Full Description & Details
Rethymno Marina is a working port facility on the north coast of Crete, set within the urban fabric of Rethymno town. It is not a standalone resort marina but an integral part of the city port, with the old town and its tavernas, shops, and Venetian fortress within easy walking distance of the berths. The marina operates year-round and is a practical stop for cruisers exploring the Cretan Sea or transiting between the Aegean and the Ionian. The surrounding area is lively, especially in summer, but the marina itself is a functional, well-used harbour rather than a quiet anchorage.
Shelter is good in the enclosed basin, though the entrance can be affected by northerly winds that sweep across the Cretan Sea. The marina provides 176 berths, with the largest berth able to take a vessel up to 40 metres LOA, and most berths are for boats between 8 and 12 metres. Depths range from 3.5 to 4.5 metres, so the marina suits medium-draft yachts and motor cruisers. Berths are on finger pontoons with bow/stern mooring, and two berths are arranged for side-to docking. Holding in the basin is not relevant for normal berthing, but if you anchor outside, the bottom is sand and weed with moderate holding in settled conditions.
Facilities on the berths include water and electricity connections, and Wi-Fi is available on some pontoons. Ashore, there is a restaurant, laundry service, and a crane for haul-outs. The marina office is at Sofokli Venizelou 48, and the website is rethymnoport.gr. Fuel is not listed as an on-site amenity, so plan to fill up before arrival or use a fuel truck if available. The marina is a full-service stop for reprovisioning, with supermarkets and chandlers in the town centre a short walk away.
Watch for the entrance channel, which is well marked but can be busy with local fishing boats and ferries. The marina monitors VHF channel 12, so call ahead for berth allocation and entry instructions. The best season is April to October, when the weather is settled and the town is fully open. In winter, the marina remains operational but the harbour can be uncomfortable in strong north winds. Overnight stays are allowed, and the marina is a designated port of entry, so check in with the port police and customs on arrival.
How to get there
Approach Rethymno Marina from the north, heading for the harbour entrance which is protected by a breakwater. The entrance is clearly visible from the open sea, and the marina is located on the eastern side of the main port basin. Depths at the entrance are around 4 metres, but shoaling can occur near the breakwater, so keep to the centre of the channel.
There are no significant offshore hazards, but the area can have strong northerly winds in summer, so approach with caution in Meltemi conditions. Contact the marina on VHF channel 12 before entering to confirm your berth and any traffic in the harbour. Once inside, follow the marina's instructions for berthing.
The marina is in the centre of Rethymno, so land access is straightforward: the old town is a short walk from the quay, and the main bus station is about 500 metres away. Heraklion Airport (HER) is about 80 kilometres east, and Chania Airport (CHQ) is about 70 kilometres west, both reachable by taxi or bus. Formal entry procedures are handled at the port police office near the marina, and you must clear in if arriving from outside the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum length and draft for a boat at Rethymno Marina?
Rethymno Marina can accommodate vessels up to 40 metres LOA, with a maximum draft of 4.5 metres. The marina's depths range from 3.5 to 4.5 metres, so most medium-draft yachts are fine.
Does Rethymno Marina have fuel docks?
Rethymno Marina does not list fuel as an on-site amenity. You should plan to refuel before arrival or arrange a fuel truck through the marina office.
What VHF channel does Rethymno Marina monitor?
Rethymno Marina monitors VHF channel 12. Contact them on this channel for berth allocation and entry instructions.
Are there facilities for boat repairs at Rethymno Marina?
Rethymno Marina has a crane for haul-outs, and there is a laundry service. For more extensive repairs, you may need to use the chandlers and workshops in Rethymno town.
Is Rethymno Marina open in winter?
Rethymno Marina operates year-round, but the harbour can be uncomfortable in strong north winds during winter. The best season is April to October.
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