Rethymno’s central location on Crete’s northern coast makes it an ideal gateway for exploring other parts of Crete and nearby islands. Whether you’re interested in a day trip, overnight adventure, or a multi-island tour, Rethymno and nearby ports provide convenient access to an array of destinations across the Aegean.
How to Get to Rethymno from Athens and Other Islands
1. FROM ATHENS:
- By Air: The closest airports to Rethymno are Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ), both roughly an hour away by car. Daily flights operate from Athens International Airport (ATH) to both of these airports, with carriers like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express offering frequent services. After landing, you can reach Rethymno by bus, taxi, or rental car.
- By Ferry: Athens’ Piraeus Port has ferry routes to Heraklion and Chania, where you can transfer by bus or car to Rethymno. While there are no direct ferries from Athens to Rethymno, services by Minoan Lines and Anek Lines operate overnight ferries to both Heraklion and Chania. Read more HERE.
2. FROM OTHER GREEK ISLANDS:
- Santorini: Seasonal high-speed ferries connect Santorini with Heraklion (approximately 2.5 hours). From Heraklion, you can take a direct bus or drive to Rethymno. SeaJets and Minoan Lines are popular operators for this route. Tickets and schedules can be booked through FerryScanner.
- Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos: These Cycladic islands can be reached by ferry from Heraklion. This is typically a longer journey (up to 6 hours), but ferry services are more frequent in the summer months, offering flexible departure options. Golden Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Hellenic Seaways operate routes between these islands and Crete.
- Karpathos and Rhodes: Ferries from Heraklion or Sitia to Karpathos and Rhodes run weekly and vary depending on the season. These routes are best for travelers with a flexible schedule due to the limited service frequency.
3. FROM CRETE’S MAIN PORTS TO RETHYMNO:
- Chania or Heraklion: Both cities are accessible by bus, with KTEL Crete providing frequent, direct routes to Rethymno. Car rentals are also widely available at both ports and airports.
Adding these transport options to your website will make travel planning smoother for visitors coming from mainland Greece or other islands.
Different ferry Routes and Ports
Though Rethymno has a smaller ferry port with limited direct routes, it’s possible to reach several Greek islands from Rethymno or nearby major ports. For broader options, Heraklion and Chania are the main ports to access destinations such as Santorini, Paros, and Ios, with ferry schedules primarily operating in the summer months.
- From Rethymno: Seasonal routes are available to Santorini (around 2.5 hours), typically operated by SeaJets. The port offers a lively atmosphere and is close to Rethymno’s Old Town, where travelers can enjoy local cafes, tavernas, and Venetian architecture.
- From Heraklion: The largest port in Crete, Heraklion has frequent sailings to popular islands such as Santorini, Ios, Paros, and Naxos. These routes are serviced by companies like Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways, and Golden Star Ferries. Book ferry tickets and view timetables at FerryScanner.
- From Chania: This port also has routes to the Cycladic islands, albeit less frequently than Heraklion.
Island Highlights for Day Trips and Multi-Day Excursions
- Santorini – Known for its volcanic landscapes, unique architecture, and stunning sunsets. Accessible from both Rethymno and Heraklion, Santorini makes for a memorable day or overnight trip.
- Paros – A family-friendly island with charming towns, scenic beaches, and opportunities for snorkeling. Reachable from Heraklion, Paros is ideal for longer stays and group trips.
- Ios – Famous for its nightlife, Ios is a top choice for travelers seeking lively beach parties. You can hop on a ferry from Heraklion for about a three-hour journey.
- Karpathos – This less-visited island is a paradise for nature lovers and offers unique local traditions and quiet, unspoiled beaches. Ferries from Sitia and Heraklion take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the route.
For a more relaxed adventure, consider Elafonissi near the southwestern coast of Crete, known for its pink sands and turquoise waters, accessible by car and short boat rides from Chania
