Full Description & Details
The Old Port of Rethymno is the historic harbour at the heart of the old Venetian town on the north coast of Crete. It is a working marina and harbour, used by local fishing boats and visiting yachts alike. The port sits directly below the town's Venetian fortress and is surrounded by cafes, tavernas and shops, making it a lively stopover in the summer months. The harbour is formed by a long Venetian mole that curves out to the north, with the inner basin protected from the prevailing summer northerlies.
Berthing is alongside the inner quays and the mole, with depths that suit medium-sized yachts and smaller cruisers. The holding is good on the sandy bottom, and overnight stays are permitted. The marina is marked on charts and in the harbour information as a marina category harbour. The inner basin is snug, though the entrance can be affected by swell when the wind is strong from the north or northwest.
Facilities at the Old Port are basic but adequate for a short stay. Water and electricity are available at the quay, and there are showers and restrooms ashore. Fuel is not available at the berth, but diesel can be obtained from the nearby fuel station or by road. The town of Rethymno is immediately behind the harbour, with supermarkets, chandlers, bakeries and a wide range of restaurants within a few minutes' walk. The Venetian fortress and the old town are the main attractions.
Approach is straightforward in daylight, with the mole and the fortress clearly visible from seaward. The harbour entrance is narrow and should be taken slowly, keeping clear of the mole head. The best season for a visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is settled. In strong northerly winds, the harbour can be uncomfortable, and the entrance can be dangerous in a heavy swell. There are no formal restrictions on visiting yachts, but the harbour master should be contacted on VHF for a berth assignment on arrival.
How to get there
Approach Rethymno Old Port from the north, using the Venetian fortress and the mole as the primary marks. The harbour entrance is on the eastern side of the mole, and the approach should be made slowly, keeping well clear of the mole head. The depths in the entrance are adequate for most cruising yachts, but the channel narrows as you enter the basin.
There is no dedicated VHF channel published for the harbour, so contact the harbour master on the local port working channel or by phone once within range. Rethymno is on the north coast of Crete, and the nearest airport is at Heraklion, about 80 km to the east, with a smaller airport at Chania to the west. The town is well connected by road, and the harbour is directly in front of the old town, with easy access to the main streets and the waterfront promenade.
Formalities for visiting yachts are handled by the local port police, who can be found near the harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay overnight at Rethymno Old Port?
Yes, overnight stays are permitted at Rethymno Old Port, and berthing is alongside the quays or the mole.
What is the maximum depth at Rethymno Old Port?
The depths in the inner basin are suitable for medium-sized yachts, though the exact maximum depth is not published. The entrance channel is deeper than the inner basin, so approach with care.
Is there fuel available at Rethymno Old Port?
Fuel is not available at the berth at Rethymno Old Port. Diesel can be obtained from a nearby fuel station, which is a short walk or drive from the harbour.
What facilities are available at Rethymno Old Port?
The Old Port offers water and electricity at the quay, plus showers and restrooms ashore. There is no fuel at the berth, but the town of Rethymno is immediately behind the harbour with shops and restaurants.
How do I contact the harbour master at Rethymno Old Port?
There is no dedicated VHF channel published for Rethymno Old Port. Contact the harbour master on the local port working channel or by phone once you are within range of the harbour.
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