In 2019, Rethymno got super-charged about mobility. From e-bikes, e-scooters and e-buses, to good old-fashioned feet, the focus was on safety and respect for all street and road users. Giving new meaning to the phrase ‘vote with your feet’, citizens were put in control with ‘let’s vote for pedestrians’ workshops where they came together to decide on the future shape of their city.

The Ancient Greek tradition of peripatetic dialogue was reawakened with walking conferences to get give the brain a kick-start in the morning, followed by kicking balls about and a range of sports and a crescendo of concerts and cinema. With a new e-bus, clearly marked 30 km/hour zones, thermal traffic sensors and cameras to keep track of cars, it’s clear that this move towards a healthier future is right on track.