The Palace of Knossos is an ancient Minoan palace near Heraklion. It's one of the most important archaeological sites on Crete and famous for its impressive art and architecture.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece. It features a significant collection of Minoan artifacts, including many from the Palace of Knossos.
Avli Tou Vasilea is a restaurant in the heart of Heraklion serving traditional Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine. It's known for its elegant atmosphere and high-quality food.
The Old Town of Rethymnon is a charming medieval city located in the north of Crete. It features a plethora of narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque Venetian harbor. It's an ideal place to relax, explore and indulge in local delicacies.
Balos Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Crete, known for its turquoise water, white sand, and crystal-clear lagoon. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the breathtaking sunset.
Travelers can take a bus or rent a car to get around Crete. Buses are affordable but may take longer due to frequent stops. Renting a car is more expensive, but it offers more flexibility and saves time. For this itinerary, the estimated travel time from one location to another is included in the list. The estimated cost for a round trip by bus to Balos Beach is €8, and the trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way.
To make the most of one day in Crete, it's essential to start early in the morning. It's also a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. If you have more time, you can spend an extra day in Rethymnon or visit other beautiful places on the island such as Chania, Elafonisi Beach, or Samaria Gorge. If you have less time, consider skipping Balos Beach and spend more time exploring the Old Town of Rethymnon.
Crete has two main airports, Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ). Heraklion Airport is located in the capital city of Crete, Heraklion, and only 3 miles east of the city center. Chania Airport is located in the town of Souda, about 8 miles from the city of Chania. Both airports offer various transportation options to get to the city, such as taxis, buses, and rental cars.