The capital is an enchanting city at the north end of the county, by the sea, with cobbled Venetian streets, fairytale fountains, preserved neo-classical and Venetian buildings, quiet and flowered squares, the Venetian harbour and walls surrounding it, and the imposing Fortezza fortress at the top of the Palaiokastro hill overlooking the bay. Rethymnon, the whilom Rithymna, has signs of life from the post-Minoan III period. Today, it retains the elements bequeathed to it by its history from ancient times until today, while preserving the character of a modern city, which respects and honours the old town, but also adapts to the calls of the contemporary world.
The Gallos campus houses the University of Rethymnon, with humanities and economics departments, while Technological Institutes (TEI) are gradually being established.
The crowds you will meet in the streets of Rethymnon are a motley crew of moustachioed Cretans, with headscarves, boots and black shirts, or young students and tourists from all over the world. This special, picturesque and charming city attracts amazing combinations of people. Means of transport are also accommodating, as you can reach Rethymnon from Piraeus by sea, on one of the Cretan shipping companies' safe and comfortable ships travelling there every day. You can also fly from Athens to Chania and then drive the 60 km to Rethymnon. There are daily coach (KTEL) trips to the rest cl~f Crete, and the northern road network guarantees a swift and pleasant journey. Rethymnon will win you over with the comforts of a big city and the charm of an old town.