Rethymno is the third largest municipality of Crete with 63,000 habitants. It accommodates more than half a million tourists and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors on day tours and cruises annually. Therefore, the municipality is building up an integrated approach to face the rising challenges of both growing sectors: mobility and tourism. Rethymno has been a member of the Covenant of Mayors since 2011 and sustainable mobility is one of the strategic pillars of the Municipal SEAP. Rethymno is also involved in the European Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities. Through Destinations, Rethymno will demonstrate sustainable, affordable and reliable mobility solutions to address the intense seasonal tourist fluctuation, to reduce car usage, to achieve a shift in transport modal share and offer upgraded and innovative mobility services for citizens and tourists.
| Municipality area | 397 km2 |
| Population | 62,886 |
| Population density | 158 inh/km2 |
| Gender balance | 52% female, 48% male |
| Average life expectancy | Female: 84.7, male: 79.4 |
| Car ownership rate | 69.6% of the adult population 45.5%: one (1) car 20.3%: two (2) cars 3.8%: more than two (2) cars |
| Accident rate | 23 accidents; 25 injured and 10 deceased (2015) |
| Climate | Mild Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. |
Walking: 20%
Cycling: 5%
Public transport: 10%
Taxi: 5%
Car: 60%
Approx. 650 km.
20 km. cycling network in the city of Rethymno.
The cycling network in Rethymno prefecture includes 22 inter-regional cycling routes, 12 of them connect Rethymno with key attractions nearby.
Approx. 400 km.
Increased PT use: 20%
Increased use of public bikes: 10-15%
Reduction of congestion events: 10%
Increased satisfaction of residents and visitors: 30%
Accidents reduction: 20%
Behavioural change of local community and tourists towards sustainable modes of transport
Improved skills for drivers, including PT and freight
Studies on Sustainable Urban Mobility planning:
Rethymno tourist guides and accessibility information for people with disabilities
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