What to wear to the Fortezza of Rethymno
Shoes
Closed, with a sole you trust. The guided fortress tour states it directly: the terrain is somewhat uneven and slightly uphill, so comfortable shoes are required. That is the polite version. The blunt one is that flip-flops on loose stone in the sun turn a good morning into a careful shuffle.
Sun and water
A hat, and something on your shoulders in July and August. There is almost no shade inside the walls, and the shade that exists is not where you will want to stand. Fill a bottle before you leave; the tap water here is safe, as explained on the tap water page.
Wind and the mosque
The meltemi blows across the north coast through July and August, and the ramparts are the most exposed ground in Rethymno, so a hat that stays on is better than a hat that looks good. Inside the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, cover your shoulders and behave as you would in any place of worship. Timing your visit to avoid the worst of the sun is covered on the best time to visit page.
Frequently asked questions
What shoes should I wear to the Fortezza in Rethymno?
Closed, comfortable shoes with a decent sole. The ground is rocky, unpaved and uphill throughout and sandals are a poor idea.
Do I need to cover up at the Fortezza?
Not for the site as a whole. Inside the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, cover your shoulders and treat it as a place of worship.
Is there shade or a café inside?
Almost no shade, and nothing inside worth planning a visit around. Bring water and go early or late, as set out on the best time to visit page.