13-Day Crete Road Trip: Start in Chania, End in Heraklion with Extended Stays

Day 1: Arrival in Chania

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 28, 2025

9:00am

Pick up rental car

Collect your hired car at Chania Airport or city center to begin your Crete discovery trip.
EUR50, 0h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya

Enjoy a creative breakfast with fresh coffee and pastries in a cozy café with a garden atmosphere.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Explore Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour

Walk through the charming winding alleys, artisan shops, and the iconic lighthouse overlooking the sea.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Savor traditional Cretan and Eastern Mediterranean fusion dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Maritime Museum of Crete

Discover the maritime history of Crete through engaging exhibits, open until 5pm daily.
EUR7, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Nea Chora Beach

Unwind with a stroll or swim at this nearby sandy beach, perfect for an afternoon break.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glossitses

Experience hearty homemade Cretan cuisine in a charming garden tavern setting.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Samaria Gorge Hike

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for a full-day hike.
EUR10, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Samaria Gorge Entrance

Travel about 1h to the trailhead at Omalos plateau, start point for the hike.
EUR0, 1h

8:45am

Hike Samaria Gorge

Embark on a stunning 16km hike through Europe’s longest gorge surrounded by dramatic cliffs and nature, lasting about 6-7 hours.
EUR5, 6h

3:00pm

Ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion

Relax with a scenic 1h ferry ride after your hike.
EUR15, 1h

4:30pm

Drive back to Chania

Return drive of approx 1h30m to your accommodation.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bodega

Celebrate your successful hike with delicious tapas and fine wine.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beaches of West Crete

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mavros Gatos

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with specialty coffee and savory or sweet treats.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Elafonissi Beach

Travel approx 1h45m to Elafonissi, famous for its pink sand and crystal clear waters.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Elafonissi Beach Taverna

Savor fresh seafood dishes while enjoying breathtaking beach views.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Falassarna Beach

A scenic 45-minute drive to another pristine sandy beach ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at Falassarna

Swim or sunbathe on one of Crete’s best beaches and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Chania

Return drive of approx 45 minutes to your hotel for rest.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tamam

Enjoy diverse Cretan dishes with a welcoming atmosphere to wind down your day.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Balos Lagoon

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kydon Restaurant

Start with a traditional breakfast at this popular spot in central Chania.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kissamos Port

Take a 40-minute drive to Kissamos to catch the boat to Balos Lagoon.
EUR0, 0h40m

10:00am

Boot trip to Balos Lagoon

Enjoy the scenic 1h boat ride leading to one of Crete’s most beautiful natural lagoons with turquoise waters and white sand.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch picnic or at Port Kissamos Tavernas

Relax with a picnic on Balos beach or have fresh seafood back at Kissamos shore tavernas.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Chania

Drive back to Chania to enjoy your final evening in the city.
EUR0, 0h40m

5:00pm

Explore remaining corners of Old Town

Visit shops and sights you may have missed and soak up Chania’s evening charm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pallas

Experience fine dining with creative Mediterranean flavors in a stylish atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Rethymno

Chania to Rethymno, Crete, Greece on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Rethymno

Scenic 1h15m coastal drive to the vibrant town of Rethymno.
EUR0, 1h15m

11:00am

Check into accommodation and settle

Arrive at your hotel, relax and prepare to explore the town.
Variable, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Avli

Enjoy modern takes on Cretan cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Wander through historic alleys, shops, and architectural landmarks, experiencing the lively atmosphere.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Fortezza Castle

Tour this Venetian fortress with panoramic views, open until 7pm.
EUR4, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Prima Plora

Dine on fresh seafood with stunning sunset views on the waterfront.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Rethymno Culture & Beach

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kourma Cafe

Enjoy excellent coffee with fresh pastries near the town center.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Relax at Rethymno Beach

Spend a leisurely morning swimming and sunbathing on the long sandy beach.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Prima Plora

Taste fresh local seafood at a beachfront setting, perfect for a midday meal.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Historical Museum of Rethymno

Discover local history and culture in a well-curated museum, open until 5pm.
EUR6, 1h

3:30pm

Shopping in Old Town

Browse local shops for crafts, souvenirs, and artisan products.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Coffee or Wine at Nietzsche Cafe

Relax with a drink at this atmospheric café overlooking the Venetian harbor.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Avli Tavern

Enjoy traditional Cretan dishes in an elegant courtyard environment.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip to Arkadi Monastery

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out on a cultural excursion.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Arkadi Monastery

A 25-minute drive to the historic monastery, symbolizing Cretan resistance and culture.
EUR3, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Panormos Beach Tavern

Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside taverna on the way back to Rethymno.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Return and relax in Rethymno

Afternoon free for resting or optional further exploration of markets and cafés.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mpalothies

Savor farm-to-table Cretan specialties in a warm and welcoming tavern.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Scenic Drive to Heraklion

Rethymno to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kourma Cafe

Enjoy a light breakfast before your scenic drive eastwards.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Heraklion

A roughly 1h45m drive along the northern coast bringing you to Crete’s bustling capital.
EUR0, 1h45m

11:30am

Check into hotel and relax

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for exploring Heraklion.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Dine on organic, traditional Cretan dishes in a lovely courtyard setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Discover the finest collection of Minoan artifacts, open until 7pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Heraklion Venetian Harbor

Enjoy scenic sea views, historic buildings, and lively cafés before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Treat yourself to fresh seafood and local specialties right on the waterfront.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Knossos Palace & Local Life

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafenio Meleti

Start your day with traditional coffee and homemade pastries in a local café.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Knossos Palace

Explore the legendary Minoan palace ruins, open from 8am to 8pm in summer months.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ippokambos

Dine on traditional Greek dishes and fresh seafood with harbor views.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Relax at Ammoudara Beach

Spend the afternoon at this long, sandy beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing close to Heraklion.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee break at Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa

Enjoy coffee or a glass of local wine with sea views at this beloved taverna.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Herb’s Garden

Celebrate your evening with gourmet Cretan cuisine rooftop style, offering panoramic city views.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: East Coast Gems

Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Get an early start with a quick breakfast before heading east.
Included, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Agios Nikolaos

Approximately 1h30m drive to this picturesque coastal town on the northeast.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Walk around Voulismeni Lake

Stroll the charming waterfront lake surrounded by cafés, shops, and scenic views.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Lunch at Pelagos Seaside Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood delicacies with panoramic sea views at this popular spot.
EUR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Drive to Elounda and Spinalonga Island Tour

Take a boat trip (9am-5pm) from Elounda harbor to explore historic Spinalonga fortress island.
EUR20, 3h

5:00pm

Return and relax in Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy a calm walk or café stop in town before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sunset Taverna

Experience traditional Cretan cooking with spectacular views of Mirabello Bay.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Sitia & East Coast

Agios Nikolaos to Sitia, Crete, Greece on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Omilos Coffee & More

Enjoy a fresh start with locally roasted coffee and pastries.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sitia

A scenic 1h30m drive along the stunning eastern coastline of Crete.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Archaeological Museum of Sitia

Explore local history and artifacts in this small, engaging museum open till 2pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Irene

Dine on fresh seafood and traditional Cretan flavors near the old port.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:45pm

Hike Richtis Gorge

Take a scenic 2-3 hour hike to the Richtis waterfall for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Sitia

Relax with an evening walk or beach time after your hike.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Archontiko

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes in an authentic and welcoming setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 12: Back to Heraklion Leisure

Sitia to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab a quick breakfast before the drive back west.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Heraklion

Scenic 2h drive to Heraklion to spend your final nights relaxing.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and unwind

Settle into your hotel and relax after the drive.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kri Kri

Enjoy delicious Cretan and Mediterranean dishes with local ingredients.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Cretaquarium

Explore Mediterranean marine life in one of Europe’s largest aquariums, open till 6pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Ammoudara Beach

Spend a calm afternoon by the sea before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood with a lovely waterfront ambiance.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Departure Day

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Crete before checking out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Return rental car and airport transfer

Drive or transfer to Heraklion Airport to return your rental car and prepare for departure.
Included in rental, 1h
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