Experience in Rethymno, Greece by Sandy

What is it like to live in Rethymno? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's a very beautiful city, next to the sea, big enough to offer you a lot of choices and small enough so you can reach every part of it on foot or by bike.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Rethymno?

It's a city where students are more than the local people and that means that it's full of life! Students use to spend their time at cafeterias drinking their coffee and playing "tavli". Almost every night their are out in places like tavern where they eat greek "meze" (like tapas), drink wine or the traditional "raki" and at the same time they listen to lovely bands playing live popular greek songs. In these places young people use to drink and dance a lot!

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How much does it cost to live in Rethymno?

This town is less expensive than the others on the island of Crete. Usually students need 500 € montly but if you are an erasmus student, and you don't want to stay at home or you want to travel a lot, you will need more. (An hour far from the city, in the city of Chania, there is airport with Ryanair flights. )

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Rethymno? Is there any advice you can give?

For a Greek student is easy enough. In every kiosk there is a local newspaper writing about all the available appartments but unfortunately it is written in Greek. The best way to find a place to stay is to find through facebook or e-mail people from the International office of the University. The people there are really helpfull!

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is great! You should try "souvlaki", "pastitsio", "apaki", "ntolmades" and of course cretan cheeses like "graviera" or " kefalotiri".

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What places would you recommend visiting in Rethymno?

The University's library, the castle of Fortezza, the Old Town.

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Is it good to eat out in Rethymno? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I recommend you the traditional greek souvlaki from a place named "Nikos" on the street "Archadiou (Αρκαδίου)" (you should buy more than one, one is never enough). For delicious and very cheap greek food in the city centre you have to go to "Stella's Kitchen". Stella is the name of the owner, a pure Greek lady, that will make you feel like home. You will find it on the street " Souliou (Σουλίου) 55". One more very nice choice is the Tavern of "Zisis", a little outside the city, but easily accessible by bus. Ask for it from whoever greek guy from Rethymno, everybody knows it. A little more expensive choise is the restaurant " Prima plora". THE BEST IN CRETE. I love it. People from all over the island are visiting the city because of it. You should go one day with nice weather and seat on the tables that are placed on rocks next to the sea. Don't forget to try the best plate "shrimps with ouzo". At night you should go at "Simpligades", "Asikiko" and " Bakalogato" and if you decide to rent a car you can go at the village "Goulediana" and eat lovely food next to the fireplace in the tavern "Goules" or to the village "Patsos" where you will find the tavern " Drosia".

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Is the nightlife good in Rethymno? Where is good to go?

There are taverns that are full of students, as I wrote previously, in which you can eat, drink and dance spending a very small amount of money. Most of them have live music every Friday and Saturday night and there you will listen to the temporary greek music and dance mostly "tsifteteli". These places are again "simpligades" and "mpakalogatos". For alternative music you shouldn't miss the chance to go to the bar named "Figaro" ( it's also open in the morning for coffee). There are also a lot of clubs. Discover which one is full of students in the period you will visit the city. They are different every season.

What advice would you give future students headed to Rethymno?

LIVE in this city! Walk a lot eating ice-cream, looking the beautiful sea, the people, the old houses. Just don't miss it!