Spantis

Rethymno


John Spantidakis works with raw leather – not pre-dyed or pre-cut – to create handmade bags, belts and wallets that will make you crave leatherware like never before. Paint strokes and unusual cuts lift this traditional art to a new level (wallets/belts/bags start at €20/55/130). Earthy greens, deep reds, Aegean blues and smoky blacks appear in varying degrees of vibrancy.

John will also craft special orders right here in his workshop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rethymno attractions

1. Historical & Folk Art Museum

0.08 MILES

In a lovely 17th-century Venetian mansion, the five-room permanent exhibit here documents traditional rural life on Crete with displays of clothing,…

2. Neratzes Mosque

0.14 MILES

This triple-domed mosque began life as an Augustinian church and was converted by the Turks in 1657, although the recently restored minaret wasn't added…

3. Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

0.15 MILES

Set inside the atmospheric Venetian-built Church of St Francis, this well-curated museum features a stunning collection of well-preserved relics unearthed…

4. Rimondi Fountain

0.15 MILES

Another vestige of Venetian rule is this small fountain where water spouts from three lions’ heads into three basins flanked by Corinthian columns. Above…

5. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.15 MILES

The cornerstone of the permanent collection of this well-curated modern-art museum, founded in 1992, is the oils, drawings and watercolours of local lad…

6. Fortezza

0.16 MILES

Looming over Rethymno, the star-shaped Venetian fortress cuts an imposing figure with its massive walls and bastions but was nevertheless unable to stave…

7. Municipal Park

0.2 MILES

Located between Iliakaki and Dimitrakaki, the trails and tree-shaded benches found here offer respite from the heat and crowds. Old men doze and chat…

8. Porta Guora

0.2 MILES

At the southern edge of the old quarter, this arched stone gate is the only remnant of the Venetian city wall. It was built in the late 16th century and…