Getting from Paros to Rethymno

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

Take the ferry

There is a direct seasonal ferry from Paros to Rethymno running in summer, taking around 4 to 6 hours. The route is not year-round so check the schedule before planning around it. Outside of the summer season the connection goes via Piraeus or Heraklion. Book ahead in July and August.

Getting there by air

Both Paros and Crete have airports. The nearest airports to Rethymno are Heraklion, around 80 kilometres to the east, and Chania, around 60 kilometres to the west. Flying from Paros to Athens takes around 45 minutes and then Athens to either airport takes around 50 minutes, followed by a bus or taxi to Rethymno. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the direct summer ferry from Paros when it is running. It saves the Athens connection entirely and delivers you directly to Rethymno. If the direct service is not available for your dates, fly via Athens to Heraklion or Chania and take the bus to Rethymno.