When thinking about Crete villa holidays, the two cities of Chania and Rethymno come to mind. They are leading destinations for villa living, giving you the privacy and freedom that a hotel doesn't have. Both cities are situated by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea and are steeped in centuries of history.
‘View of the old port of Chania, with charming tavernas and boutique hotels ‘
Bnbstay offers several luxury Crete villas with pools in both the areas of Chania and Rethymno, but which region to choose? The answer is subjective as it all depends on what you are looking for. Let's compare them, and you can then decide.
‘Rethymno port with delightful fishing boats, ready to catch fish for the local tavernas ‘
How to Get to Chania and Rethymno
Chania wins on the ease of getting there. This is because it is close to an international airport, approximately a 20-minute drive away from the city centre. Rethymno, however, is an hour's drive from the nearest international airport, Heraklion, the capital of the island. During the holiday season, there are direct flights to both airports from European cities. In the off-season, you have to change planes in Athens. The plane takes just under an hour to get from Athens to Chania or Heraklion.
Chania also has the advantage of daily ferries connecting Souda Bay with Piraeus on the mainland, close to Athens. The journey can take between 7 and 11 hours, depending on which ferry you take, as there is a high-speed ferry. Rethymno, on the other hand, only has ferries going to Santorini and some other Cycladic islands.
How to Get Around
Unless you are staying in the city-centre in either Chania or Rethymno, you will need a car as many of the villas in Crete to rent are off the beaten track. You can hire a car at either of the airports.
If you are staying in the city centre, you can get a bus from either airport. The buses are reasonably priced and regular. You can then hire a car if you want to go out of town, though buses go to major sites and beaches. Check the KTEL website for the times of the buses. There are also taxis, which aren't expensive. However, agree to a price before you set off.
The Old Town
Both Chania and Rethymno have beautiful Old Towns, but Chania probably takes the edge. Its charm, with Venetian architecture and tiny alleyways, makes it one of the most visited places in Crete. It has a Venetian harbour, an Egyptian lighthouse, the Firkas Fortress, many shops selling handmade products, especially jewelry, and numerous cafes and tavernas.
‘A romantic alleyway in the Old Town of Chania, the unofficial labyrinth of the city ‘
Rethymno's Old Town is also charming, but it is much smaller and not quite the labyrinth that is Chania's Old Town. You will, however, find interesting shops, many selling stunning handmade jewellery. Buildings and monuments hark back to both Venetian and Ottoman rule.
‘ A traditional street in the Old Town of Rethymno with beautiful plants ‘
If you are staying in a villa in Crete, Greece, anywhere near either Chania or Rethymno, you should visit the Old Town to breathe in the atmosphere, to eat moussaka or spanakopita (spinach pies), and to raise a glass of ouzo.
The Harbour
Chania's harbour is larger than Rethymnon's, but both have their charms. Chania's harbour used to be surrounded by Venetian walls, and parts of these can still be seen. You can even climb to the top of a part of the walls and be rewarded with magnificent views. There is a stunning lighthouse in Chania harbour, which was started by the Venetians and then completed by the Egyptians during their brief administration of Chania in the 1830s and 1840s. \
‘Chania harbour at sunset with the Venetian lighthouse ‘
Chania's harbour is grand. It is easy to imagine the merchant ships returning with cargo from different parts of the world and how the sailors felt at home as soon as they saw the familiar lighthouse. Some of the arsenals still stand, but there are many tavernas and cafes along the waterfront now, giving out an energetic vibe both day and night.
Rethymno's harbour is more contained, and the 17th-century lighthouse is not as imposing, yet it is just as welcoming and takes you on a trip to the past.
‘The Venetian harbour of Rethymno situated by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea ‘
Restaurants in Chania vs Rethymno
The beauty of Crete villa holidays is that you have complete freedom as to how, where, or when you eat. Maybe you want to cook for yourself in the villa. Perhaps you would like to have a private chef for a few days, or maybe you want to eat out from time to time. If so, both Chania and Rethymno have an excellent selection of tavernas for traditional Cretan food and restaurants if you want something more upmarket and maybe international. If there is one difference, Rethymno is slightly more commercialised, and you are more likely to find waiters standing outside the tavernas trying to entice you in.
Beaches in Chania and Rethymno
Where Rethymno comes out on top, however, is in its city beaches. Yes, you might be renting a Crete villa with a pool, but sometimes it is nice to go and dip your toes in the sea and feel sand beneath your feet.
Rethymno holds the upper hand in that it has a very long stretch of sand in front of rows of hotels and tavernas. You don’t have to walk far from the Old Town to get to it. It stretches for over 6 miles (10 km) from the Old Town in the west of the city to the east, where the city ends. In Chania, however, the main beach, Nea Chora, is a good 10 - 15 minute walk from the Old Town.
‘The long and sandy beach of Rethymno city, situated by beautiful, clear waters ‘
Day Trips From Chania vs Rethymno
While you may want to relax by the pool in your Crete villa rental, there is plenty to see in the area surrounding both Chania and Rethymno. Just because of its position, it is easier to get to some of the most popular destinations from Chania, while Rethymno has more off-the-beaten-track places to visit.
From Chania, take a boat trip to Balos Bay with its crystal clear waters, or go further south to Elafonisi Beach with its pink sand.
‘The stunning pink sands of Elafonisi Beach, with its crystal clear waters ‘
If you are fit, hike the 10-mile (16 km) Samaria Gorge, a dramatic journey with stunning scenery.
From Rethymno, you can river-trek along the lesser-known Kourtaliothiko Gorge or head to the south coast to relax on Preveli Beach, which is palm-fringed and gives you a feeling of being in south-east Asia.
‘An aerial view of the palm-lined Preveli River, which flows to a excluded sandy beach’
The oldest monastery in Crete, the Arkadi Monastery, is also close to Rethymno and is well worth visiting to learn about its history and how the Cretans stood up to the Ottomans.
‘The Arkadi Monastery near Rethymno, renowned for its opposition to Ottoman Rule ‘
In both regions, you will find both wineries and olive oil presses that you can visit to try their products.
Best Time to Visit
Both cities have a similar climate. The best time to visit either is from May to June and September- October. The weather is very warm, though not too hot, which is perfect for sightseeing. There are also less crowds than in the summer months when it can get very hot, often in the mid-30s. Unlike many of the resorts, which shut down for the winter, both cities stay open. The weather is mild, though often wet.
Conclusion
All in all, Chania comes out slightly on top as a holiday destination. It is easier to get to, has a more charming Old Town, and a stunning g harbour. However, Rethymnon does have a better beach and more off-the-wall day trips.
Can't decide between Chania and Rethymno? Don't worry as we know everything about both cities. Chania villas are close to the Venetian city with its spectacular harbour, as well as having spectacular hiking paths Rethymno villas are in quiet areas but are still close to beaches and have quiet vibes. Compare villas in both cities and the talk to our team.
