Culture and Comfort
Rethymno is often described as Chania's little sister, and many travellers end up preferring it. It's smaller, calmer and just as charming: a Venetian harbour, an Ottoman old town, a massive fortress on the hill and a long sandy beach right next to it all. For a woman travelling alone, it's an easy, welcoming base in the middle of the island.
Great for Solo Women
Everything is walkable
old town, harbour, beach and bus station are close together.
Relaxed atmosphere
lively in the evening, but never overwhelming.
Central location
day trips to Chania, Heraklion and the south coast are easy.
Good value
boutique hotels in restored Venetian houses for reasonable prices.
Rethymno on Your Own
Climb the Fortezza
The Venetian fortress on the hill above the old town offers wide views over the sea and the tiled roofs. Go in the late afternoon, when the light is soft and the heat has gone.
Wander the old town
Narrow lanes, wooden Ottoman balconies, the Rimondi fountain, small mosques and churches side by side. Look for shops selling olive wood, ceramics, handmade jewellery and natural cosmetics made with Cretan olive oil and herbs.
Dine by the little harbour
The small Venetian harbour is lined with fish tavernas and has a lighthouse at the end of the pier. A table by the water at sunset is a lovely way to end the day; for quieter and often better food, try the tavernas a few streets back.
Swim at the town beach
Rethymno's long sandy beach stretches east from the harbour. Early morning and late afternoon are the nicest times, when it's quiet and the water is calm.
Head inland or south
Argyroupoli, with its springs and plane trees, is a peaceful half-day trip. On the south coast, Preveli's palm beach and the small resort of Plakias are about an hour away.
A Private Session, Designed for You
Big hotel spas can feel formal and rushed. If you'd like something more personal during your stay, I come to your hotel or apartment in Rethymno, and a private studio option may be arranged too. We start with an honest conversation about what you'd like and your boundaries, and then everything follows your pace.
For deep relaxation, choose a relaxing massage or full body massage. If you're curious about something more sensual or spiritual, the sensual massage or the tantric massage are slow and attentive, never pressured. More about the area on the Rethymno page.
Practical Information
Getting there
about an hour by car or bus from Chania airport, around 1.5 hours from Heraklion.
Getting around
walk in town, KTEL buses for day trips, a car for villages.
Best time
May, June, September and October for warm weather without crowds.
Exploring more of Crete alone? See our solo female travel guide and Chania for solo women.
