Rethymnon

A long stretch of beach (and shops and restaurants) connected our hotel to downtown Rethymnon.  About 2 miles long.  One afternoon we decided to run down there and explore.

Rethymnon has been inhabited since Minoan times... more than 17,000 years ago!  Obviously not really any trace of those inhabitants, but the city does reflect the Venetian rule of the 16th century.  It's charming with Venetian architecture--narrow alley ways, balconies and arches.  We had a fun time wandering around and exploring.

The first place we stopped was a restored 13th century lighthouse.  Here's Hyrum out on the wall, followed by his view of the harbor.

We found another area along the coast with rocks, and the water was SO clear!  I couldn't believe it.

We could see schools of fish swimming around just below the surface of the water. 

We climbed up a big hill to the Fortetsa, a fort from the 1570's designed to defend against pirate attacks and the Turks.  The surrounding wall is still intact.  

Tiago was spoiled and got carried around the city (while I pushed his empty stroller.)

Overall, a very cute, colorful town.  Glad we were so close!