Getting from Mykonos to Rethymno

Rethymno sits between Heraklion and Chania on the northern coast of Crete and is often the most underrated of the three. It has a beautifully preserved old town with a Venetian fortress above the harbour, narrow streets lined with Ottoman fountains and doorways and a long sandy beach that stretches east from the centre of the city. It is smaller and quieter than Heraklion, less touristy than Chania and has enough character to keep you there longer than you planned.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Mykonos to Rethymno. The most practical ferry option is to take the direct crossing from Mykonos to Santorini, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and then connect onto the Santorini to Rethymno ferry which runs twice weekly through the summer season and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. It is a scenic way to do the journey but the twice weekly schedule on the Santorini to Rethymno leg means your dates need to work around the timetable. You can also take the ferry from Mykonos to Heraklion and travel to Rethymno by bus from there, which takes around an hour and runs frequently.

What about flying?

Rethymno does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Heraklion, around 80 kilometres to the east, or Chania around 60 kilometres to the west. Flying from Mykonos to Athens and then to either Heraklion or Chania and travelling to Rethymno by bus or taxi is the most practical approach by air. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours depending on your connection and which airport you use.

Your best option

It depends on your schedule. If the Santorini to Rethymno ferry timing works with your plans it is a good route and a scenic one. If not, fly to Heraklion via Athens and take the bus along the north coast to Rethymno. The bus between Heraklion and Rethymno is frequent, inexpensive and takes around an hour. Either way, give Rethymno at least two nights.