Rethymno Venetian harbor, Listed archaeological site and port in Rethymno, Crete, Greece
The Rethymno Venetian Harbor is a listed archaeological site and working port in the old town of Rethymno, on the island of Crete, Greece. It is formed by a long curved stone mole that extends into the sea, with old stone walls lining the quay where small fishing boats are moored alongside a more modern breakwater used by ferries.
The harbor was already in use after 961 during the Byzantine period and grew in importance under Venetian rule from the 13th century onward. The Venetians built out the stone mole and repeatedly worked to keep the basin free of silt. After the Ottomans took control in the 17th century, they added the lighthouse at the end of the mole, which still stands today.
The taverns along the quay set their tables right at the water's edge, where locals and visitors share fresh fish and small plates in the open air. The mix of Venetian and Ottoman-era buildings that line the harbor front makes it easy to read several centuries of history simply by looking up.
The harbor sits in the heart of Rethymno's old town and is easy to reach on foot from most surrounding sights. A walk along the mole is most rewarding early in the morning, when fishermen are at work, or in the evening when the waterfront comes alive with people and open-air tables.
Although the harbor takes its name from the Venetian period, the lighthouse at the tip of the mole was actually built by the Ottomans after the 17th century, not by the Venetians. In winter, when most visitors are gone, a small cafe at the end of the mole stays open year-round and becomes a quiet gathering spot for locals and students.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
