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Rethymno is one of the easiest places to explore by rental car in Crete. Its central location between Chania and Heraklion makes it convenient for airport pickups, beach trips, village visits and longer road trips, while the Old Town itself is best explored on foot.
With a car rental from CreteCars, you can collect your vehicle at Chania or Heraklion Airport, drive directly to your accommodation and explore without relying on fixed transport schedules. Choosing to rent a car in Crete gives you the freedom to plan spontaneous beach stops, visit villages outside the main bus routes and make the most of Rethymno's central location.
Once you reach Rethymno Old Town, it is usually best to park nearby and continue on foot. The historic centre is compact and walkable, while your rental car becomes especially useful for exploring beyond the city. This guide covers driving to Rethymno, airport pickup options, parking, vehicle choice and practical tips for using the city as a base for your Crete road trip.
Table of Contents:
- Rethymno at a Glance
- Is Rethymno Easy to Visit by Rental Car?
- Driving to Rethymno From Chania or Heraklion Airport
- Parking in Rethymno: What Should You Know?
- What Car Should You Rent for Rethymno?
- What Can You Visit Around Rethymno With a Rental Car?
- One-Day Rethymno Itinerary by Rental Car: Old Town, Beach and Nearby Stops
- Start Your Rethymno Road Trip With a Car From CreteCars
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rethymno by Rental Car
Rethymno at a Glance
Rethymno combines a walkable historic centre with easy road connections towards Chania, Heraklion and inland Crete. That makes it particularly useful for travellers who want a city stay without giving up the flexibility of a rental car.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Best airport for pickup | Chania or Heraklion Airport |
| Drive from Chania Airport | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Drive from Heraklion Airport | About 1 hour 10 to 15 minutes |
| Best vehicle for most visitors | Economy, compact or family car |
| Old Town driving | Better explored on foot |
| Parking | Municipal, controlled and private options around the centre |
| Best use of a rental car | Beaches, resorts, villages and regional day trips |
| Suitable for families | Yes |
| Suitable as a road-trip base | Yes |
| Main advantage | Central position between western and eastern Crete |
Is Rethymno Easy to Visit by Rental Car?
Yes. Rethymno is easy to reach by rental car and works well as a base for exploring different parts of Crete. Its position on the north coast gives you straightforward road access from either Chania Airport or Heraklion Airport, so you can collect your car when you land and drive directly to your accommodation.
Once you arrive, the easiest way to explore depends on where you are going. Driving around the newer parts of Rethymno is generally straightforward, but the Old Town is different. Its narrow historic streets, pedestrian areas and access restrictions mean it is usually more convenient to park nearby and continue on foot.
Info: If this will be your first time renting on the island, the Crete car rental guide is also useful for planning the wider trip.
Driving to Rethymno From Chania or Heraklion Airport
Rethymno's central position on Crete's north coast makes it easy to reach by rental car from both Chania Airport and Heraklion Airport. In most cases, the simplest option is to collect your car when you land and drive directly to Rethymno.
| Starting point | Approximate distance | Approximate driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Chania Airport | 65 to 66 km | Around 1 hr 5 to 15 min |
| Heraklion Airport | About 81 km | Around 1 hr 10 to 20 min |
Driving times are approximate and can vary depending on traffic, roadworks, summer congestion and the location of your accommodation in Rethymno.
Driving From Chania Airport to Rethymno
From Chania Airport, drive towards Chania and continue east along Crete's main northern road towards Rethymno. The route passes the wider Souda and Georgioupoli areas before approaching Rethymno from the west.
Chania Airport is a convenient pickup point if your trip also includes Chania, Georgioupoli or other destinations in western Crete.
Info: If you are landing there, read the CreteCars guide to renting a car at Chania Airport before your arrival.
Driving From Heraklion Airport to Rethymno
From Heraklion Airport, follow the main northern road west towards Rethymno. The journey is slightly longer than the drive from Chania Airport, but it still normally takes a little over an hour.
Heraklion Airport is a practical pickup point if your itinerary also includes Heraklion, Knossos or other destinations in central and eastern Crete.
Parking in Rethymno: What Should You Know?
Parking in Rethymno requires a little more planning than the drive itself, especially if you are visiting the Old Town. The historic centre is compact, busy with pedestrians and filled with narrow streets, so it is usually easier to park nearby and continue on foot.
Parking options are available around the centre, including public parking areas, controlled street parking and private car parks. Conditions, availability and charges can vary, particularly during the busy summer months, so always check the signs and parking rules when you arrive.
Info: For arrival and pickup information, see the CreteCars guide to renting a car at Heraklion Airport.
Where Can You Park Near Rethymno Old Town?
Several parking options can be found around the edges of the historic centre, allowing you to leave your rental car and walk to the Old Town, Venetian Harbour and other central attractions.
| Parking area/type | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Port-area parking | Venetian Harbour and Old Town | Convenient for walking into the historic centre |
| Fortezza-area parking | Fortezza and western Old Town | Useful if the fortress is one of your main stops |
| Marina-area parking | Waterfront and eastern centre | Practical for the seafront and nearby streets |
| Controlled street parking | Short city visits | Check payment requirements and parking restrictions |
| Hotel/private parking | Overnight stays | Confirm availability with your accommodation in advance |
If you are staying in Rethymno, it is worth checking whether your hotel or apartment provides parking before you arrive. Accommodation inside or close to the Old Town may have limited vehicle access or recommend a parking area a short walk away.
Is Parking Easy in Rethymno?
Yes, parking in Rethymno is generally manageable if you plan ahead, but finding a convenient space close to the Old Town can be more difficult during July and August or at busy times of day.
Instead of driving around looking for the closest possible space, choose a suitable parking area around the historic centre and walk the final distance. Rethymno Old Town is compact and highly walkable, so once the car is parked, you can comfortably explore its narrow streets, shops, restaurants, Venetian Harbour and Fortezza on foot.
CreteCars tip: If you are visiting Rethymno for the day, arrive earlier in the morning for a better choice of parking spaces. If you are staying overnight, accommodation with private or nearby parking can make using a rental car considerably easier.
What Car Should You Rent for Rethymno?
For most visitors, an economy or compact car is a practical choice for Rethymno. The right vehicle depends mainly on how many people are travelling, how much luggage you have and the type of day trips you plan to make.
| Vehicle category | Best for | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Economy car | Solo travellers and couples | Easy to manoeuvre and park around Rethymno |
| Compact car | Couples and small families | Good balance of space and city-friendly size |
| Family car | Families and longer stays | More room for passengers, luggage and child equipment |
| SUV | Larger groups or travellers with extra luggage | More passenger and luggage space |
An economy or compact car works particularly well if you expect to drive and park around Rethymno regularly. A family car offers more space for children, pushchairs, beach equipment and luggage, while an SUV can be useful for larger groups but is not necessary for the normal paved routes around Rethymno.
Manual or Automatic Car for Rethymno?
Both manual and automatic cars are suitable for driving around Rethymno, so the best choice is simply the one you feel most comfortable with. Think about the type of driving you will be doing and what will make your trip more relaxed.
- Automatic car: A comfortable option if you are unfamiliar with Crete's roads or prefer easier driving in traffic, on hills and during longer day trips.
- Manual car: A good choice if you already drive manual regularly and feel confident changing gears on different types of roads.
Whichever you choose, being comfortable with the car will make driving around Rethymno and exploring the surrounding area much more enjoyable.
What Can You Visit Around Rethymno With a Rental Car?
One of the best things about staying in Rethymno is how easy it is to explore beyond the city. With a rental car, you can spend the morning discovering a traditional village, head to the south coast for the day or take a longer trip to Chania.
1. Combine Arkadi Monastery and Margarites
If you want an easy trip without spending too much time in the car, Arkadi Monastery and Margarites are a good combination. Explore the monastery first, then continue to Margarites for a walk through the village and its pottery workshops.
Approximate drive from Rethymno to Arkadi Monastery: 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Head South to Preveli
If you have a full day, drive south towards Preveli. The journey takes you through a different side of the Rethymno region, with mountain scenery along the way and the beaches of Crete's south coast waiting at the end.
Approximate drive from Rethymno to Preveli: 40 to 50 minutes.
3. Spend a Day in Chania
Chania is close enough for a comfortable day trip from Rethymno. Once you arrive, park near the centre and explore the Old Town and Venetian Harbour on foot before returning to Rethymno later in the day.
Approximate drive from Rethymno to Chania: about 55 to 65 minutes.
CreteCars tip: Do not try to fit too many places into the same day. Pick one area or combine nearby stops so you spend more time exploring and less time behind the wheel.
One-Day Rethymno Itinerary by Rental Car: Old Town, Beach and Nearby Stops
Rethymno is best enjoyed with a mix of walking and driving. Park near the Old Town for the morning, explore the historic centre at your own pace, then use your rental car later in the day to discover more of the surrounding area.
| Time | Suggested activity | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Arrive and park | Find a convenient parking area near the Old Town and leave the car there for the morning. |
| 09:30 to 12:30 | Explore Rethymno Old Town | Wander through the historic streets, visit the Venetian Harbour and enjoy the city on foot. |
| 12:30 to 14:00 | Stop for lunch | Choose a taverna or restaurant in the centre without worrying about moving the car. |
| 14:00 to 16:00 | Relax by the sea | Spend some time at the beach or take a break before continuing your day. |
| 16:00 onward | Head out for a short drive | Use your rental car to visit a nearby beach, traditional village or another stop outside the city. |
| Evening | Return to Rethymno | Park near the centre and finish the day with dinner or an evening walk through the Old Town. |
CreteCars tip: There is no need to fit too much into one day. One of the advantages of having a rental car in Rethymno is the freedom to keep your plans flexible. If you want more time in the Old Town or at the beach, simply save the surrounding villages and other nearby destinations for another day.
Start Your Rethymno Road Trip With a Car From CreteCars
Rethymno is easy to enjoy at your own pace. Park your rental car, wander through the Old Town and Venetian Harbour, then get back on the road when you are ready to discover a nearby beach, traditional village or another part of Crete.
With CreteCars, you can explore the rental car fleet and choose a vehicle that suits your route, luggage and travel plans. You can also select the pickup option that works best for your stay, including Rethymnon Port, Rethymnon Town or a requested location in Rethymnon.
That flexibility means you can arrange your rental around your arrival, accommodation and wider Crete itinerary instead of planning your day around fixed transport schedules. It gives you more freedom to decide when to leave, where to stop and how long to spend at each destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rethymno by Rental Car
Is parking easy near Rethymno Old Town?
Parking is usually easier around the edges of the Old Town than inside it. The simplest option is to use a designated parking area and walk into the historic centre. During summer, allow a little extra time and always check local parking signs and restrictions.
Where should I park if my hotel is in Rethymno Old Town?
Ask your hotel or host for the nearest recommended parking area before you arrive. Many properties in the historic centre do not have private parking, so you may need to leave the car nearby and walk the final few minutes with your luggage.
Is it worth renting a car if I am staying in Rethymno for only a few days?
Yes, if you want to explore beyond the town. If your plans are limited to the Old Town, nearby beach and restaurants, you may not need a car every day. If you want to see more of Crete, a rental car gives you much more flexibility.
Should I book my Rethymno rental car in advance?
Booking ahead is a good idea, especially during the busy summer season. It can give you more choice of vehicle categories and make it easier to organise your pickup. Before confirming your reservation, take a moment to read the CreteCars rental terms and check what the rates include so you know what applies to your booking.
Can I drive into Rethymno Old Town?
It is usually better to park outside the historic centre and continue on foot. Many streets in Rethymno Old Town are narrow, pedestrianised or have limited vehicle access.
