Kare lies at the foot of Vrysinas, 16 kilometres from Rethymno and at an altitude of 460 metres. The village is also situated on a hill and offers wide views of the surrounding villages and the green countryside of the hinterland. This location provides a clear starting point for your search for a stay in Kare: the hills, mountain foothills and hinterland define the village’s setting. The wider destination of Rethymno complements this perspective with its own urban, coastal and cultural themes.
Kare and the Vrysinas Route
The Vrysinas Route passes through Kare. Alongside its elevation, a specific connection to the route is therefore part of the village’s profile. When looking for a hotel for a stay in Kare, you can first consider whether this hillside setting and connection to the route suit your travel interests. You can then consider the cultural and landscape themes of the wider destination of Rethymno as a separate part of your planning.
Urban History and Museums in the Wider Destination of Rethymno
The old town of Rethymno is designated as a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian fortress of Fortezza. These features link the old town’s protected status with its changing urban layout and its position below the fortress.
Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno presents traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms of its permanent exhibition. It is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. The two museums have different focuses: the Archaeological Museum spans a long period of time, while the Folklore Museum focuses on crafts and folk art.
Archaeology and Architectural History in Rethymno
At Arkadi Monastery, the two-aisled Church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour was built in 1587. It is a building from the Venetian period, featuring elements of Renaissance architecture. Following the revolution of 1866–1869, the monastery became an eternal symbol of freedom. Its architectural history and historical significance offer two different perspectives on the same place.
The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. Its exhibitions show life in ancient Eleftherna from the late 4th millennium BC to the Byzantine period. The Armeni Necropolis offers a different archaeological focus: this extensive Late Minoan cemetery includes more than 220 excavated tombs. These were family tombs containing several deceased people; the grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the time.
Coast and Landscape in the Wider Destination of Rethymno
Rethymno Beach is 12 kilometres long, starting at the historic city centre and stretching eastwards to Scaleta. The beach is characterised by fine, light-brown sand. The Venetian harbour is also part of the coastline of the Municipality of Rethymno. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) nest on the sandy beach in the Arkadi municipal district; systematic measures are taken to protect them.
The gorges also showcase different landscape features. The Mylos Gorge includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of Mylos, whose features include traditional architecture, old churches and caves. It starts near Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. The Arkadi Gorge begins at Arkadi Monastery and runs through an impressive landscape to the village of Pikri, which has notable examples of Venetian architecture.
Events in Rethymno
The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer and includes music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event featuring a parade organised annually by volunteers. If either event is important to your trip, check the specific event dates before planning.
Discover more destinations: Loutra, Aggeliana, Melidoni, Arkadi, Myxorrouma, Bali, Pagkalochori, Petrochori.
View the wider travel guide: Rethymno.
