Getting from Athens to Rethymno

If you are heading to Rethymno from Athens you are going to the most intimate of Crete's three main cities and for many people the most loveable. The Venetian old town is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, arched doorways, carved stone fountains and minarets that speak to five centuries of Venetian and Ottoman rule. The Fortezza above the town is one of the best preserved Venetian fortifications in the Mediterranean. The long sandy beach that runs east from the town centre is the kind of urban beach that most cities can only dream of. Rethymno sits between Heraklion and Chania and is often overlooked in favour of both but rewards those who stop.

Take the ferry

There is a direct overnight ferry from Piraeus to Rethymno running year-round, with the crossing taking around 9 to 10 hours. It is one of the better overnight crossings in Greece, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning with the whole day ahead of you. Book ahead in July and August as this route fills up fast.

Getting there by air

The nearest airport to Rethymno is Heraklion, around 80 kilometres to the east, and Chania, around 60 kilometres to the west. Both have multiple daily connections from Athens taking around 50 minutes. From either airport a bus or taxi to Rethymno takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Total travel time via either airport is around 3 to 4 hours.

Your best option

Take the overnight ferry from Piraeus if you want to arrive rested and save a night's accommodation. It is one of the most comfortable overnight crossings in Greece and you wake up in Rethymno. If you are short on time, fly to Heraklion or Chania and take the bus. Chania Airport is slightly closer to Rethymno and the road between them is a good one.