Welcome to Crete, Greece! Start your relaxing journey by checking into your hotel in Heraklion. After settling in, take a stroll around the city center's winding streets and visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of Minoan artifacts.
Spend a day sunbathing and swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, Agia Pelagia. The village has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy a relaxing meal or drink by the sea.
Visit the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. Learn about the Minoan civilization and how they lived in this impressive palace complex. Afterward, take a walk in the nearby botanical garden and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the trees.
Head to the charming Rethymno town on the northern coast of Crete. Spend the day walking through the narrow streets of the old town and visit historical sites like the Fortezza castle overlooking the town. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy a traditional Cretan meal at one of the taverns.
Enjoy another day at one of Crete's most beautiful beaches. Falassarna is known for its crystal clear blue water and sandy shorelines. Take a dip in the sea, relax under the sun, and have a drink at the beach bar.
Experience the natural beauty of Crete by hiking through Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe. Get up early to start the journey and bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. After the hike, treat yourself to a relaxing massage in the nearby village of Sougia.
Say goodbye to Crete and depart from Chania Airport. Make sure to have a breakfast in the town of Chania and take a final stroll through the old town before heading to the airport. Safe travels!
To travel between different locations, the best option is to rent a car. Public transportation is available, but it can be time-consuming and infrequent. Car rental prices start at around 25 EUR per day for a small economy car. Gas prices in Crete are around 1.5 EUR/liter. Parking is sometimes challenging in big cities and popular attractions, but there are plenty of paid parking options available.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Chania Town and explore the famous Venetian harbor and lighthouse. If you have less time, skip one beach day and either reduce the time spent at Rethymno Town or Palace of Knossos. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothing for hiking in Samaria Gorge National Park.
Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the main airport in Crete, located in the city of Heraklion, the island's capital. The airport is around 3 miles east of the city center and has connections to major European cities like London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Chania International Airport (CHQ) is the second-largest airport on the island, located on the northwest coast. It's around 7 miles east of Chania Town and also has connections to European cities like Rome, Vienna, and Warsaw.