There's something about the old town of Rethymnon that makes you want to keep on exploring. And you'll have an hour and a half to wander it at your own pace before spending the afternoon at nearby Lake Kournas. It's up to you to do as you wish – just follow your inner compass and go with the flow.
Rethymnon old town is pretty compact and bursting with activity. A maze of narrow alleys links the old harbour to the Fortezza citadel. Everything in between dates from the Venetian and Ottoman eras. As well as tavernas and shops, you'll encounter churches of all styles and mosques. The Veli Pasha mosque was recently renovated and is now a palaeontological museum – it's well worth a visit.
Then, it's on to Lake Kournas. Protected under the Natura 2000 project, it's a dream for all things green. Surrounded by the imposing White Mountain range – and the only freshwater lake in Crete – you'll have a couple of hours to soak in the fresh mountain air, swim in the calm waters or kick back and relax on the sandy beach.
