You will likely be staying near Old Town, so make sure to take a few hours to roam through the area's colorful shops, bustling bars and restaurants, and charming streets. This is a great place to find souvenirs, including well-priced leather goods and treats like olive oil and baklava. Say hi to the neighborhood cats for us!

One of Crete's most famous attractions, Preveli Beach is where the Kourtaliotis River meets the sea, forming a crystal-clear lagoon. You can book a tour or take a long hike down to this palm tree forest and secluded beach.

If you're interested in history, architecture, or great views, stop by this ancient fortress. Built in the 16th century, it survived through Venetian and Ottoman rule of Crete and once housed much of Rethymno's population. You will need to pay a small entrance fee (five euros or less) to explore here.

If wandering cats aren't enough wildlife for you, check out Kournas Lake just outside of Rethymno. Crete's only freshwater lake is home to rare turtles, as well as fish and birds. You can swim, rent a paddle boat, or grab a bite to eat near the water.