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World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th, serving as a global event to raise awareness and galvanize action on critical environmental issues.

The 2025 campaign focuses on "Ending Plastic Pollution," highlighting the devastating impact of plastic on our planet and the urgent need for collective efforts to mitigate this crisis.

Rethymno is contributing to this global movement by promoting sustainable practices and providing locals and visitors with access to clean, safe drinking water, thereby reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

Rethymno is an active participant in PLASTECO, a European project addressing the urgent need for regions to fitght the growing environmental impact of plastic pollution.

Aligned with the "European Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy," PLASTECO supports regions in transitioning to a sustainable "new economy" for plastics. This initiative underscores Rethymno's dedication to proactive environmental action.

You can confidently drink the tap water in Rethymno.

The local water is thoroughly tested and meets high-quality standards, making it a safe and healthy option.

By choosing to fill a reusable bottle, you're not only put outyour thirst but also helping to protect our planet.

Rethymno makes it easy to find free, clean water. Throughout your visit to  the city, you'll discover conveniently located refill points where you can top up your reusable water bottle.

These points are placed in areas frequently visited by both locals and tourists.

• 3 fountains at the Municipal Garden
• Rimonti Fountain
• In front of Kara Musa Pasa Mosque, situated at the corner of Arkadiou and V. Hugo street

Water has been a valuable asset for Rethymno throughout the centuries. To showcase this rich history, a fascinating walking tour has been created, highlighting the city's remarkable water monuments.

This tour allows visitors to discover:

• Historic fountains that have served the city for generations.
• Coplex waterways and water systems that demonstrate Rethymno's old innovative engineering.
• Sites that illustrate the cultural significance of water in Rethymno's past.

The tour not only provides insight into how water shaped Rethymno's development but also raises awareness about the importance of water conservation today.

Rethymno's beaches are vital nesting grounds for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtle.

These magnificent creatures face a severe threat from plastic pollution, which they often mistake for food, leading to ingestion and potentially fatal consequences.

By reducing our plastic consumption, we can help protect these vulnerable animals and preserve Rethymno's precious natural heritage.

We invite all locals and visitors to join us for a free Sea Turtle Beach Walk organized in cooperation with Archelon on Thursday, June 5th at 17:00 as part of our World Environment Day celebrations. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about these incredible creatures and how we can protect them.

Local schools and numerous voluntary groups in Rethymno actively participate in year-round efforts to clean the beaches and remove plastic waste.

These initiatives demonstrate a strong community commitment to environmental direction and complements the city's broader strategy to combat plastic pollution.

Plastic waste poses a significant threat to our environment, polluting our oceans, harming wildlife, and impacting human health. Rethymno is actively working to decrease plastic consumption, and everyone can help.

We encourage both locals and visitors to join in the effort to keep our beaches clean and free of all waste.

By using the refill stations, participating in the water monuments tour, choosing reusable bottles, and ensuring that no trash is left behind, you play a direct role in lessening plastic pollution and preserving Rethymno's natural charm.