Join the "Rethymno Unfiltered" Photo Contest!

Have you ever taken a photo during your time in Rethymno that perfectly captured the feeling of the moment? Maybe it wasn’t a famous monument, but a quiet, flower-filled alleyway, the smile of a local baker, the colors of a sunset, or a plate of fresh Cretan food.

If you have those authentic moments saved on your camera roll—or if you are in the city right now ready to capture them—your unique perspective could win you a  free holiday in Rethymno !

To celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27th, the Rethymno Hoteliers Association proudly announces the  "Rethymno Unfiltered"  photography competition. We are calling on all locals and visitors to share their true, personal vision of our beautiful destination.

We Want Your "Unfiltered" Truth

The idea behind "Rethymno Unfiltered" is simple and powerful. We are not looking for the perfect, staged tourist postcard. We are looking for authenticity.

Rethymno is experienced differently by everyone. For a local, it might be the morning quiet of the Old Town.

For a first-time visitor, it might be the lively energy of a traditional  panigiri  (feast) or the vastness of the southern beaches.

We want to see a street, a landscape, a taste, or an everyday image that made  you  stop and stare for a moment.

Show us the real Rethymno exactly as you lived it.

The Prizes

What better way to reward your love for our city than by inviting you back? The creators of the three best photographs will win complimentary stays in Rethymno:

🥇  1st Prize:  A 7-night stay in Rethymno

🥈  2nd Prize:  A 5-night stay in Rethymno

🥉  3rd Prize:  A 3-night stay in Rethymno

Important Rules to Remember

Participating is simple. You have until  Thursday, September 24, 2026 , to submit your photos.

Choose your best shots:  Select up to three (3) of your own original photographs of Rethymno.

Post on Instagram:  Upload them to your Instagram account.

Tag & Hashtag:  You must tag the official contest account  @rethymnounfiltered  and use the hashtag  #RethymnoUnfiltered in your caption so the judges can find your entry!

Important Rules to Remember:

Participation is completely free.

You must be over 18 years old to enter.

Strictly NO AI:  Images generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be accepted. We want real moments captured by real human eyes!

Meet the Jury

Your photographs will be evaluated by a three-member committee of distinguished local artists and photography experts:

Manolis Karatarakis:  Founder and animator of the Rethymno photography group.

Efi Paroutsa:  Acclaimed travel and interior photographer.

Kostis Christidis:  Visual artist, associate of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete, and instructor at the University of Crete.

The winners will be officially announced on  World Tourism Day (September 27, 2026) .

.

Don't leave your memories hidden on your phone!

Whether you have been living here your whole life or you are just visiting for a few days, your point of view matters. Grab your camera or your smartphone, step outside, and show the world the beauty of our city through your lens.

We can't wait to see your "Rethymno Unfiltered"!

For more information, follow  @rethymnounfiltered  on Instagram, email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call +30 2831 055873. Organized by the Rethymno Hoteliers Association.