In the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon (tel. +30 28310 54668, daily 8.30-15.00, except Mondays and holidays), one can observe the area's historical development, on the basis of archaeological fndings. The exhibits include prehistoric pottery, figurines and axes from the Minoan period, sarcophagi, signets, scarabs, Hellenistic and Minoan sculptures, copper figurines, mirrors, Byzantine and Venetian basreliefs, and a rich collection of coins from every era of Greek history.
There is also a History and Folk Art Museum (tel. +30 28310 23398, open daily 10.00-14.00, except Sundays), whose exhibits refer to the period of the Cretan State, but also to the island's modern and contemporary history, from a folk art point of view. In this attractive and carefully designed setting, you will have the opportunity to admire a collection of popular musical instruments, ceramics, agricultural tools, photographs, fabrics and traditional textiles and needlework.
The most important monasteries - pilgrimages - that are worth a visit for their historical memories, are of course the Arkadi Monastery (Moni Arkadiou), and Prevelis, Asomaton and Arsaniou Monasteries.
At Arkadi Monastery there is also a small museum, whose exhibits include icons, ecclesiastical objects and exhibits from the Arkadi Holocaust.
At the archaeological site of ancient Eleftherna, very near Arkadi Monastery, you will encounter the remainders of Greek-Roman constructions on the banks of a gorge.
If you feel up to climbing to the Nida Plateau, you will be welcomed on the western side by Ideon Antro, at an altitude just over 1,500 m. This is the cave where, according to ancient Greek mythology, Rea hid her son Zeus, to protect him from the wrath of his father, Kronos, in the words of one version. Another version claims that Zeus was born in this cave, and that the nymphs Adrasteia and Ide, and the Kourites brought the child up on wild honey and milk from the goat Amaltheia.
On your return to the city of Rethymnon, you will have the chance to explore the Fortezza (Fortress), built at the end of the 16th century on the Palaiokastro hill, and the medieval temple of Agios Frangiskos (St Frances), the Venetian Arimonti spring, the Venetian Loggia, and the various mosques remaining from the Turkish occupation.