Epic 7-Day Crete Squad Trip 2025: Beaches, Parties & Culture

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Heraklion, Crete on June 26, 2025

8:30pm

Arrival at Heraklion Airport

Touch down at Heraklion International Airport and pick up your rental car for convenient island exploration.
Included in flight cost, 30m

9:30pm

Check-in at Airbnb or Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in the heart of Heraklion for easy access to nightlife and city attractions.
€25 per night (estimate per person), 1h

10:30pm

Light Dinner & Beers in Old Town

Enjoy a casual meal and local beers at a traditional tavern in Heraklion’s old town, soaking in the relaxed evening vibes.
€15, 1h

11:30pm

Rest and Recharge

Early night to recover from travel and prepare for exciting days ahead.
Free, Overnight
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Day 2: Beach & Nightlife

Heraklion, Crete on June 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kafenio Meletiou

Start your day with traditional Greek coffee and pastries in a local favorite cafe open from 8am.
€5, 1h

10:00am

Ammoudara Beach Relaxation

Spend a leisurely morning swimming and sunbathing at Ammoudara Beach, just west of Heraklion city center.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Enjoy authentic Cretan dishes made with local ingredients at Peskesi, open daily for lunch until 5pm.
€15, 1h30m

3:00pm

Heraklion Old Town Walk

Explore Lion’s Square, the Venetian walls, and the historic architecture surrounding Heraklion’s old town at a relaxed pace.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kouzina E.P.E.

Sample modern Greek cuisine at this well-reviewed restaurant near the old town, open till 10pm.
€20, 1h30m

9:00pm

Start Party at Dish Bar or Wets

Experience Heraklion’s lively nightlife at popular bars Dish Bar or Wets, open from 9pm till late.
Drinks ~€10-15, 3h

Midnight

Jailhouse Club

Join the vibrant crowd at Jailhouse Club for a late-night party; busiest on Friday nights.
Entry €10, drinks ~€10, Till 3am
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Malia Party

Malia, Crete on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab fresh pastries and coffee at a bakery near your accommodation before heading out.
€5, 45m

10:00am

Drive to Malia

Take a scenic 40-minute drive east to reach the famed party town of Malia.
Car rental/gas included, 40m

11:00am

Check into Beachside Airbnb or Hotel

Settle into affordable accommodation right on or near Malia Beach for easy party access.
€25-30 per night, 1h

12:00pm

Relax at Malia Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon swimming and lounging on the popular sandy beach of Malia.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Pre-party Cocktails at Zig Zag Bar

Get the party started early with creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere at Zig Zag Bar, open until midnight.
Cocktails ~€10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arkoudilas

Enjoy fresh seafood and Greek dishes in a cozy setting, open until 10pm.
€20, 1h30m

9:00pm

Malia Strip Nightlife

Dive into Malia’s energetic nightlife covering clubs like Candy Club and Apollo; expect music and dancing till dawn.
Entry €10-15, drinks €10-15, Till 4am
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Day 4: Chania Exploration

Chania, Crete on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yannis Grill

Before departing Malia, enjoy a hearty Greek breakfast at this popular spot open from 7am.
€7, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Chania

Set off on a roughly 2.5-hour scenic drive west to Chania, a charming coastal city known for its vibrant old town.
Car/gas included, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in Accommodation

Drop off bags at your Airbnb or hotel in central Chania for easy access to main sights.
€25 per night, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Savor delicious Cretan cuisine in this cozy restaurant near the old harbor, open for lunch till 4pm.
€18, 1h

2:30pm

Nea Chora Beach

Unwind at Nea Chora Beach with sunbathing and swimming in calm, crystal-clear waters.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Chania Old Town & Venetian Harbor

Wander colorful alleys, visit shops, and admire Venetian architecture in one of Crete’s most picturesque towns.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Salis

Dine on modern Greek dishes with a harbor view, open until 11pm.
€25, 1h30m

10:00pm

Drinks at Sinagogi Bar

Enjoy open-air bar vibes and creative cocktails at Sinagogi Bar, open till 2am.
Drinks ~€10-15, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Balos Lagoon Day

Chania, Crete (Balos Lagoon) on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Koukouvagia Cafe

Grab pastries and coffee before departing for Balos; cafe opens at 7am.
€6, 30m

8:00am

Drive or Boat to Balos Lagoon

Take a scenic drive followed by a short hike or opt for a boat trip from Kissamos Port to the stunning Balos Lagoon; boat tours run from 9am-3pm.
Boat €20-25, hiking free, 3-4h

12:00pm

Relax & Swim at Balos Lagoon

Enjoy crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views — perfect for swimming and drone photography if available.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Return to Chania

Drive back to Chania, allowing time to freshen up before dinner.
Included in prior transport costs, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mare Restaurant

Chill dinner at Chania harbor featuring fresh seafood and local wines, open until 10:30pm.
€25, 1h30m

9:00pm

Light Drinks by the Harbor

Enjoy relaxed evening drinks at an outdoor cafe to recover from the day’s adventure.
€10-15, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Chill & Return

Chania to Heraklion, Crete on July 1, 2025

9:30am

Sleep In & Late Breakfast at Bougatsa Iordanis

Enjoy a famous Cretan bougatsa pastry and coffee to start the day slowly; opens 8am.
€5, 1h

11:00am

Souvenir Shopping in Chania Old Town

Shop for unique local crafts, olive oil, and souvenirs in colorful shops open till early evening.
Variable, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at To Stachi

Savor traditional vegetarian Cretan fare before departure, open till 4pm weekdays.
€15, 1h

2:30pm

Drive back to Heraklion

Return trip of about 2.5 hours to Heraklion for last evening on the island.
Included in car rental/gas, 2h30m

5:00pm

Sunset Beers at Ammoudara Beach

Relax with beers and sunset views at a beach bar near Ammoudara Beach, open till late.
€10, 2h

8:00pm

Early Dinner/Post-beach Snacks at Paralia Seaside Tavern

Enjoy light dinner options in a laid-back beachside setting, open till 10pm.
€15, 1h

9:30pm

Early Night Rest

Prepare for the early morning flight with a restful night’s sleep.
Free, Overnight
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Day 7: Departure Day

Heraklion, Crete on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Light Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Quick breakfast close to accommodation to fuel up before heading to the airport.
€5, 30m

8:15am

Drive to Heraklion Airport

Allow ample time for car return and airport security, arriving early for your 11:35am flight.
Included in car rental, 45m

11:35am

Flight Heraklion to Brussels

Depart Crete after a memorable trip, arriving in Brussels at 2:35pm.
Included in flight, 4h
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