Start your trip by exploring the capital city, Heraklion. Visit the 16th-century Venetian harbor, which features the Koules Fortress, constructed to protect the city from pirate attacks. Head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum that houses Minoan artifacts and exhibits from the Bronze Age, and visit the ancient city of Knossos with its grand palace, a testament of the Minoan civilization.
Travel to the charming coastal town of Chania, where you can shop and eat at the Venetian harbor. Stroll through the romantic alleys of the Old Town and visit the Chania Archaeological Museum, which has a vast collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts. End your day by visiting the 16th-century lighthouse at the edge of the harbor.
Drive to the stunning Balos Beach, which offers picturesque views of the turquoise lagoon and fantastic photo opportunities. Take some time to take a dip in the crystal-clear water and relax on the pink sand. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water, and snacks since there are no commercial establishments nearby.
Explore the beautiful town of Rethymno, which has an ancient fortress, cultural landmarks, and charming markets. Visit the Fortezza Fortress and get a panoramic view of the city, and head towards the Rethymno Archaeological Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the old town's maze-like alleys and alleyways.
Take a day trip to the Samaria Gorge National Park, one of the world's top hiking destinations. The 18-kilometer trail offers stunning views of the gorge and surrounding mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Libyan Sea. Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks, and expect to spend most of the day hiking.
Visit Elafonisi Beach, one of the most scenic beaches in Greece. The beach is known for its pink sand and crystal-clear blue water, making it a paradise for swimmers, divers and sunbathers. You can also visit the island's protected nature reserve, Kedrodasos Forest, that offers a pristine landscape of white cedars.
Drive to Vai Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by palm trees and exotic flora. The beach is located in a protected nature reserve, which features unique species of plants and animals. You can also indulge in some water sports activities, such as snorkeling and windsurfing.
Discover the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, situated on the eastern coast of Crete. Visit Lake Voulismeni, a natural lake in the center of the town, and enjoy some coffee at one of the cafes that surround it. Check out the Folklore Museum and get to know the local traditions and culture. Head to the Mirabello bay and enjoy a swim at one of the beaches nearby.
Take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, a small rocky island known for its Venetian fortress and storied past. Explore the ruins of the fortress, visit the ancient cemetery, and stroll through the lush vegetation that covers the island. The island also offers plenty of swimming and relaxing opportunities.
End your trip by visiting Matala Beach and the neighboring caves, where the hippies of the 1960s once lived. Relax on the sandy beach or take a dip in the crystal-clear water. Visit the famous cliffside caves and learn about the town's rich cultural history as a haven for artists and musicians.
Travelers can rent a car or take organized day-trips to reach the destinations. Public transportation is also available, but it may take longer to reach some locations. Expect to pay around 30-40 EUR for a car rental/day, 50-60 EUR for a day-trip and 5-6 EUR for public transport for one-way travel.
If you have more time, consider driving to the south coast of Crete and exploring the charming towns of Plakias and Paleochora. If you have less time, consider visiting either Balos Beach or Elafonisi Beach instead of both.
Crete has three international airports: Chania International Airport (CHQ), Heraklion International Airport (HER), and Sitia Public Airport (JSH). Heraklion International Airport is about 5 km east of Heraklion's city center, and Chania International Airport is around 15 km east of the town.