Getting from Alexandroupoli to Rethymno

If you are heading to Rethymno from Alexandroupoli you are making your way from the far northeastern corner of Greece to the most intimate of Crete's three main cities, with a Venetian old town of narrow lanes, a fortress above the sea and a long sandy beach running east from the town centre.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Alexandroupoli to Rethymno. Rethymno's port receives very limited ferry connections, primarily a seasonal service from Santorini and occasional direct services from Piraeus during peak season. Getting there by sea means flying to Athens first and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Chania ferry, which takes around 8 to 9 hours, followed by the bus to Rethymno taking around 1 hour.

Getting there by air

Rethymno has no airport. The nearest airports are Heraklion, around 80 kilometres to the east, and Chania, around 60 kilometres to the west. Flying from Alexandroupoli to Athens and then Athens to Heraklion or Chania, followed by the bus to Rethymno, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours.

Your best option

Fly from Alexandroupoli to Athens and then fly to Heraklion or Chania and take the bus to Rethymno. Chania Airport is slightly closer to Rethymno and the road between them is a good one. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Alexandroupoli to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Chania ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to western Crete with Rethymno well placed as your first stop.