13-Day Crete Road Trip: Explore West to East from Chania to Heraklion

Day 1: Chania Arrival

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 28, 2025

9:00am

Pick up rental car

Collect your hired car at Chania Airport to begin your exciting Crete road trip from the west coast.
EUR50, 0h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Kourma Cafe

Enjoy excellent coffee and fresh pastries at a local favorite in Chania town center.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Explore Chania Old Town & Venetian Harbour

Wander medieval alleys, visit boutique shops, and admire the iconic lighthouse by the waterfront.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Taste traditional Cretan and Mediterranean fusion dishes in a cozy setting known for fresh flavors.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Maritime Museum of Crete

Discover Crete's rich maritime history with engaging exhibits, open until 5pm daily.
EUR7, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Nea Chora Beach

Unwind with a stroll or swim at this nearby sandy beach, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glossitses

Enjoy hearty homemade Cretan dishes in a beautiful garden setting with excellent local wine.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Samaria Gorge Day

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast as you prepare for an adventurous day hiking the Samaria Gorge.
EUR10, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Samaria Gorge Entrance

Short 1h drive to Omalos plateau, start point for the famous 16 km Samaria Gorge hike.
EUR0, 1h

8:45am

Hike Samaria Gorge

Enjoy a breathtaking trek through one of Europe's longest gorges amid spectacular natural scenery. Duration approximately 6 hours.
EUR5, 6h

3:00pm

Ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion

Take a scenic 1-hour ferry ride after your hike along the southern coast to Chora Sfakion.
EUR15, 1h

4:30pm

Drive back to Chania

Scenic 1h30m drive returning to Chania to relax after your active day.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bodega

Celebrate your day with tapas-style dishes and fine wines in this lively Chania restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beach Exploration West

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya

Enjoy a creative breakfast featuring fresh ingredients and excellent coffee to start your day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Elafonissi Beach

Scenic 1h45m drive to the famous pink-sand beach of Elafonissi, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Elafonissi Beach Taverna

Relish grilled fish and fresh salads right on the beach with a beautiful setting.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Falassarna Beach

Short 45-minute drive to another stunning beach recognized for its turquoise waters and broad sands.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Relax and Swim at Falassarna

Spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying the sun and water in a charming beach environment.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Chania

Drive back to Chania for your evening plans, approximately 45 minutes.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tamam

Return to Tamam Restaurant for a delightful dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Drive to Rethymno

Chania to Rethymno, Crete, Greece on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Atlas

Enjoy a light, energizing breakfast near the Chania harbor before driving east.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Rethymno

Travel along the northern coast for about 1h15m to Rethymno, known for its Venetian charm.
EUR0, 1h15m

10:30am

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Meander through Renaissance architecture, narrow alleys, and vibrant markets in the historic center.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Avli

Dine in a cozy garden restaurant offering innovative and traditional Cretan cuisine.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Fortezza Castle

Tour this impressive Venetian fortress for panoramic views of the town and sea; open till 7pm.
EUR4, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Rethymno Beach

Enjoy sunbathing or a refreshing swim on the long sandy beach near the town center.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Prima Plora

Experience elegant seafood dining with stunning sunset views over the bay.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: West to East Coastal Drive

Rethymno to Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab fresh cheese pies and coffee for a quick breakfast before your long drive east.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Agios Nikolaos

Journey east along the northern coast for about 3 hours with scenic stops possible en route.
EUR0, 3h

11:30am

Visit Voulismeni Lake

Walk around the iconic lake in the center of Agios Nikolaos, surrounded by shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pelagos

Delight in fresh seafood with splendid views of the Mirabello Bay waterfront.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Drive to Elounda

Short 15-minute scenic drive to the charming coastal village of Elounda.
EUR0, 0h15m

2:30pm

Spinalonga Island Boat Tour

Take a 2-hour boat tour (9am-5pm) to explore the historic Venetian fortress island of Spinalonga.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in Elounda

Enjoy a relaxing stroll or swim at Elounda's beautiful bayside beaches before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sunset Taverna

Savor local specialties and fresh seafood while watching the sunset over Mirabello Bay.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: East Coast Nature & History

Agios Nikolaos to Sitia, Crete, Greece on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Omilos Coffee & More

Enjoy fresh coffee and local pastries in Agios Nikolaos before heading further east.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sitia

Relax on a scenic 1h30m coastal drive to the serene town of Sitia next to the Libyan Sea.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Archaeological Museum of Sitia

Explore Minoan artifacts and local history in a small museum open 9am-2pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Irene

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and traditional Cretan cuisine with a harbor view.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:45pm

Hike Richtis Gorge

Take a 2-3 hour hike to Richtis waterfall through stunning natural landscapes.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Sitia beach

Relax on the sandy beach for swimming or a peaceful evening walk.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Archontiko

Dine on fresh organic Cretan products served in a warm, traditional atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Drive to Heraklion

Sitia to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local bakery

Grab fresh bread and a light breakfast before heading west towards Heraklion.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:45am

Drive to Heraklion

Enjoy a scenic 2h30m drive along the north coast to Heraklion, the island's capital.
EUR0, 2h30m

11:30am

Knossos Palace

Explore the legendary ancient Minoan palace and its fascinating ruins, open 8am-8pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Experience authentic Cretan food using local ingredients in a traditional setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

View world-class Minoan artifacts just a short drive from Knossos, open until 8pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:30pm

Walk Heraklion Venetian Harbor

Chill by the sea, visit cafes or gelato shops, and enjoy twilight views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with a lovely view of the sea close to the harbor area.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Heraklion & Surroundings

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meli & Tsai

Try their honey-themed breakfast dishes and specialty teas in a charming cafe.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Cretaquarium visit

Explore Mediterranean sea life at one of Europe’s largest aquariums, open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kri Kri

Savor modern Cretan dishes made from local ingredients in a casual atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Arkadi Monastery visit

Visit this historic monastery symbolizing Cretan resistance, open until 6pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Ammoudara Beach

Spend a peaceful late afternoon at the sandy beach near Heraklion.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Restaurant

Relish fresh seafood and local dishes with sea views near Heraklion harbor.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Shopping & Leisure

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meli & Tsai

Start your day with a honey-inspired breakfast and specialty teas in a quaint atmosphere.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Stroll 1866 Street Market

Browse local crafts, food products, and souvenirs while experiencing Heraklion’s vibrant market life.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Koules Fortress Café

Enjoy lunch with views of the Venetian fortress and lively seaside ambiance.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Venizelos Graves

Drive to Mount Harakas to see the impressive marble mausoleum and panoramic views of Heraklion.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Coffee and wine at Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa

Relax in this seaside taverna with excellent wine and small plates to round out the afternoon.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening walk in City Park

Enjoy a calm stroll through the historical park and gardens before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Herb’s Garden

Celebrate your trip with gourmet Cretan dishes served in a magical rooftop garden setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Relax & Departure Prep

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast close to your accommodation in preparation for departure.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Leisurely morning walk or last-minute shopping

Spend some downtime exploring any missed spots or picking up souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Return rental car

Drive to Heraklion Airport, return your rental vehicle, and prepare for your flight home.
Included in rental, 1h
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