Experience in Rethymno, Greece by Stella

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

The life in Rethymno is easy and quiet. Parties happen usually on every Wednesday, but since it's a very small city the clubs are not that many and that can be a bit of a problem since most of them tend to have the greek way of entertainment, which means only greek songs.There also not so many choices of entertainemt. It's a bit difficult to satisfy all of the tastes and that's why after a while you can get bored of it. On the other hand the landscape is really beautiful since it's built on the beach. The weather is nice and at summer is when the city thrives. Tourists and shops that on winter they are closed are everywhere around you and in summer the place seems like a little paradise. The old town is famous for it's amazing architecture , traditional ottoman buildings and venetian castles are united into the cretan spirit.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rethymno?

As a student in Rethymno I must say the life is not that bad, but since the town is small and the opportunities of different kind of entertainment. If you are not a big fan of greek music then you are to have a problem . The caffeterias are really nice though and the restaurants are pretty good.

How much does it cost to live in Rethymno?

The life of Rethymno is not expensive. You can find really cheap places with good quality of food and drinks. The problem exists in the private accomodation since the landlords take advantage of the students raising the prices all the time , demandind insane amounts of rent for a place that normally wouldn't deserve the half of it.

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

If you want private accomodation you should start looking for an apartment during the summer time because that's when most of the students leave and break their contracts and that's when new students arrive in town. Usually, during the summer months you will have better chances to find many apartments throughout the city and there's a chance that due to the high demand of accomodation the landlords reduce the prices . But be aware the rent it's a bit expensive since you don't always get a big furnished and nice apartment.

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

The food is realy nice in Crete generally. If you are not used to the Mediterranean cusine it might feel a bit strange at first , but the food is of good quality and tasty. You should try Gyros and Skepasti for sure. Gemista , pastitsio , mousakas, soutzoukakia are more traditional dishes but absolutely great. What's more one should also try to the sea food since it's fresh and always amazing

What places would you recommend visiting in Rethymno?

Fortezza - the fortress of the city
The firelight
The old town
The cost where the caffeterias are
The university's library
The park named "Kipos" since it's nice to walk in it

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

Restaurants are really good in Rethymno. There are many places for sea food during summer time but in winter they close. Once they start operating again you should totally visit them. Other nice places are :
Paspartou
BarbQ
Italian job
Katsarolaki

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

Personally I don't like the nightlife of it since it doesn't offer a variety of things to do . In case you want to escape from the greek music then there's : Black Lottus and Ice club
The first one is a rock bar not very famous among the students though and the second onne is the only club with american- english music

What advice would you give future students heading to Rethymno?

Try to enjoy it and avoid the men in black since they are traditional men from the mountains who usually cause problems and they can be somewhat violent. Away from those farmers as we call them !