Creta 14-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Heraklion
    Estimated time and distance from airport: 15 minutes (3.8 miles)

    Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the largest city on the island. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to explore the ancient history of the island. Go to the Koules Fortress to enjoy the beautiful views of the sea.

  • Day 2: Rethymno
    Estimated time and distance from Heraklion: 1 hour and 15 minutes (49.5 miles)

    Take a stroll on the streets of Rethymno Old Town to see the beautiful Venetian-style buildings. Admire the colorful boats and fishing nets in the Venetian Harbor. Visit the Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno to learn about the culture and traditions of the island.

  • Day 3: Chania
    Estimated time and distance from Rethymno: 40 minutes (22.3 miles)

    Chania is a beautiful town known for its Venetian Harbor and the narrow streets of the Old Town. Visit the Chania Archaeological Museum to explore the Minoan and Roman history of the island. Go to the Nea Chora Beach and enjoy the turquoise waters of the sea.

  • Day 4: Balos Beach and Lagoon
    Estimated time and distance from Chania: 1 hour and 15 minutes (32.5 miles)

    Take a boat tour to Balos Beach and Lagoon, a picturesque area with crystal clear waters and stunning scenery. Swim in the turquoise waters of the lagoon and explore the exotic beaches of the area.

  • Day 5: Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach
    Estimated time and distance from Balos Beach and Lagoon: 1 hour and 30 minutes (41.9 miles)

    Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach is a unique beach with pink sand due to the presence of crushed shells. Snorkel in the clear waters of the beach and explore the surrounding rock formations. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.

  • Day 6: Samaria Gorge
    Estimated time and distance from Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach: 2 hours and 15 minutes (73 miles)

    Spend the day hiking in the Samaria Gorge, the largest gorge in Europe. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the gorge and take a dip in the rock pools. Learn about the flora and fauna of the island while hiking through the gorge.

  • Day 7: Matala Beach and Caves
    Estimated time and distance from Samaria Gorge: 3 hours and 45 minutes (117 miles)

    Matala Beach and Caves is a beautiful area located on the southern coast of Crete. Explore the caves that were previously inhabited by hippies in the 1960s and '70s. Swim in the turquoise waters of the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.

  • Day 8: Lassithi Plateau
    Estimated time and distance from Matala Beach and Caves: 2 hours and 15 minutes (73.4 miles)

    Lassithi Plateau is an area in the mountains of eastern Crete. Explore the plateau and admire the windmills and other traditional buildings in the area. Visit the Dikteon Cave, where according to Greek mythology, Zeus was born.

  • Day 9: Spinalonga Island
    Estimated time and distance from Lassithi Plateau: 1 hour and 30 minutes (37.2 miles)

    Take a boat tour to Spinalonga Island. Visit the ancient fortress of the island and learn about its history as a Venetian stronghold and later as a leper colony. Swim in the beautiful waters of the island and enjoy the stunning views of the sea.

  • Day 10: Knossos Palace
    Estimated time and distance from Spinalonga Island: 1 hour and 15 minutes (33.6 miles)

    Visit the Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. Explore the ruins of the palace and learn about the Minoan civilization that inhabited the island. Admire the beautiful frescoes of the palace.

  • Day 11: Archanes Village
    Estimated time and distance from Knossos Palace: 25 minutes (8.4 miles)

    Archanes Village is a traditional Cretan village located in central Crete. Take a stroll on the streets of the village and admire the traditional architecture of the buildings. Visit the wineries in the area and taste the Cretan wines.

  • Day 12: Phaistos Palace
    Estimated time and distance from Archanes Village: 1 hour and 15 minutes (43.5 miles)

    Visit the Phaistos Palace, the second-largest Minoan palace in Crete. Explore the ruins of the palace and learn about the history of the Minoan civilization. Admire the stunning views of the surrounding areas from the palace.

  • Day 13: Preveli Beach
    Estimated time and distance from Phaistos Palace: 1 hour and 30 minutes (45.3 miles)

    Preveli Beach is a beautiful beach located on the southern coast of Crete. The palm trees and the river that flows into the sea create a unique and exotic scenery. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach and explore the surrounding cliffs.

  • Day 14: Heraklion
    Estimated time and distance from Preveli Beach: 2 hours and 15 minutes (75.2 miles)

    End your trip in Heraklion. Visit the Koules Fortress and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea. Take a stroll on the streets of the city and enjoy a last dinner in one of the tavernas in the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (2 hours, €10)
  • Koules Fortress (1 hour, free)
  • Rethymno Old Town (2 hours, free)
  • Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno (2 hours, €5)
  • Chania Archaeological Museum (1 hour, €5)
  • Nea Chora Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Balos Beach and Lagoon boat tour (6 hours, €35)
  • Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Samaria Gorge (8 hours, €10 for the entrance and €25 for the bus transfer)
  • Matala Beach and Caves (4 hours, free)
  • Lassithi Plateau (4 hours, free)
  • Spinalonga Island boat tour (4 hours, €20)
  • Knossos Palace (3 hours, €15)
  • Archanes Village (2 hours, free)
  • Phaistos Palace (2 hours, €10)
  • Preveli Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €140

Transportation

To move between the different locations during the trip, we recommend renting a car. The cost of the car rental varies according to the type of car and the rental company. The estimated cost for a 14-day car rental is around €300-€400. The driving distances between the locations are not significant, but it is essential to consider the winding roads in some areas as they may increase driving time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Agios Nikolaos Town and the famous palm forest of Vai. If you have less time, skip one of the locations or the activities that you are less interested in. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and sun protection, especially during the summer months.

Airports

Iraklio International Airport (HER) is the primary airport in Crete, located approximately 5 miles east of Heraklion. The distance from the city center is approximately 3.7 miles. Chania International Airport (CHQ) is another airport located in Western Crete, approximately 8 miles east of Chania. The distance from the city center is approximately 7.5 miles.

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