Rethymno Greece Travel Guide
Rethymno lacks its own airport. Travelers access the city via two major international airports on Crete, requiring transfer planning.
Flights straight to Crete mainly originate from European cities, predominantly during the peak tourist season. Year-round connections from Athens (ATH) remain available via Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air and Sky Express.
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Taxi from CHQ to Rethymno: ~1 hour, 80-100 EUR. From HER to Rethymno: ~1 hour 15 min, 90-120 EUR. Private transfers also an option.
KTEL buses connect both from airports to their respective central bus stations, then to Rethymno. Total travel time ~2-2.5 hours, a cost-effective choice.
Crete boasts an extensive and efficient public bus system operated by KTEL. It offers connections across the island, including frequent services to Heraklion and Chania.
Valid driver's license from home country. Non-EU citizens require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum age 21/23, often with surcharge for under 25. Credit card for security deposit. Main roads are well-maintained; rural roads may be narrow/unpaved.
Area driving behaviors may be aggressive. Street lighting can be limited outside urban areas. Parking in The Historic district areas often has challenges. No train services on Crete.
Rethymno has its own port, operating ferry services to Piraeus, the main port of Athens. Anek Lines and Minoan Lines are main companies offering regular overnight services.
For arrivals from non-Schengen countries, standard passport control procedures apply. From other Schengen countries or mainland Greece, checks are routine.
No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed as you leave Greece for tourists.
Airports in Chania and Heraklion offer standard facilities for departing travelers, including check-in, security screening, duty-free shops, cafes, and waiting areas.
Both Chania (CHQ) and Heraklion (HER) airports provide typical features for travelers. These include car rental agencies, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and taxi stands.
Direct flights to Chania or Heraklion mainly originate from European cities. Travelers from North America, Asia, or other continents typically require a connection.
Car rental agencies reside at both Chania and Heraklion airports. DiscoverCars.com offers options.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are widely present in Rethymno. An appropriate motorcycle license (A category) is mandatory.
Rethymno lacks large-scale public bicycle sharing. Bicycle rental shops operate, notably near the beach promenade.
Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Helmets are mandatory for all riders on motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 kilometers per hour on national roads, and 110-130 km/h on highways. Drink-driving limits are strict.
Parking in Rethymno Old Town has challenges due to pedestrianization and limited space. Assigned parking lots reside outside the Old Town walls, by the harbor or municipal garden.
Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges varies. Newer KTEL buses may feature ramps, but this is not universal. Rethymno Old Town has mobility challenges due to cobblestone streets.
Numerous guided walking tours of the Old Town focus on history, architecture, and food, offering valuable context and local insights.
Self-guided tours simplify with a good map or mobile app, permitting exploration at your own pace. The beach promenade proves excellent for walking or cycling.
Consider renting a small car or scooter for at least one day to explore beyond the city center. This provides freedom to visit villages and hidden beaches.
