastery is at 23 km. Cafes, shops and traditional taverns are just outside the Sea Front Rooms. Staff at the tour desk can arrange car rental and offer maps. Hotel Rooms: 15
at 18.7km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
Rethymnon old port was of great strategic importance during the Venetian period. It was only able to accommodate small ships. From 1300 until today, the Venetian port has undergone numerous constructions. The 1618 wall that surrounds the port from the east is restored today with some recent interventions and additions. The original lighthouse was constructed during the Turkish period and was later replaced by another one. The building on the southeast part of the port was constructed in 1931 and functioned as a customs office. On the same location it is estimated that there was a quarantine house during the Venetian period. The vaulted spaces on the two or three-floor buildings at the port have been transformed to little and picturesque fish taverns, where visitors can enjoy the secrets of the Cretan cuisine.
at 18.8km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
Rethymnon is the capital of the Prefecture of the same name and it is built between the two other large cities of Crete. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, fountains etc. The Fortezza castle, at the top of a low hill named "Palaiokastro" dominates the town. It was built in 1590 to protect the city from the pirates raids and the Turks.
at 18.8km (SE) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
The artistic events, which take place every year in the first week of July at the same place called Fourni and in the Cretan village of Anogia. The poet, songwriter and singer from Anogia, who they call "Loudovikos from Anogia" wants to make the history of the young martyr, who supersedes his fear in love known to the public. And because 1.900 years have passed since the martyrdom of Yakinthos, he decided to honor the Saint of Love and sing together with him of the poetry of love.(www.yakinthia.com)
at 18.8km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
Loggia has been built during the 16th century and was designed by the famous architect Michel Snamicheli. Loggia was an eminent building of the city centre and has been a meeting point for the nobles to discuss political and economical issues. The building is very well preserved; it is square and has arches on its three sides (besides its west side). The consoles of its eaves are spectacular. During the Turkish occupation the loggia became a mosque and a minaret was constructed, which was later demolished in 1930. The past 40 decades the building of Loggia hosted the archaeological museum of the city, which has now moved to a building next to Fortezza. Today loggia hosts a market of archaeological art copies.
at 18.9km (SE) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
At 1538m above sea level, 20 km. south of the traditional town of Anogia , on the plateau of Nida, of Mountain Psiloritis, lies this sacred cave, where according to mythology, Rhea, Zeus' mother, hid the new born Zeus in this cave in order to protect him from his father Kronos (Saturn), who was in the habit of swallowing his children because he feared they might deprive him of his power. Hidden in that cave Zeus grew up being fed with the milk of the goat Amalthia, while the 'Kourites" covered the child's crying through banging their copper shields.
at 18.9km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
During Venetian occupation the mosque Neratzes, which today is used as a conservatory, was the Augustinian church of the Holy Virgin. In 1657 the Turks transformed it into the mosque 'Gazi Housein' or 'Neratze', and in 1890 they added a large minaret with two galleries, which was built from the famous stones from the village of Alfa. The chapel of the Holy Virgin, situated at its west side and dedicated to the Body of Christ, was also transformed into a seminary. Outstanding elements of this building are the doorframe and the three domes.
at 18.9km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
A. Rimondi, the Rector of the city, built the famous Rimondi Fountain, which is situated at present day Platanos Square, formerly the centre of Venetian city life, in 1626. The water runs from three spouts in the shape of a lion's head into three sinks. Three small, fluted columns, ornamented with Corinthian capitals are "standing" on the sinks. Above the capitals an entablature can be observed, the middle part of which displays four projections in the shape of the leaves of the acanthus exactly above the columns. Furthermore in this section the words LIBERALITATIS and FONTES are inscribed.
at 18.9km (W) from Eleftherna (Ancient)
The church of Saint Francis is one of the most important monuments of Rethymno. It was the main temple of the Monastery of the Franciscan Order. The architecture of the building - a single aisle Basilica type with wooden roof - and its ornaments are very interesting. Next to the east side of the temple two deserted chapels are preserved. Its Corinthian style main doorway is impressive, with capitals of composite order. During recent excavations around the church valuable archeological findings have been discovered, including two tombs of Venetian nobles. During the Turkish occupation the temple was turned into an "Imaret" (a shelter for the poor). It was also used as a cultural center until 1996. It was recently renovated to accommodate the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection of the Prefecture of Rethymno.