Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is home to over 650,000 people. It takes seven hours to drive from one end to the other and it is packed full of ancient wonders, natural beauty, cultural activities and lots more. For this reason, we always say it needs at least a week is needed on any Crete itinerary, and preferably two, although really you could spend an entire month on Crete and still not see everything.
This article covers four itineraries for Crete for 7, 10, 14 and 21 days of fun and adventure.
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When to visit Crete
As the southern most island in Greece Crete has a longer season than most and with such a large permanent population it is a year-round destination.
May, June, late September, and early October are ideal times to visit for good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. If you prefer the lively summer vibe, July and August are great, but like most places, expect hotter weather and more tourists.
Spring (April – June)
Highlights: Mild weather, fewer tourists, spring flowers. It can be rainy at times, but warming up each day. The Spring flowers will be out in April & May and it’s a great time for site seeing although water temperatures will still be cool for swimming.
- April: 16°C (61°F)
- May: 19°C (66°F)
- June: 23°C (73°F)
Summer (July – August)
Highlights: Peak tourist season, ideal for beach activities, lively atmosphere. Some places will be quite crowded, especially Chania, the more popular beaches, and Knossos Palace.
- July: 27°C (81°F)
- August: 27°C (81°F)
- Daytime highs can reach 30°C (86°F) or more.
Autumn (September – October)
Highlights: Warm sea temperatures, quieter beaches, pleasant weather. September will still be busy and cooling towards the end of the month at night.
- September: 25°C (77°F)
- October: 20°C (68°F)
Winter (November – March)
Highlights: Quiet and peaceful, good for cultural exploration but limited beach activities. Some things will be closed especially boat tours and beach related activities. There will likely be a lot of snow on the White Mountains.
- November: 17°C (63°F)
- December-February: 14°C (57°F)
- March: 15°C (59°F)
Where is Crete, and how do you get there?
Crete is Greece’s southernmost island and is 150 kilometers south of Santorini. The sea to the north is the Aegean Sea, and to the south is the Libyan Sea.
How to get to Crete:
You can travel to Crete by plane or ferry.
Flying:
Flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) go to either Chania International Airport (CHQ) or Heraklion International Airport (HER). The flight takes approximately 50 minutes.
There are also direct flights into Chania from many European destinations as well as Turkey, Armenia, Isreal and Saudi Arabia into Heraklion.
In Summer 2025 a new direct flight between the island of Naxos and Heraklion will occur twice a week which will be very popular. There are also a few flights a week in summer from Rhodes.
Ferry:
If you prefer ferries, you can take one from Piraeus Port in Athens to either Souda Port in Chania or Heraklion Port. The ferry ride typically takes 8-10 hours.
If you are traveling from other Greek islands there are ferry connections during the tourist season from Santorini, Milos and other Cycladic Islands from Heraklion, and a direct connection with Rethymnon from Santorini several times a week in summer.
There are also ferries to Crete from Rhodes to Sitia and Kithera to Kissamos. From these ports, you can easily continue to Rethymnon by car or bus.
Getting around
Public Buses: The primary mode of public transportation in Crete is the bus system operated by KTEL. There are two main services:
- Urban Buses: These buses serve the main cities and nearby areas, operating from early morning until late at night.
- Intercity Buses: KTEL buses connect the major cities and towns across Crete, including Chania, Heraklion, and various villages.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in all the major towns and cities. To avoid misunderstandings, agree on the fare before starting your journey. For longer trips, such as from Rethymnon to Heraklion or Chania airports, the fare is approximately €90, with a travel time of around 45 minutes.
Car Rentals: Renting a car provides flexibility to explore Crete at your own pace. Numerous car rental agencies operate on the island, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs. Prices vary depending on the season and vehicle type, so booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist periods.
Bicycles and Scooters: Renting bicycles or scooters is a popular option for shorter distances and a more intimate exploration of the main towns and cities.
Boat Services: During the tourist season, there are many boat trips and excursions available from various ports and harbours across Crete to nearby attractions and islands.
Further reading: Driving in Greece
Our recommended Crete Itineraries
Here, we cover, in detail, four different itineraries for Crete.
- 7 days – Chania 3, Rethymnon 2, Heraklion 1
- 10 days – Chania 3, Rethymnon 3, Agios Nikoloas/Elounda 3, Heraklion 1
- 14 days – Chania 4, Rethymnon 3, Matala 2, Agios Nickoloas 3, Heraklion 2
- 21 days – Chania 4, Loutro 3, Rethymnon 4, Matala 3, Agios Nickoloas/Elounda 4, Heralion 3
Crete Itinerary 7 days
Day 1:
Chania – Exploring the Old Town and Venetian Harbor
Fly into Chania Airport or catch the overnight ferry from Athens. You can also ferry from Santorini into Heraklion and Rethymnon and transfer from there, or from Kythira into Kissamos.
Morning:
- Breakfast: Start your day at a traditional café like Piazza Café or Koukouvaya for Cretan coffee and pastries (try Bougatsa).
- Venetian Harbor: Stroll along the iconic harbour, admire the lighthouse, and take in the picturesque views.
- Maritime Museum of Crete: Learn about Chania’s maritime history and naval heritage.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at Tamam or To Xani near the harbour.
- Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, visiting the vibrant Agora Market for local produce, olive oil, and crafts.
- Archaeological Museum of Chania: Explore ancient Crete artifacts housed in a beautiful Venetian building.
Evening:
- Dinner: Dine at Pallas or Serenissima, offering modern Cretan cuisine.
- Sunset Walk: Stroll to the lighthouse to watch the sunset or enjoy cocktails at a waterfront bar like Fagotto Jazz Bar.
Day 2: Day Trip to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
Morning:
- Balos Lagoon: Drive (or take a boat) to this breathtaking turquoise lagoon. Wear sturdy shoes for the hike if driving, and pack essentials for a day at the beach.
- Gramvousa Island: If on a boat tour, visit this island with a Venetian castle offering panoramic views.
Afternoon:
- Picnic or Taverna: If you bring your own food, enjoy it by the lagoon. Alternatively, some boat tours offer refreshments and there are some people who sell snacks.
Evening:
- Return to Chania: Relax and freshen up.
- Dinner: Visit The Well of the Turk in Splantzia for Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern dishes.
Day 3: Samaria Gorge or Elafonissi Beach
Option 1: Samaria Gorge Hike
- Early Start: Embark on a guided tour or drive to the starting point at Omalos Plateau.
- Hike: Walk through the 16km gorge, one of Europe’s longest, ending at Agia Roumeli.
- Relax: Take a ferry and bus back to Chania.
- Dinner: Reward yourself with a hearty meal at Portes in the Old Town.
Option 2: Elafonissi Beach
- Drive to Elafonissi: About 1.5–2 hours from Chania, this beach is famous for its pink sand and shallow waters.
- Relax and Swim: Enjoy a leisurely day soaking up the sun.
- Lunch: Visit a nearby taverna like Sunset Taverna.
- Return to Chania: Spend your final evening in the Old Town, reflecting on your trip with a relaxed dinner.
Further reading: A Complete Guide to Chania
Where to stay in Chania
Chania is made up of 5 main neighbourhoods. The most charming and central place to stay is the Old Town (Kentro) known for its narrow car-free alleys, historic Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and the picturesque Old Venetian Harbor and Lighthouse.
Popular luxury boutique hotels are Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa – housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion, and Domus Renier Boutique Hotel which features stylish rooms with harbour views. Also Porto Veneziano Hotel is located right on the waterfront.
Less expensive hotels with great harbour views that we love are Pandora Suites and Amphitrite Hotel next door – BUT be sure to book a room with a terrace or balcony!
For families and groups, a great hotel in the heart of the Old Town with a pool and family/triple rooms then check out Samaria Hotel. If you’re happy to forfeit of pool then check out San Salvatore Monastery ( Luxury), Balance Hotel ( Mid-range) or 11City Rooms ( Budget).
Rethymnon Archaeological Museum
Rethymnon Venetian harbour
Day 4: Move to Rethymnon
- Afternoon Arrival: Settle in at your hotel and spend your first afternoon exploring the Old Town and Venetian Harbor.
- Evening: Catch the sunset at the Fortezza Fortress and cocktails at Home Seaside.
- Dinner: Dine at a harbourfront taverna to enjoy the sea breeze and fresh local dishes. We recommend Zefyros who have delicious fresh seafood.
Day 5: Explore Rethymnon
- Morning: Visit the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon to learn more about the area’s ancient history.
- Afternoon: Hike through Kourtaliotiko Gorge or visit Preveli Beach for a combination of natural beauty and adventure. Stop at a traditional village like Spili, known for its Venetian fountain and charming atmosphere, or Anogeia for local crafts and music.
- Dinner: Return to Rethymnon for dinner at Castelo or Orthonas.
- Evening: Relax with a stroll through the town and enjoy the nightlife- there are many small bars and traditional cafes both in the old town and along the east harbour (Nea Rethymnon).
Further reading: A Complete Guide to Rethymnon
Lake Kournas
Arcadi Monastery
Where to stay in Rethymnon
The most charming part of Rethymnon is the old town characterized by its Venetian and Ottoman architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. By staying here you will be within walking distance of historical sites, boutique, museums, galleries, shops, and numerous cafes and tavernas.
We love the places right on the Venetian Harbour like Vista Del Porto and Porto Entiko Suites where you can sit on the balconies and watch the activity at the harbour, listening to the roving musicians in summer.
In the back streets Rimondi Boutique Hotel, Casa Delfini and Erotokritos Hotels are all small and very charming while Hotel Ideon is a larger hotel, with sea views, right across from the harbour and public carpark.
Kriti Beach Hotel and Aquila Porto are 5-star hotels right across from the beach with loads of amenities while Calla Luxury Suites and Summer Dream both have family rooms.
Day 6: one night in Heraklion
Midday – Arrival in Heraklion
- Drop off your luggage at your hotel or a luggage storage facility near the city center or port. We recommend iconic Megaron Hotel or for families and groups Ibis Styles, both right in the old town and very close to the ferry port.
Visit the Palace of Knossos
- Take a short taxi or bus ride (approx. 15-20 minutes) to Knossos, the famous Minoan archaeological site. Spend 1-2 hours exploring the ruins of this ancient civilization and learning about the legendary King Minos and the labyrinth of the Minotaur.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
- Return to the city center and visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the best in Greece. It houses artifacts from Knossos and other Minoan sites, providing fascinating insights into Crete’s history.
PM – Explore the Old Town
- Wander around Heraklion’s Old Town, starting at Lions Square with the Morosini Fountain. Walk along 25th August Street, lined with Venetian and Ottoman-era buildings, and visit the Agios Titos Church.
- Stop by the Koules Fortress at the Venetian harbor for sunset views over the sea.
- Have an authentic Cretan dinner at Peskesi, famous worldwide for their authentic local cuisine.
Further reading: One Day in Heraklion
Day 7: Morning and Departure
- Store your bags at your hotel after breakfast
- Visit the Heraklion Central Market to experience the bustling atmosphere and pick up local products like olive oil, honey, and herbs as souvenirs.
- If you prefer a relaxed end to your trip, head to Amnissos Beach for a swim and lunch at a seaside cafe.
- Alternatively, take a leisurely walk through Georgiadis Park or the city walls for a panoramic view of Heraklion.
- Collect your luggage and head to your next destination.
Extra Days in Crete
We always say a week is the minimum amount of time required for Crete but really you could spend weeks, if not months there.
Here are some suggestions for how to spend those extra days:
10 days in Crete
If you have 3 extra days and are flying or ferrying out of Heraklion then don’t stop there on Day 6/7 but keep driving and head to Agios Nikolaos or Elounda – about 2 hours east of Rethymnon.
Day 7
- Check into your accommodation in either Agios Nikolaos or Elounda. Many hotels in these areas offer incredible sea views and can be very good value compared to other parts of Crete. In Agios Nik we recommended Hotel Polydoros as a good mid-range hotel or for a bit of luxury check out St. Nicolas Bay resort and villas.
- Visit Spinalonga Island, a UNESCO-nominated site. Explore the Venetian fortress and learn about its fascinating history as a former leper colony. The island is a 15-minute boat ride from Agios Nikolaos or Plaka, or 30 minutes from Elounda.
- After returning from Spinalonga, have lunch at a seaside taverna and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at a nearby beach such as Kolokytha Beach (near Elounda) or Havania Beach (near Agios Nikolaos): A small, organized beach with calm waters.
Evening
- Head to Migomis Piano Restaurant for a great meal and unforgettable sunset views over the small harbour.
Day 9: Departure and Scenic Morning
Morning – Short Adventure or Relaxation
- If you have time before departure:
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos for a quick insight into Minoan history.
- Or take a morning dip at Elounda Beach or Ammoudi Beach in Agios Nikolaos.
Day 10: Overnight in Heraklion as per above
14 Days in Crete
Discovering Eastern Crete
Morning – Explore the Lassithi Plateau
- Drive to the Lassithi Plateau, a fertile plain surrounded by mountains and dotted with traditional villages.
- Visit the Dikteon Cave (Cave of Zeus), where legend says Zeus was born.
- Stop at quaint villages like Kera or Tzermiado for coffee and a traditional Cretan breakfast.
Afternoon – Visit Kritsa Village and Panagia Kera
- Head to Kritsa, a charming village known for its traditional vibe and handicrafts.
- Visit the Panagia Kera Church, famous for its well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.
- Enjoy lunch at a local taverna such as Kastellos in Kritsa.
Evening – Return to Agios Nikolaos or Elounda
Agios Nikolaos/Elounda to Matala
- Today, head south to Matala, a picturesque seaside village known for its hippie history, laid back vibes and limestone caves around the beach.
- Stop at Gortyna along the way, an important archaeological site with ruins from the Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine periods, including the famous Law Code of Gortyna inscribed on stone.
- Also be sure to stop at the Agios Marina Donkey Rescue, where are our Facebook Group sponsor two donkeys – Angelis and his mother Limeni. They are always looking for voluteers to help out and/or make a purchase or donation (if you have found this article or anything else helpful you can support us here – all dontations are passed on to various animal rescues across Greece).
- In Matala visit the Matala Caves, carved into the cliffs overlooking the beach. These caves were once used as tombs in Roman times and later inhabited by the 1960s hippie community and people such as Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens.
- Relax on Matala Beach, known for its unique setting with cliffs and turquoise waters.
Evening – Dinner by the Sea
- Enjoy dinner at a beachfront taverna like Skourvoulianos or Hakuna Matata. Try fresh seafood or local dishes like lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens).
Other Southern Crete highlights
Red Beach and Vathy Beach
- Take a short hike to Red Beach, a secluded spot with vibrant red sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great place to relax and take in the unique scenery.
- Alternatively, drive to Vathy Beach, a quiet and unspoiled beach surrounded by cliffs, perfect for a tranquil morning.
Kommos Beach and Ancient Phaistos
- Visit Kommos Beach, a vast, peaceful stretch of sand just a short drive from Matala.
- Head to the nearby Phaistos Palace, an impressive Minoan archaeological site offering panoramic views of the Messara Plain.
Preveli Beach
- Drive to Preveli Palm Beach, one of Crete’s most famous natural wonders. Walk along the river flanked by a lush palm forest before it meets the sea.
- Visit the Monastery of Preveli, perched on a hill with panoramic views and a rich history.
Further reading: A Complete Guide to Matala
Heraklion via Southern Crete Highlights
Visit Ancient Phaistos (Optional)
- Before heading to Heraklion, stop by Phaistos Palace, a major Minoan archaeological site a 30-minute drive from Matala.
- Explore the ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Messara Plain. It’s less crowded than Knossos and provides a tranquil experience.
Lunch – Traditional Village Taverna
- On your way north, stop at some of the many charming mountain villages. Do a small detour to Digenis Lake Taverna for a wonderful lunch by the water.
Afternoon – Scenic Drive to Heraklion
- Continue your journey back to Heraklion, taking in the beautiful landscapes. You will pass many points of interest including forests, mountains, lakes and historic sites such as Vrontisi Monastery.
Optional Stop
- With a small detour, you can visit some of Crete’s best wineries such as Douloufakis and Idaia winery.
Evening – Arrival in Heraklion
- Check into your accommodation and enjoy a final evening in Heraklion. Stroll around the vibrant Venetian Port or the old town streets.
Dinner – End on a High Note
- Dine at a renowned restaurant like Peskesi, known for its creative twists on Cretan cuisine, or Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa for fresh seafood.
Preveli Beach
3 weeks in Crete
With 20 days or more there are several amazing options you can do. We suggest adding the following for the extra week in Crete:
Add 1 extra day to Chania and explore the Akrotiri Peninsula
Visit Loutro from Chania and stay 3 nights
Add 1 extra day to Rethymnon and visit the mountain villages
Add 1 extra day to Elounda/Agios Nikolaos and explore Sitia and the eastern peninsula
3 nights in Loutro
- Travel to Loutro by ferry or boat from Sfakia (Chora Sfakion).
- Check into your hotel – we recommend Hotel Porto Loutro or John Akroyiali Rooms.
- Evening – stroll along the pretty harbour as the day-trippers leave. Walk up the hill to Castella for dinner and enjoy panoramic views of the village and the Libyan Sea at sunset.
- Morning: Hike to Paralia Likos or Marmara Beach. You’ll pass the tiny village of Finika and have breathtaking views of the coastline.
- If you want more hiking head inland to Aradena Gorge
- Evening: Return to Loutro – Take a short boat ride or hike back to Loutro. For dinner, book a table at Notos Restaurant, known for its fresh fish.
- Return to Sfakia via ferry or stay overnight in southern Crete before moving on to your next destination.
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