A Venetian and Ottoman port town with a fortress, 60 to 75 minutes east of Chania.
Rethymno has a well-preserved old town, the Venetian Fortezza and a harbour with a lighthouse. KTEL buses run about hourly from Chania.
| Distance | About 60 km east of Chania |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Getting there | KTEL Chania-Rethymno bus from the Chania long-distance station, about hourly, around 1h10, EUR 6.80-7.50 (approx $8-9) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Rethymno Old Town, 741 00 Rethymno, Crete, Greece |
How to get there
- KTEL bus from Chania long-distance station, about hourly, EUR 6.80-7.50 (approx $8-9)
- Car on the national road, about 1 hour
- Taxi or private transfer
Location
Rethymno Old Town, 741 00 Rethymno, Crete, Greece
35.3667, 24.4783 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the Venetian Fortezza on Paleokastro hill above the old town
- Wander the lanes of the old town, with Venetian and Ottoman architecture
- Stroll the Venetian harbour out to the lighthouse
- Pause at a harbourfront or old-town taverna for a Cretan lunch
Tips for visiting
- Take the KTEL bus from the Chania long-distance station; departures run about hourly and take roughly 1h10.
- Leave Chania by mid-morning to have a full afternoon for the fortress and the old town.
- Visit the Fortezza early in the day in summer, when the exposed hilltop is cooler.
- Wear flat, grippy shoes; the old-town lanes and fortress paths are uneven.
- Check the last return bus time before settling in for dinner.
When to visit
April to October is the best window. Arrive in the morning to see the Fortezza before the midday heat and the busiest hours.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Chania to Rethymno?
The KTEL bus from the Chania long-distance station runs about hourly and takes around 1h10 for EUR 6.80-7.50. Driving the national road takes about an hour.
Is Rethymno doable as a day trip from Chania?
Yes. With an hourly bus, a morning departure leaves time for the Fortezza, the old town and the harbour before an evening return.
What is there to see in Rethymno?
The main sights are the Venetian Fortezza, the old town with Venetian and Ottoman buildings, and the harbour with its lighthouse.