7 Day Nature Itinerary for Crete

• Day 1: Explore Samaria Gorge National Park with a local guide. Enjoy lunch at Taverna Samaria with stunning views of the mountains.
• Day 2: Hike to the top of Mount Ida, the highest mountain in Crete, for breathtaking views of the island. Have lunch at Roza Restaurant, known for their delicious Cretan cuisine.
• Day 3: Visit Balos Lagoon, a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and pink sand. Take a boat tour from Kissamos Port and enjoy lunch on board.
• Day 4: Explore the ancient Minoan ruins at Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. Enjoy lunch at To Stachi, a traditional Greek restaurant with outdoor seating.
• Day 5: Kayak through the Samaria Gorge and enjoy the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective. Have lunch at Taverna Omalos, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Greek cuisine.
• Day 6: Visit Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Rent a paddleboat and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Have lunch at Kavos Taverna, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views.
• Day 7: Take a Jeep tour through the rugged landscape of Crete, visiting hidden beaches and stunning viewpoints. Enjoy a lunch picnic with local products.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Samaria Gorge National Park - 6 hours - Free admission
• Mount Ida - 5 hours - $30 for guide
• Balos Lagoon - 8 hours - $60 for boat tour and lunch
• Knossos - 4 hours - $15 for admission and audio guide
• Samaria Gorge Kayaking - 5 hours - $40 for equipment rental
• Lake Kournas - 4 hours - $10 for paddleboat rental
• Jeep Tour - 8 hours - $100 for tour and picnic lunch
• Total estimated costs: $255

Transportation

Car rental is recommended for the trip, as many of the destinations are located in remote areas. Rental cars can be booked through www.rentalcars.com for an estimated cost of $30/day. Public transportation is limited in Crete, and taxis can be expensive for longer trips. For the boat tour to Balos Lagoon, it is recommended to book in advance as tickets can sell out quickly.

Links to Key Attractions, Restaurants and Points of Interest

• Samaria Gorge National Park
• Roza Restaurant
• Balos Lagoon
• Knossos
• Samaria Gorge Kayaking
• Kavos Taverna
• To Stachi

Tips:

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the stunning Elafonisi Beach on the southern coast of Crete. If you have less time, consider removing the Jeep tour and spending an extra day exploring the beaches around Chania.