Ibiscos Garden Hotel is located in the city of Rethymno, on the island of Crete, Greece. The origins of Rethymno date back to the Bronze Age and the Minoan civilization (ancient Rithymna: 2600-1000 B.C.). Although it was never a major Minoan center, the town printed coins and achieved reasonable urban economic growth. In our days, one of these coins is officially depicted as the emblem of the city with two dolphins in a circle. Crete is the largest and most populous Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, with a coastline of 1046km. According to Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2016, Crete is the fourth most popular island in Europe. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea. Its very long and naturally diverse coastline boasts some of the most spectacular and scenic beaches of the Mediterranean and Libyan Sea.
The location of Ibiscos Garden Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the sandy, blue flag beach of Rethymnon and its newly built promenade. The city of Rethymno boasts a 12km-long, sandy coastline, most of which comprises organized beaches. The sandy beach of Rethymno is a favourite among most travelers. The newly built promenade is extremely popular among travelers and locals alike, offering a relaxing, idyllic atmosphere for afternoon and evening walks, as well as breathtaking views of the spectacular summer sunset and its colourful reflections on the Mediterranean Sea and sky.
The Hotel is 20 minutes away from the centre of Rethymno and the Old Town. The Old Town of Rethymno, including the Old Venetian Port and Fortezza, the old fortress, were built during the Venetian Period. The town maintains its aristocratic appearance, with buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases and Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains. The town of Rethymno offers a broad range of archaeological and cultural sightseeings, including museums and cultural sites. Rethymno also offers a broad range of options including cafes, bars, restaurants, night clubs as well as stores and street shops for all tastes! Fortezza, the Old Fortress, hides one of the most valuable gems of Rethymno. Surrounded by pine trees inside the fortress, Erofili Theatre offers some spectacular views of the town of Rethymno and its coastline and also comprises one of the most significant cultural attractions of the town. Every summer, Erofili hosts the annual Rennaisance Festival, offering a great range of cultural events including music, dance, poetry, theatre and ancient Greek tragedy.
The beach of Rethymno has received the Blue Flag Award, which is the certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its stringent standards. FEE's Blue Flag criteria include standards for water quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria.
The Blue Flag is thus sought for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators as a key indication of high environmental and quality standards. The beach of Rethymno also boasts a wonderful, newly constructed promenade which is 2.2km long, offering a uniquely idyllic, relaxing walk from and to the town across the seafront, and a range of adult, family and kids water sports.
