Rethymno: Day Trips and Tours from Heraklion

If you want to delve into Crete’s history and soak up some old town atmosphere, then make sure Rethymno is on your island agenda. This ancient city has a lot to offer, including a charming Venetian harbor and an impressive collection of museums.

A day trip to Rethymno from Heraklion is easy to arrange and often incorporates bonus stops at other locations. Sightseeing, swimming and shopping are all on the cards.

Here's all you need to know about Rethymno, one of the most exciting day trips from Heraklion.

How to get to Rethymno from Heraklion?

Rethymno sits up on the north coast of Crete, about 80 kilometers west of Heraklion. It’s a very accessible location, and there are several ways to reach the city.

From Heraklion to Rethymno by car

If you want to remain independent, then it’s easy to journey to Rethymno from Heraklion by car. You’ll need to travel west on the E75 coast road – it’s a straightforward drive with some great views.

The trip takes about an hour and 10 minutes and there are several public parking areas near the old town.

From Heraklion to Rethymno by bus

You can also take the bus to Rethymno from Heraklion. There are regular departures from Heraklion’s Bus Station A (by the port) with KTEL throughout the day.

The journey takes 1.5 hours depending on traffic, and tickets cost around €10 for a single trip.

Guided tour to Rethymno from Heraklion

Want to explore with minimal hassle? Then choose a guided day tour to Rethymno and let someone else do all the hard work.

Guided experiences last a full day and often include multiple stops. Many operators will collect you from your hotel, while a few have designated pickup points instead.

What is the typical itinerary?

Many day trips to Rethymno from Heraklion begin with a convenient pickup from your hotel. Some providers will collect you from a central meeting point instead so remember to check your joining instructions.

The tour starts after breakfast, with a scenic drive west to the city of Chania. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the old town and learn about the settlement’s ancient history from your guide. There will be free time for lunch at the harbor and some souvenir shopping in the market.

Next up is a stop at Lake Kournas where nature and lush green scenery steal the show. You can go for a swim or enjoy a stroll around the wetlands. Keep watch for turtles in the water!

Finally, you’ll head to Rethymno where atmospheric alleyways and historic mosques await. Follow your guide through the heart of the city and discover its secrets along the way.

Other tours swap Chania and Lake Kournas for Preveli Palm Forest and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. On these trips, you’ll begin with a swim at Damnoni Beach before taking a boat ride up to Preveli. After lunch at the beach, you’ll head to the gorge for sweeping panoramas, then it’s on to Rethymno.

Whichever Rethymno excursion you join, you’ll be transferred back to Heraklion in the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to Rethymno?

Excursions to Rethymno often include visits to other locations for a well-rounded day out. You can choose from group trips and private tours, according to your budget and personal travel preferences.

Guided tour to Rethymno plus Preveli Palm Forest and Damnoni Beach from Heraklion

This Rethymno day trip from Heraklion is operated on a group basis, which is a convivial way to explore. It takes in the Palm Forest of Preveli and the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge as well as Rethymno. You will also have the chance to swim at Damnoni Beach if you wish.

You’ll have a guide with you throughout the day and there will be free time in many locations to explore at leisure. If you’re looking for a relatively cheap and fun day out, then this adventure ticks all the boxes.

Guided day trip to Rethymno plus Chania and Lake Kournas from Heraklion

Other group Rethymno day tours include a visit to Chania and Lake Kournas on the itinerary for a bit of variety. History, shopping and swimming are all on the agenda.

You’ll be traveling with like-minded explorers, so this is a great way to make new friends. An expert local guide will be on hand to answer your questions and show you around the different destinations.

Private tour to Rethymno from Heraklion

Private excursions to Rethymno offer the ultimate luxury travel experience. Having an exclusive vehicle and guide means your itinerary can be flexible. If you want to spend longer in one location, just ask!

These trips cost more than the group tours, but you’ll be treated like a VIP from start to finish. Popular stops on private trips include Argiroupolis, Lake Kournas and Chania as well as Rethymno.

How much does a day trip to Rethymno from Heraklion cost?

The group jaunts to Rethymno cost around €50 per person. This covers round-trip bus transport, multiple stops at different locations and a guide. Pickups are either from a designated collection point or a main road hotel in Heraklion.

For a private day trip to Rethymno from Heraklion, you can expect to pay around €660 for a group of three people. Hotel pickups, transfers by luxury vehicle, a personal guide and 24/7 concierge consultation are included in the price. You’ll also be treated to snacks and water while traveling in the car.

What will you see and do?

Rethymno is a popular destination for culturally curious visitors to Crete. The old town and Venetian harbor are the main attractions, with plenty to draw the eye. It’s an atmospheric city, where wandering the cobbled streets and taking in the traditional architecture is a popular pastime.

The highlight of your Rethymno day trip will be exploring the historic center. If museums are your thing, then don’t miss visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Historical and Folklore Museum. The exhibitions in these two museums showcase the legacy of the Rethymno region and its past inhabitants.

You can walk in the footsteps of the Ottoman conquerors outside the Ibrahim Han Mosque and the Neratze Mosque. The latter boasts the city’s tallest minaret which makes for great photos.

Meanwhile, fishing boats bob up and down in the old harbor and tavernas line the waterfront, luring you in with tantalizing aromas. The colorful houses add to the quintessential Greek island scene, which is best enjoyed with a walk along the port walls.

Sitting high above the town is the Fortezza. This imposing fort was constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the city from invasion by sea. The structures remain to this day and the views alone are worth the climb up the hill.

When is the best time to visit Rethymno?

Rethymno can be visited all year round, so you can explore no matter when you visit the island.

However, the best time for a day tour to Rethymno is in spring or fall when the weather is pleasant, and the streets aren’t busy. Summer can be lovely too, just prepare for the heat and the crowds.

What other day trips can you do from Heraklion?

• Dia Island day trips from Heraklion
• Spinalonga day trips from Heraklion
• Agios Nikolaos day trips from Heraklion
• Elounda day trips from Heraklion
• Samaria Gorge day trips from Heraklion

Travel tips

• Plan your day trip to Rethymno from Heraklion in good time – places fill up fast, especially in peak season.
• Take water, a sunhat, sunscreen and money so you can purchase lunch while you’re out and about.
• Remember to pack your beachwear and a towel if your tour includes opportunities for swimming.
• Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking about the town – leave the heels at home.