Rethymno’s central position on Crete’s northern coast makes it an ideal base for exploring both the island itself and the surrounding Greek islands. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or an island-hopping getaway across the Aegean, Rethymno and its nearby ports—Heraklion and Chania—offer convenient ferry connections throughout the summer months.
Ferries & Island Hopping from Rethymno
Use Rethymno as your gateway to the Aegean: practical transport options, ferry routes, and island highlights to help you plan everything from relaxed day trips to multi-island adventures.
How to get to Rethymno from Athens & other islands
From Athens
Rethymno has no airport of its own—your best bets are Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ), both roughly an hour away by car.
- By air: Frequent daily flights from Athens (ATH) to Heraklion and Chania with carriers like Aegean, Olympic Air, and Sky Express. From either airport take a KTEL bus, taxi, or rental car to Rethymno.
- By ferry: Overnight ferries run from Piraeus (Athens) to Heraklion and Chania (Minoan Lines, ANEK). From those ports it’s a 1-hour transfer to Rethymno.
From other Greek islands
Many Cycladic islands connect to Crete via Heraklion—service is seasonal and most frequent in summer (June–September).
- Santorini: High-speed ferries to Heraklion in ~2.5 hours. From Heraklion, bus or drive to Rethymno.
- Paros, Naxos, Mykonos: Ferries to Heraklion (4–6 hours depending on route). Operators include SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries.
- Karpathos & Rhodes: Weekly services from Heraklion or Sitia; best for flexible schedules.
Tip: ferry timetables change seasonally. We recommend booking in advance during July–August.
Ferry routes & nearby ports
Rethymno’s port is smaller and mainly seasonal. For more frequent connections use nearby Heraklion or Chania (Souda).
Port of Rethymno
- Seasonal routes (e.g. Santorini) operated mainly by SeaJets.
- Perfect for quick summer day-trips and enjoying the Old Town before departure.
Port of Heraklion
- Crete’s largest port — regular sailings to Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Ios.
- Operators: Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways.
Island highlights: day trips & longer escapes
Santorini
Iconic sunsets, Oia’s cliffside villages, and volcanic beaches. Ideal for a romantic overnight stay.
Paros
Calm beaches and charming towns — family-friendly and relaxed.
Ios
Known for lively nightlife and beach parties; reachable by ferry from Heraklion.
Karpathos
Remote beaches, authentic local life and traditional villages — a quieter choice for explorers.
Bonus: Elafonissi on Crete’s southwest coast (near Chania) is a must-see—pink sand and shallow turquoise water. Accessible by car and worth a day trip.
Practical tips for island-hopping
- Book high-season ferries early (June–August) — popular routes sell out.
- Arrive at the port 45–60 minutes before departure for vehicles and 30–45 minutes for foot passengers.
- Check luggage rules: high-speed vessels sometimes limit large suitcases.
- Consider renting a car at Heraklion or Chania for full freedom on Crete.
Quick links & bookings
Handy links to plan your trip: