Well-kept houses and flower-filled courtyards shape the appearance of Roupes. When looking for a holiday rental, you can compare this village character with the cultural, coastal and nature-related themes of the wider destination of Rethymno.
Roupes: village character and geographical location
Roupes is in the Rethymno regional unit, near Pikris and 19 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. An older municipal route sequence lists the village as a stop on Route 2. The listing belongs to a route described earlier; the village’s houses and flower-filled courtyards are a separate aspect of its character.
When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between two levels: the specific village of Roupes and the wider range of themes available in the destination of Rethymno. This keeps the decision to stay in Roupes separate from the question of which regional urban, cultural or landscape experiences interest you.
Rethymno: old town, coast and museums
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 centre lies below the Venetian fortress of Fortezza. This combination of urban layout and fortress gives the old town a distinct historical focus.
The coast of the Municipality of Rethymno offers another perspective on the destination: it includes the Venetian harbour. Rethymno Beach is twelve kilometres long, begins at the historic city centre and extends eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. The city’s history, the harbour and the beach are distinct regional themes that you can consider separately when choosing what interests you on your trip.
The museums in Rethymno each have their own focus. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions cover the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno displays traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms of its permanent exhibition. It is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. Visitors interested in archaeological periods will therefore find a different focus here from the one on crafts and folk art.
Other cultural sites in the wider destination of Rethymno add to these themes. The Military Museum of Chromonastiri is housed in a Venetian villa built in 1610 for the Clodio family. It includes a room on the historic Battle of Crete and displays weapons from the Greek Revolution of 1821 to the Second World War. 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 fourth millennium BC to the Byzantine period.
The necropolis of Armeni also tells the story of a different era: more than 220 tombs have been excavated in this extensive Late Minoan cemetery. These were family tombs in which several deceased people were buried. The grave goods offer insights into the art, religion and social organisation of the period. At Arkadi Monastery, the two-aisled Church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour was built in 1587. As a building from the period of Venetian rule, it features elements of Renaissance architecture. The monastery became a symbol of freedom following the Revolution of 1866–1869.
Landscape, events and local themes
The gorges in the wider destination of Rethymno differ in their described features. The MoulĂłi Gorge includes a small river and the abandoned traditional village of MoulĂłi, where traditional architecture, old churches and caves can be seen. It begins near Chromonastiri and ends at the village of Xiro Chorio. The Arkadi Gorge begins at Arkadi Monastery and runs through impressive scenery to the village of Pikri, which features significant examples of Venetian architecture.
The Arkadi municipal district is also of interest to nature lovers: loggerhead sea turtles nest on its sandy beach, and systematic measures are taken to protect them. Rethymno also offers opportunities for diving. The region’s themes thus range from landscapes and nature to cultural history and water-based activities, without implying a specific route between the locations.
The events calendar has its own seasonal and annual rhythms. The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer and includes music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The traditional carnival is organised by volunteers, and the parade takes place annually. The Rethymno Municipal Theatre also presents performances every year. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the dates in advance for your stay.
Traditional coffeehouses serving local specialities are part of Rethymno’s culinary character. This distinction can help you choose where to stay based on the experiences that genuinely interest you.
Discover more destinations: Skouloufia, PrĂnos, Triopetra, Episkopi, Nithafri, Pigianos Kampos, Chromonastiri, Platanos.
For the wider travel overview: Rethymno.
