RethymnoCrete · Greece

All About Rethymno

 You will be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped onto a film set when you arrive in Rethymno because it is so quintessentially picturesque. The town sits on the northern coast of Crete in between Chania and Heraklion and is a heady mix of traditional life and cosmopolitan resorts. Taking a ferry to Rethymno is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets. You will love the colorful buildings crowding the busy harbor, the choice of world-renowned Cretan cuisine, the Byzantine churches, mosques, public baths, and fountains as well as the nearby archaeological sites and pristine sandy beaches that can be found in the area.

The Minoans, Venetians, and Ottomans have all left their mark on this enthralling town, which is dominated by the medieval Fortezza – one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. Away from the vibrant Old Town and the bustling promenade, you will find unspoiled beaches, impressive palm grove gorges and rustic villages tucked away in the mountains.

Also spelled Rethimno, Rethymnon, and Rhithymnos, the main town has a permanent population of more than 30,000, making it the third-largest settlement on the island. Despite that, it has held on to an unblemished charm that you will find most appealing during your stay while offering all of the amenities you would expect from a popular tourist destination.
 

Routes and Ferries to Rethymno

 You can book your ferry to Rethymno with Ferryscanner and sail from Athens as well as some of the Cyclades islands such as Milos and Paros with Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and SeaSpeed Ferries. In the summer, you can book your ferry tickets to Rethymno from the port of Piraeus and the overnight journey takes about 10 hours, or depart from the port of Rafina for a 12-hour journey. During the winter season, you can sail to Chania or Heraklion and make your way to Rethymno by car or public transport.

If you wish to book your ferry tickets to Rethymno from the port of Piraeus, buses leave from Athens International Airport every 30-40 minutes, while taxis and train connections to the port are also available. The nearest airports to Rethymno are Chania International Airport ‘Ioannis Daskalogiannis’ and Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’, which is the second busiest airport in Greece. Flights from Athens International airport to Crete take about 45 minutes and there are also international flights from many European destinations.
 

Port of Rethymno

 The port of Rethymnon spreads around the town’s old quarter and is beautifully distinguished by a 17th-century lighthouse. Originally founded by the Minoans as a trading center, the harbor became more developed in the 13th-century by the Venetians and later by the Ottomans. As you wander around, you will see evidence of the old mole once used to protect the town from the wild Cretan Sea, with a new larger one serving the needs of passenger ferries and commercial lines.

The quayside is lined with many traditional fishing boats bringing home the daily catch that is served at the local taverns, and several wooden sailing boats add to the romantic atmosphere of times gone by. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Rethymno.
 

Capital & Villages

 As the capital of the prefecture, Rethymno is brimming with activity as locals and tourists mingle along the narrow, cobbled streets. After walking along the graphic harbor, you will come to the lighthouse and cannot miss the Fortezza, or fortress, which was built in 1573, that offers wonderful sea and city views.

The small archaeological museum at the entrance to the fort includes exhibits from the Archaic and early Christian periods, including a beautiful Minoan goddess figurine. The 16th century Venetian Loggia is a wonderful piece of Palladian-style architecture while a short walk from there will take you to the Rimondi Fountain, once the town’s source of fresh water from the slopes of Mt. Vrysinas.

Further on sits the Great Gate and beyond that you will find the well-preserved Neratze Mosque with its elegant dome and 27 meter tall minaret, which was originally an Augustinian church. The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is housed in another church; that of St. Francis, and the streets leading off are enchanting Venetian alleyways for you to explore at your leisure.

Myli

Just 7 kilometers inland of Rethymno you will find the twin settlements of Paleoi (old) and Neoi (new) Myli, which have a tiny population of 40 inhabitants. What is so amazing is the villages’ picturesque beauty, built on the banks of a river alongside a line of windmills.

The entrance to a gorge can be found nearby and it attracts many hikers, all eager to explore the fresh water springs and lush scenery, before ending up back at Rethymno town.

Spili

You will find the lovely village of Spili at a height of 430 metres, 28 km south-east of Rethymno town. On arrival, you can admire the spectacular sea views and the surrounding area before stopping at the main square to drink from the stone lion head fountain. Famous for its part in the battle of Messara in 1833 and later being destroyed by the Germans in 1941, Spili is a wonderful reminder of Crete’s significant links with the past.

Prasses

Not far from Rethymno town you will find the village of Prasses; a quaint hamlet built at an altitude of 330 meters in the Cretan mountainside. With its mix of Medieval and traditional architecture, including a Venetian aqueduct, the village is surrounded by a rich landscape and is an oasis for all the senses.

A verdant valley leads up to the peaks of Mt. Psiloritis and from Prasses you can embark on a spectacular trek through the magnificent Prassano Gorge, which will take about 3 hours to complete.

Anogia

It’s worth taking a trip to Anogia village if you wish to rediscover authentic mountain village life in Crete. Sitting at a height of 750 meters and 50 km away from Rethymno, Anogia is the epitome of that proud Cretan character you may have heard of and where, due to its secluded location, local traditions and customs still prevail.

Even traditional costumes and an old dialect can still be seen and heard, while you can buy woven and embroidered crafts handmade in the traditional style. From Anogia, you can also visit the Minoan palace of Zominthou and the cave said to have been where Zeus was raised.

Agia Galini

Explore the southern coast of Crete by visiting Agia Galini; a pretty coastal village in the sheltered bay of Messara facing the Libyan Sea. The little port is busy in the summer, when small boats leave to take visitors to Preveli and nearby islets and it is a nice change from the main town due to its traditional fishing village vibes. Here you will find plenty of taverns, bars, and cafes amongst the narrow cobbled streets and around the coast there are many sea caves to explore by boat.
 

Best Beaches

When taking a ferry to Rethymno, you have access to a wide selection of beaches, ranging from long sandy stretches to small coves fed by mountain ravines, making each one truly spectacular and absolutely unique.

Take your pick from our suggestions and discover why this is such a popular destination for beach lovers and nature worshippers alike.

Rethymno Town Beach

The town’s sandy beach stretches on for several kilometers and is a popular place for swimmers to pass the day. It is fully organized and very convenient due to its proximity to the town but can also get quite busy because of that. Strong winds are very common in the area so weather flags are on display to warn bathers of any dangers due to the high waves. To the west of the town you can also find Episkopi; a well-organised sandy beach with crystal clear waters.

Bali Beach

Bali is actually a coastal village split up into four stunning sandy beaches in a natural, protected bay just 32 km east of Rethymno town. Built on the site of ancient Astali, once the port of Axos, that was associated with the legendary giant Talos, Bali is now a modern resort with a unique coastline of caves and rock formations. After a relaxing swim with all the family, visit the 17th-century Monastery dedicated to St. John and the church of Panagia Charakiani.

Preveli Beach

 Preveli is an epic beach experience that you simply shouldn’t miss. You can drive the 35 kilometers there from Rethymno and enjoy views of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge on your way, which the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows through. Upon arrival, you will be mesmerized by the azure waters of this impressively long beach, fed by the freshwaters flowing into the sea from the gorge itself. Walk along the river banks through the thick pinegroves and swim in the cool ponds formed in the ravine and enjoy a taste of paradise.

Plakias Beach

 This popular resort sits 36 km away from Rethymno in the fertile valley of the Kouroupa mountains next to the River Kotsifos and has a very long, sandy beachfront with emerald waters. The well organized beach also has several hotels and restaurants, sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, beach volley courts, snack bars, changing rooms and showers. Cliffs leading down to one end of the beach are popular with climbers while sea tunnels still exist that were used in the past for storing coal and other cargo.
 

Transportation Around Rethymno

 Rethymno is ideally situated in between Chania and Heraklion, with access to the southern coast of the island too, and there is a well-developed transport structure in place to get you around. The public bus service to and from Rethymo is excellent and connects all of the main towns both within and outside the prefecture.

Car rental is a fantastic option if you want to make the most of your stay, on your time – and the main roads are very well maintained. Another option is to rent a motorcycle and enjoy the Cretan fresh air on your trips around the area. Taxis and private cars are also available and easy to find. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Rethymno.