Rethymno Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Rethymno! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Rethymno boasts an impressive 24 ferry routes operated by 11 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Rethymno, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Rethymno offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Santorini (Thira) - Rethymno, Piraeus - Rethymno, Milos - Rethymno. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Rethymno. You'll find companies like SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Catalina Express ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Rethymno.

Rethymno is accessible via Crete's main highway system, with regular bus services connecting from Heraklion (about 80 minutes east) and Chania (approximately 60 minutes west). Visitors arriving by air can fly into either Heraklion or Chania international airports, then take public buses or taxis to Rethymno. The ferry terminal is conveniently located near the old town, with regular connections to Piraeus (Athens) and several Cycladic islands. Parking near the port can be limited during summer months, so consider using public lots slightly inland or arriving by public transport if visiting during peak season.

Nestled between the majestic White Mountains and the sparkling Cretan Sea, Rethymno blends Venetian elegance with Ottoman charm in one of Greece's most enchanting coastal cities. Its well-preserved Renaissance old town leads to a vibrant waterfront where ferry connections link travelers to mainland Greece and nearby islands. Rethymno offers the perfect balance of historical richness, beachside relaxation, and authentic Cretan culture for visitors arriving by sea.

Rethymno enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. May to June and September to October offer ideal conditions with warm temperatures (20-28°C) and fewer crowds than the peak July-August period. The Renaissance Festival in late summer transforms the old town with theatrical performances and music events that showcase Cretan culture. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with more route options available. Winter visitors will find a more authentic local atmosphere and significantly lower accommodation rates, though some restaurants near the harbor may have limited hours.

Rethymno serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Greek islands, with regular ferry connections to Santorini (approximately 2-3 hours), offering its iconic white-washed villages and volcanic landscapes. Travelers can also reach Mykonos (about 4-5 hours by high-speed ferry), famous for its windmills and vibrant nightlife. The lesser-known gem of Milos is accessible in around 3-4 hours, rewarding visitors with spectacular beaches and geological formations. During summer, the ferry network expands to include more Cycladic islands, creating opportunities for memorable island-hopping adventures with Rethymno as your base.

Wander through Rethymno's Venetian harbor and old town, where the imposing 16th-century Fortezza fortress offers panoramic views of the city and sea. The labyrinthine streets behind the waterfront hide artisan workshops, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman monuments like the Neratze Mosque with its striking minaret. Food lovers should sample Cretan specialties like dakos (rustic bread topped with tomato and mizithra cheese), fresh seafood at harborside tavernas, or join a cooking class featuring local olive oil and herbs. The 12km-long sandy beach east of town provides perfect relaxation after exploring, while the nearby Arkadi Monastery stands as a powerful symbol of Cretan resistance and architectural beauty just a short drive inland.

Rethymno's iconic Venetian harbor was once home to fierce pirates who used the port as a base for Mediterranean raids before the Venetians established control in the 13th century. The city's name derives from the ancient Rhithymna, with archaeological evidence suggesting continuous habitation for over 4,500 years. Local artisans still practice traditional Cretan knife-making in workshops near the harbor, creating ornate blades with handles made from goat horn. Rethymno also boasts Greece's longest carnival celebration outside of Athens, a 20-day festival culminating in a grand parade that transforms the usually tranquil harbor area.