Ferry to Rethymno

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Rethymno in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Rethymno connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Santorini (Thira) - Rethymno.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Rethymno are provided by leading carriers like SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Catalina Express.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Rethymno feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Rethymno.

Rethymno is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 11 ferry operators including SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Catalina Express.

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.