SUSTAINABLE RETHYMNO
ALL YEAR ROUND
Rethymno is an open plan city that invites you to wander through its Old Town streets, discover natural spaces, visit its museums, meet locals, and enjoy world renowned Cretan hospitality. Aiming to become an exemplary “smart” city as well as a green destination with sustainable transportation systems, a clever system to regulate cars and pedestrian traffic has been adopted, which also aims to become zero carbon emission through the use of electric vehicles and bicycles.
CIVITAS DESTINATIONS partner RETHYMNO promotes Sustainable Mobility for citizens and tourists alike
Rethymno is a sustainable destination. The city has implemented the concept of the circular economy throughout the community and has taken measures to promote accessibility, active mobility, and influence mobility behavior. Initiatives encouraging electromobility, recycling, and installing solar carports and charging stations for electric vehicles have been implemented.
Rethymno has been an active member of CO2 PACMAN (COoperation and COdesigning Partnership for CliMAte Neutrality), CIVITAS PAC since 2018, and the city's efforts towards sustainable mobility and to be environmentally friendly for locals and visitors. In addition, the city has approved a strategic mobility plan to integrate tourism mobility into sustainable tourism management.
These efforts have resulted in positive changes in local quality of life, strengthened the city as a green tourism destination, and strengthened its ties to the European Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities and the Covenant of Mayors.
More info: https://civitas.eu/cities/rethymno
Every year the majestic, yet endangered species of the sea turtle Caretta Caretta nest in the clear seas of Rethymno’s beaches, from May through June, so you might come upon a Caretta Caretta or even see a female laying its eggs. Excavations are done during fall each year for the inspection of the success of every nest and you may see a baby Carretta Caretta escape and speed to the sea.
ARCHELON is a non-profit organization that protects the Greek nesting beaches of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. During nesting season (from May until August) nests are protected during the night. ARCHELON is responsible not only for protecting the turtles and their habitats but also for raising awareness about their plight by working with the local community and visitors in order to ensure the loggerhead sea turtle’s future on this planet. Supporters in this effort are local and international volunteers, as well as the Municipality of Rethymno. Furthermore, ARCHELON seeks to promote the potentially mutually beneficial relationship between tourism in Crete and sea turtles.
Come to Rethymno to witness and participate in this thrilling environmental experience protecting our fragile environment!
For more information visit: www.archelon.gr
Rethymno is a Bike Friendly Destination
The Municipality of Rethymno received the Bike Friendly Destination Certificate.
Rethymno is recognized as part of six cities in Greece that apply good practices in areas of alternative transportation means, have the infrastructure, and are implementing a series of actions that enhance sustainable mobility.
The award and certification of the Municipality of Rethymno came as recognition after many years of effort and achievement, bringing a dynamic momentum to Rethymno as a tourist destination, and attracting visitors who choose alternative forms of tourism. Through cycling, visitors are open to new experiences, contact with nature, and acquaintance with the city and inland.
The Municipality of Rethymno has the infrastructure that can support cycling tourism and is friendly for cycling routes both in the city and the inland. The city boasts a 12-kilometer bicycle lane, while the Rethymno district includes 22 cycling routes, 12 of which are connected to famous landmarks.
Cyclists have the opportunity to explore the countryside of Rethmyno, the mountains of Crete, and visit many traditional outlying villages, where they can enjoy a meze and coffee.
Blue Flags & Green Keys
Rethymno is awarded both Blue Flags and Green Keys. The Blue Flag is an international ecological quality symbol, and it has been awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict conditions by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The beach of Rethymno receives the Blue Flag Award every year. This year, the beaches of the prefecture of Rethymno awarded with Blue Flags include:
Rethymnon 1 Aquila Porto Rethymno | Rethymnon 1 Kriti Beach | Rethymnon 1 Ilios Beach |
Rethymnon 2 Pearl Beach | Rethymnon 3 Steris Beach | Rethymnon 4 Misiria Creta Palace |
Platanias B Minos Mare Resort | AdelianosKampos A Aquila Rithymna Beach | PigianosKampos Grecotel White Palace |
| Skaleta Creta Star |
The Green Key is an eco-label awarded to accommodation facilities that meet strict environmental criteria and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Rethymno has many Green Key-certified accommodation facilities, which are the Aquila Porto Rethymno Kriti Beach Ilios Beach Hotel Apartments Atrium Ambiance Hotel Rethymno Theartemis Palace Hotel Rethymno Minos Hotel Rethymno Ideon Hotel Ibiscos Garden Hotel Minos Mare Ikones Seafront Luxury Suites Atlantis Beach Minos Mare Royal Nefeli Rethymno Village Hotel Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel & Spa Summer Dream Apart
Feel Part of the City
You Belong to Rethymno!
Visiting the beautiful city of Rethymno is a truly magical experience. Whether you stay for a few days or a few weeks, it's easy to feel like you're part of the city. The culture and intimate atmosphere of the city are welcoming and inviting, making it a great place for visitors to explore and discover.
DISCOVER OUR CULTURE
Rethymno organizes many events throughout the year not only in the city but also in the villages. Our multicultural past is our unique identity. Take part in the cultural traditions and events and feel the vibe.
VISIT THE INFO POINTS
Get to know us for real and let us get to know you. Visit the information points to get free information and a welcome pack. Share your experience with us by completing the 'your opinion counts' questionnaire and help us improve.
HELP US KEEPING THE CITY CLEAN
Throw your rubbish away in the bins provided. Check out the recycling bins.
FOLLOW LIFEGUARD'S INSTRUCTIONS
Swimmers are advised to follow lifeguards' flags to avoid situations of high waves and holes during high winds.
PREFER TAP WATER
The quality of tap water is excellent and can be consumed and reduce plastic pollution.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Make the most of your trip to Rethymno by shopping local products like edibles, wine, crafts, clothes, or souvenirs.
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONS
Bike throughout the city or take public transportation. It's more convenient and sustainable.
GET TO KNOW BLUE FLAG BEACHES
Help us keep Rethymno’s, award-winning Blue Flags beaches clean and limit the accumulation of plastic.
LEARN A FEW WORDS IN GREEK
Try saying "Hello", and "Thanks" in Greek. "Giassou","" and "Efcharisto". Go native!
MINIMISE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Support the health and welfare of our precious natural resources. Encourage energy and water conservation initiatives and ask for sustainable operations and facilities.
