town and capital of the nomós (department) of Rethímni, north-central Crete, Greece. A town and port on Almiroú Bay, Réthimnon trades in wheat, almonds, olive oil, and wine. It lies north of the ancient Mycenaean town of Rithymna. Réthimnon was a stronghold during the Venetian period in the late European Middle Ages, when it was called Retimo; its port shipped malmsey (malvasia) wine. The city was captured in 1645 by the Turks. In May 1941, German paratroops landed in and secured Réthimnon during the battle with Commonwealth forces for control of Crete. West of Réthimnon is the small port of Yeoryioúpolis, which has sandy beaches on the east. Pop. (1981) 17,736.