Makri Steno

I was lucky to stay in Makri Steno Apartments for an entire year. The room I stayed in was spacious and paneled with sturdy, durable antique wood; each time light shone through the windows a golden hue took over the room, befitting the lovely, romantic feel of the unique medieval Venetian city of Rethymno, Crete. The apartments are situated smack in the middle of the central “Makri Steno” (translates into “Long Alley”). While one end (south end) of the alley leaves you directly at the entrance of the new city, near the beautiful public garden and bus stop, where you can hop on buses that will take you to numerous beautiful places in the area (Hagia Galini, Panormo, Georgioupoli, etc.), the other end (north end) of the alley leaves you directly in front of the impressive, unforgettable Fortezza (Fortress) of Rethymno, which you can enter, explore, and from which you can view the entire city and expanse of the Cretan Sea. The location of Makri Steno Apartments is also midway (from east to west) between the 5 km expanse of sandy beach (5 min walk through the old city), neighboring the historic Venetian port and marina/boardwalk, while also being a 5 min walk (to the west, sunset) from the gorgeous “peripheriako” (peripheral) walk around the Fortezza, next to the sea. The apartment complex is complete with a wide terrace where tenants will find a washing machine to clean clothes and hang them on the clotheslines. Tables are spread out across the terrace, where tenants can sit and enjoy the view, the full moon touching the tip of the minaret of the old mosque by the neighboring Mikrasiaton Square (where many summer concerts/cultural events take place), or enjoy the starry sky and share a meal. The rooms are complete with heating/air-conditioning, a bathroom, a kitchen, and any amenities you may need. George, who owns the place, is an extraordinary personality, kind, with genuine depth, and takes care that each tenant enjoys a remarkable stay at Rethymno, that they have everything they need. Welcoming, considerate, sincere, a distinguished personality. I feel lucky to have stayed here for a year and hope to return soon. Enjoy and relish your stay at Makri Steno!