OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
ALL YEAR ROUND
Rethymno is an all year round destination for active travelers. The mild climate makes it ideal for activities throughout the year, with well-preserved traditional settlements, stunning mountain scenery, canyons, blue sea for diving or water sports, safe natural paths for walking, running, or cycling, countless villages for exploration, lush meadows with olive groves offering a variety of experiences for active visitors.
ARKADIA RUNNING
Arcadia is a long-run race, which was held for the first time in 1930, to commemorate Rethymno on the anniversary of the Holocaust of the Holy Monastery of Arkadi.
These are the oldest historical athlete competitions in Greece and take place every year during the period 1-10 November, starting from the Holy Monastery of Arkadi and ending at the Municipal Stadium of Rethymno (Sohora). A large number of athletes, volunteers, and students from Rethymno, Crete, and the rest of Greece take part in giving lessons in history, volunteering, sport, entertainment, and culture in memory of the voluntary sacrifice of the heroes at the Holy Monastery of Arkadi which took place on November 8, 1866.
The races, in addition to the classic 22.4 km long-distance competition, include a plethora of other activities, such as dynamic walking that also starts from the Holy Monastery of Arkadi, a 6 km race from the Platanias Bridge, a 1 km race of disabled athletes and primary school students starting from the Lyceum of Greek Women, a Cretan volleyball of men, veterans and primary school students, a 21 km half marathon with skates that starts from the Unknown Soldier square and skate races for children. It is an entertaining and honorary ceremony organized by the Region of Crete with prizes and medals to the winners of the games.
For more information and registrations you can visit: www.arkadiraces.gr
PSILORITIS RACE
"Run in Zeus Steps"
Since 2010 Crete hosts mountain running enthusiasts from all over the world in the context of the "International Psiloritis Mountain Race", which takes place every summer, proving that Crete is a place that can accommodate alternative ways of tourism with the central idea of the unrivaled natural beauty of mountainous Crete.
The Psiloritis Race (Run in Zeus steps) is a very popular race as it connects the myth with the runners, who follow the traces of history on the sacred mount of Zeus. The experience is unique, giving the chance to the runners to enjoy the natural landscape and the mountainous environment that is filled with vitality and energy. The main race is the 50 km mountain length, a quite demanding and difficult route, which takes about 7 hours. The starting point is the plateau of Nida in Anogia and from there continues to the highest peak of the mountain at 2,456 meters, ending in the village of Anogia. It also includes a race and an 8.5 km walk race, which starts from the picturesque village of Platanias and ends in the village of Kouroutes, as well as a 2 km children's race, ending at the village of Kouroutes. All routes offer stunning views of the entire island. Participants have to contribute to transportation to the starting point, catering during the route, etc., while the children's race is free.
For more information on routes and registrations visit: https://www.psiloritisrace.com/en/
NIKIFORIOS RUNNING
For many years, Nikiforios running has been a great success in the settlements of Nikiforos Fokas in the Municipality of Rethymno.
The aim is to highlight sustainable sports with the active participation of all, as well as the exploration of the picturesque villages of Nikiforos Fokas (Atsipopoulo, Prines, Kalonykti, Agios Konstantinos, etc.). The race includes a 22,400-meter road race, a relay race, a 1,200 and 2,000m children's race, a bike ride, a nature walk, and a double race with couples. It is an exciting experience for all those who love running but also for those who are not fans of sports. Participation in the race requires a small amount of money.
For more information, you can visit: https://www.rethymno.gr/municipality/nikoforeios/
Be active!
Trekkers and bicyclers may take advantage of the marked paths and local roads to feel the freedom of the countryside, to get familiar with its sounds, full of whispers of the ancients. Nature with colorful flowers and all kinds of aromas will welcome the whole family in their walks. There are 12 walking trails (E4) and 1059km covering 22 cycling paths in the broader area.
Horse riding lessons and rides in the olive fields and the beaches of the region are made under the supervision of experienced teachers.
Get the chance to meet the wild scenery of Rethymno by crossing the grandiose gorges of the region. There are 11 small and large, impressive gorges. Furthermore, duly equipped climbing rocks and walls are offered to lovers of chills. In Rethymno are 10 of the most famous caves of Crete, among them the Ideon Andro, the birth cave of Zeus.
Enjoy all kinds of water sports and games for the kids, or take advantage of the summer “Meltemi” (northerly wind) for windsurfing and sailing. You may seek also for local diving centers to discover the rare beauty of the seabed.
