Getting from Astakos to Rethymno

If you are heading to Rethymno from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central 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 Astakos to Rethymno. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Rethymno's port receives very limited ferry connections. Getting to Rethymno means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then flying to Heraklion or Chania, followed by the bus to Rethymno taking around 1 hour from either airport. Alternatively drive to Athens and board the overnight Piraeus to Chania ferry, followed by the bus to Rethymno.

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. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Heraklion or Chania, followed by the bus to Rethymno, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos to Athens and fly to Heraklion or Chania, then 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 Astakos to Athens and continue to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Chania ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to western Crete with Rethymno well placed as your first stop.