Elafonisi Beach is a popular beach located on the southwest coast of Crete. With its pink sand and crystal-clear waters, it's one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can also try some water sports, like paddleboarding and kayaking, or hike in the nearby hills.
Samaria Gorge is a 16 km long canyon located in the White Mountains. It's home to various rare species of flora and fauna and has breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is challenging and requires sturdy shoes, so be prepared for a day of adventure.
Knossos Palace is an archaeological site dating back to the Minoan civilization. The palace was built around 2,000 BC and has been partially restored. The site gives you a glimpse of what life was like during the Minoan period and is a must-see for history buffs.
The Balos Lagoon is located on the northwest coast of Crete and is known for its turquoise waters and pink sand. You can take a boat tour to explore the lagoon or hike to the nearby Gramvousa Island, where you can see an old Venetian fortress.
Agiofarago Gorge is a hidden gem located on the south coast of Crete. The hike is challenging and takes about 2 hours, but the scenery is breathtaking. The trail ends at a secluded beach where you can relax and soak up the sun.
Imbros Gorge is another beautiful canyon in Crete. The trail is less challenging than Samaria Gorge, making it a great option for families and beginners. The hike takes about 3 hours and ends in the village of Komitades.
Spinalonga Island is a small island located in the Gulf of Elounda. The island was used as a leper colony until the mid-20th century and has many interesting ruins and buildings to explore. You can take a boat tour or swim to the island from the nearby beach.
Rethymno Old Town is a charming neighborhood in the city of Rethymno. The town is full of narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and historical landmarks. You can visit the Venetian fortress, the Rimondi Fountain, and the Great Gate.
Loutro is a picturesque village located on the south coast of Crete. The village is only accessible by boat or foot, which adds to its secluded charm. You can swim, sunbathe, or hike in the nearby hills.
Matala Beach is a popular beach located on the south coast of Crete. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and has unique caves carved into the rocks. You can also try some water sports or explore the nearby hippie village of Pitsidia.
Chania Old Town is a charming neighborhood in the city of Chania. The town is full of Venetian and Ottoman monuments, narrow alleys, and picturesque alleys. You can visit the Old Venetian Harbor, the Archaeological Museum, and the Municipal Market.
Agia Triada Monastery is a beautiful monastery located in the Akrotiri peninsula. The monastery was built in the 17th century and has unique architecture and beautiful gardens. You can also visit the nearby Gouverneto Monastery and hike in the nearby hills.
Preveli Beach is a beautiful beach located on the south coast of Crete. The beach has crystal-clear waters and beautiful palm trees. You can also visit the nearby Preveli Monastery and hike in the nearby hills.
Paleochora is a beautiful town located on the southwest coast of Crete. The town has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming old buildings. You can also visit the nearby Venetian fortress and hike in the nearby hills.
Agios Nikolaos is a charming town located in the eastern part of Crete. The town has beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and colorful buildings. You can visit the nearby Lake Voulismeni, the Archaeological Museum, and the Folklore Museum.
To get around Crete, you can rent a car, take public transportation, or join a guided tour. Renting a car gives you more flexibility and is the best option if you want to visit remote areas. Public transportation is affordable but limited in some areas. Guided tours are a great option if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Crete.
The estimated cost of renting a car is €30-€50 per day, depending on the model and season. Public transportation costs around €2 per ride. Guided tours cost around €50-€100 per day, depending on the itinerary.
If you have more time, you can visit the island of Santorini or the city of Heraklion. If you have less time, you can skip some of the locations on this itinerary or combine some of them into a single day trip. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the weather can get hot.
The main airport in Crete is Heraklion International Airport (HER), located about 5 km east of the city of Heraklion. It's the second-busiest airport in Greece and has flights to many European destinations. Chania International Airport (CHQ) is another airport located on the western part of Crete, about 14 km from the city of Chania. It has flights to some European destinations, mainly during the summer season.