Planning to visit Rethymnon by car?
Here’s everything you need to know about stress-free parking:
- The best parking lots for exploring Rethymnon
- Where to park near the main sites
- Free options and secure parking
- Areas to avoid and safety tips
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is it difficult to park in Rethymnon?
Yes and no. Réthymnon is more affordable than other towns on Crete when it comes to parking, but the situation becomes more complicated as soon as you approach the center. The historic center is closed to non-resident traffic during the tourist season, from April 1 to November 15. We’ve found that the parking lots in the center fill up especially in the late afternoon, when visitors and locals converge on the taverns in the old town. We therefore recommend arriving before 10 a.m. for easy parking.
Parking in Rethymnon: summary
Careful street parking
On-street parking is color-coded. Blue lines indicate paid parking spaces, to be paid for at a parking meter or via the municipal ParkALot application. White lines indicate free parking spaces, while yellow lines are strictly reserved for residents, deliveries and emergencies. We would like to remind you that traffic in the Old Town is forbidden to non-residents from April 1 to November 15, especially after 7.30pm. We have noticed regular checks, so please remain vigilant.
Free parking
Good news: unlike many tourist towns, Réthymnon still offers real free parking, notably under the Fortezza ramparts and near the Sohora stadium. More details later in the article.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Parking Venetian Harbor – Outdoor, 24 hours, chargeable
Most convenient for the Venetian Harbor and the Fortezza - Dimotiko Parking des Quatre Martyrs – Outdoor, 24 hours a day, chargeable
Most central to the old town - Marina Parking – Outdoor, 24-hour, mixed pay and free
Ideal for the beach and seafront. - Parking Garage Old Town – Mixed indoor and outdoor, 24 hours a day, chargeable
The most secure multi-day parking facility
Details of each parking facility are given later in this article.
The cheapest parking facility, Parking Venetian Harbor, charges around €4 to €5 for several hours.
Other municipal parking lots charge similar regulated rates.
The privately-owned Parking Garage Old Town charges higher rates in return for enhanced security.
Essential tips
- In high season, demand is highest at the end of the day, from 6.30pm onwards. It’s imperative to arrive before 10 a.m. to find a seat easily.
- If you are staying in Rethymnon, ask your accommodation provider about parking options.
- Accommodation in the pedestrianized old town: vehicle access is only allowed during the day to unload luggage (before 7.30pm, via El. Venizelos street or Arkadiou street). The car must then be moved to a long-term peripheral parking lot.
- Beware of events: the Quatre Martyrs parking lot closes during the Rethymnon Carnival and major markets, and the pound is quick to respond.
- As in all tourist areas: do not leave any visible objects or luggage in the passenger compartment. Put all your belongings in the locked trunk before arriving at your destination
- And see all our tips for renting a car and driving in Crete
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you’re looking to simplify your stay, choose accommodation with parking.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels, beachfront hotel with private indoor parking (10-minute drive from downtown)
Check photos, photos and availability – and book! - Hotel Amira Luxury Resort & Spa (adults only), – free valet parking and PRM access (20min drive from downtown)
Check photos, photos and availability – and book! - Iperion Beach Hotel (Apparthotel), opposite Rethymnon beach with free private parking
Check photos, photos and availability – and book! - See our selection of the best hotels in Rethymnon
WHERE TO STAY IN Rethymnon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historic center
Hotel Palazzino Di Corina – Check photos and availability
Downtown
Boutique-Hotel Pepi – Check photos and availability
By the sea
Nautilux Hotel – Check photos and availability
Where to park to get closer to specific places in Rethymnon
Rethymnon is rich in attractions, many of which are clustered in the historic center but some are outlying, so here are our recommendations for each.
See our article on the best attractions in Rethymnon.
Where to park to visit the historic center: Guora Gate and Arkadiou Street
The Dimotiko Parking des Quatre Martyrs is the most direct route to the shopping streets of the old town and the Guora Gate. It’s right opposite the Church of the Four Martyrs, next to the Municipal Garden, and just a few steps away from the southern entrance to the historic center. We like its location, which means you can reach Arkadiou Street and its stores in less than 5 minutes. But be warned: demand is very high, especially in the evening, so aim for the morning slot.
Where to park to visit the Fortezza
The Fortezza, a 16th-century citadel perched high above the sea, is the city’s most visited monument. There are two main options for getting up close and personal:
- Parking Venetian Harbor: a 3-minute walk from the old port, with stairs leading up to the citadel.
- Free zones under the ramparts: dirt areas along the Leoforos Emmanouil Kefalogianni, at the foot of the fortress.
Where can I park to enjoy the beach and promenade?
If you want to take advantage of the large sandy beach and seafront promenade, Marina Parking is the obvious choice: it’s located along Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, at the entrance to the marina. From the parking lot, you have direct access to the waterfront, and a self-service electric bike station awaits you near the Delfini building. We find this a convenient place to combine a swim with a stroll. The historic center is only 10 minutes away on foot.
Where to park to visit the surrounding beaches
Most beaches have parking facilities. Always check before you go. From the parking lots, you can expect a few minutes’ walk. Read our article on the best beaches in Rethymnon here (coming soon).
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The best parking lots for visiting Rethymnon
Rethymnon has three large outdoor parking lots around the old town and a private garage conveniently located for longer stays.
Parking Venetian Harbor
The Venetian Harbor parking lot is the main hub for arrivals from the northern waterfront. It’s often the last major parking lot in the center to sell out in the morning, thanks to its large spaces.
- GPS entry: 35.3695, 24.4795 (Leoforos Emmanouil Kefalogianni, entrance to new port)
- Approx. 250 seats
- Open 24/7
- Charge: approx. 4 to 5 euros for several hours, payment by card or cash at the exit booth.
- Outside, uncovered (no shade)
- Secure: yes, official enclosed parking lot, automated gates and partial surveillance
- 3-minute walk from the old Venetian port and pier restaurants, access to the Fortezza via nearby stairs
- No electric charging stations
- Latest information on the city page with a parking map here
Dimotiko Parking des Quatre Martyrs
Dimotiko Parking on Four Martyrs Square is the most central location for visiting the old town from the south, via the Guora Gate.
- GPS entry: 35.3662, 24.4745 (intersection Koundourioutou and Tessaron Martyron)
- Approx. 150 seats
- Open 24 hours a day (except for event restrictions)
- Paying, regulated municipal rates
- Exterior
- Secure: yes, managed by the municipality
- Municipal self-service electric bicycle station on site
- Very high demand, especially in the evening. Farm during Carnival and major local markets
- Latest information on the city page with a parking map here
- Distance from center: immediate access, just opposite the Church of the Four Martyrs and the Municipal Garden
Marina Parking
Marina Parking borders the marina, to the east of the center. It is divided into two sections, one paying and the other free.
- GPS entry: 35.3675, 24.4835 (avenue Sofokli Venizelou)
- Approximately 300 places divided into two sections
- Open 24 hours a day
- Mixed: left-hand side paying, right-hand side free.
- Exterior
- Secure: the pay section is barrier-controlled, the free section is unguarded
- Self-service electric bike station near the Delfini building
- Direct access to the large sandy beach and seafront promenade
- Latest information on the city page with a parking map here
- Distance from center: about 10min walk from the historic center
Parking Garage Old Town
Parking Garage Old Town is a private garage located on the north-western edge of the old town. It’s the ideal solution if you’re staying for several days in accommodation without parking.
- GPS entry: 35.3711, 24.4735 (17 Melissinou Ioanni Street)
- Approx. 80 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Pay parking, higher rates than municipal parking lots
- Mixed: indoor and outdoor spaces
- Secure: yes, highly secure, physical guarding and 24-hour video surveillance
- Ideal for secure overnight parking and long stays
- Latest information on the city page with a parking map here
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Where can I park for free in Rethymnon?
The free options in Rethymnon are very real, which is rare for a tourist town of this size. Here, we give you the low-cost alternatives available, while being transparent about their respective constraints.
- Fortezza area: all along the Leoforos Emmanouil Kefalogianni coastal road, under the ramparts, large areas of earth and gravel managed by the municipality are accessible free of charge.
- Sohora Municipal Stadium: a large free field is located in the immediate vicinity of the sports complex, northwest of the old town.
- Marina (eastern section): the strip of land on the right at the entrance to the modern Marina remains freely accessible, without paying barriers.
- Outlying districts: the residential areas of Koumbes (to the west) and Gallos (to the south) offer free on-street parking. The municipality sometimes organizes free shuttles or low-cost buses to the center in high season.
Where to avoid parking in Rethymnon?
Parking regulations in Rethymnon become much stricter during the season. It’s best to be aware of the pitfalls before leaving the car anywhere, or risk financial penalties.
- Historic old town: extremely narrow streets, frequent dead ends, heavy pedestrian traffic. High risk of damage to bodywork and heavy fixed fine for violation of seasonal pedestrian zone.
- Sofokli Venizelou Avenue in high season: saturated traffic and frequent police checks on illegal parking along café terraces.
- The area around the Place des Quatre Martyrs on market days or during Carnival: risk of complete immobilization of the vehicle, or even immediate removal by the pound.
- Sidewalks and ramps: Greek police frequently remove license plates from badly parked vehicles, leaving the driver stranded for several days, in addition to the fine.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer more choice, compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars
FAQ – Parking in Rethymnon
Where to park without walking too far in Rethymnon?
There are two distinct parking areas to limit walking. Parking Venetian Harbor puts you less than a 3-minute walk from the old port and its restaurants, on a level route. The Dimotiko Parking des Quatre Martyrs offers immediate access to the pedestrian shopping streets of the old town via Porte Guora. We recommend the former for the Fortezza and the harbor, the latter for shopping and the taverns in the center. We suggest arriving before 10 a.m. in both cases, as places sell out fast in high season.
Secure, covered parking lots in Rethymnon
Réthymnon has no underground parking lot, but two facilities stand out for their level of security. Parking Garage Old Town offers covered parking spaces, physical security and 24-hour video surveillance: our choice if you want to leave your car for several days. Parking Venetian Harbor, which is enclosed and equipped with automated gates, benefits from partial surveillance. We found both options reassuring for rental vehicles. Nevertheless, we advise you not to leave anything visible in the passenger compartment.
Is there a 24-hour parking lot in Rethymnon?
Good news if you’re arriving at night or leaving early in the morning: all four of Rethymnon’s main parking lots operate continuously, 7 days a week (Venetian Harbor, Quatre Martyrs, Marina and Garage Old Town parking lots). Please note that the Dimotiko Parking des Quatre Martyrs may close for events such as Carnival or market days.
Where is the cheapest parking lot in Rethymnon?
Parking Venetian Harbor remains the most economical paying option, at around 4 to 5 euros for half a day. On-street, the blue zones regulated via the ParkALot app are inexpensive, but limited in time. And if you’re on a tight budget, the free zones at the Fortezza or Sohora stadium are unbeatable.
Is it possible to book parking in advance in Rethymnon?
No, Rethymnon’s public and municipal parking lots operate on a first-come, first-served basis only. Only certain private garages, such as the Parking Garage Old Town, or hotels with private parking spaces, can guarantee a space upon prior reservation.
Can I drive into Rethymnon’s old town?
No, not in season. Traffic and parking are forbidden to non-residents from April 1 to November 15, especially after 7.30pm. During the day, you can unload your luggage if your accommodation is in the center, via El. Venizelos or Arkadiou streets. The vehicle must then be moved to a long-term peripheral parking lot.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
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Most beautiful landscapes
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- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
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