A Magical 10 Day Crete Road Trip Itinerary – 10 Epic Days in Crete

Embarking on an exciting Crete road trip was one of the major highlights of my 2024 summer. Crete had always been on my bucket list but once I started doing research for my trip, it became obvious that a road trip would be the best way to see the island. I was not wrong. 

After completing what was possibly the most incredible road trip of my life, I created this epic 10 day Crete road trip itinerary to guide you through the best of Crete’s diverse landscapes. From the turquoise waters of Balos Beach to the dramatic Samaria Gorge and everything in between, I made sure to include every highlight and hidden gem of Crete. 

Each day is carefully planned to balance adventure with relaxation, taking you through picturesque towns, spectacular beaches and a stunning countryside with views that seem made for a road trip. This Crete road trip itinerary offers a seamless blend of the island’s eastern and western highlights, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

So if you’re in the process of planning an adventure on the largest island in Greece, read on to uncover all the info and inspiration you need to know! 

10 Day Crete Road Trip Overview

• Chania – 1 night
• Seitan Limania
• Kissamos – 2 nights
• Balos Beach
• Elafonisi Beach
• Sougia – 2 nights 
• Samaria Gorge
• Pitsidia – 1 night
• Matala Beach
• Agios Nikolaos – 2 nights
• Spinalonga Fortress
• Knossos Palace
• Historic Vineyard
• Heraklion
• Rethymno – 2 nights

Recommended stops

Day One – Arrive in Chania spend the day exploring the highlights of the Old Town, enjoying a meal on the waterfront at the Old Venetian Harbour.

Night One – Chania 

Day Two – Rent a car in the morning and make your way out to the spectacular cliffside beach, Seitan Limania. Spend a few hours there before continuing the drive to Kissamos. 

Night Two – Kissamos

Day Three – Take a day trip to the iconic Balos Beach from Kissamos by car or boat trip. Option to stop at Falasarna Beach in the afternoon if there is time. 

Night Three – Kissamos

Day Four – Get up early for a big day of driving to the small town of Sougia on the south coast of Crete. Stop at Elafonisi Beach (the pink sand beach) along the way. 

Night Four – Sougia

Day Five – Catch the bus from Sougia to the starting point of Samaria Gorge hike and spend the day hiking the gorge. Take the ferry back to Sougia from the end point of the hike in the village of Agia Roumeli.

Night Five – Sougia 

Day Six – Begin the scenic drive through the Cretan countryside toward the eastern part of the island. This is a long day of driving but the views make it all worthwhile. You will have plenty of opportunities to take breaks on the way to Pitsidia. 

Night Six – Pitsidia 

Day Seven – Spend a relaxing morning by the beach at the quaint seaside town of Matala. Explore the cliffside caves and have lunch at a seafront restaurant in town. Drive to Agios Nikolaos in the afternoon. 

Night Seven – Agios Nikolaos 

Day Eight – Spend the day visiting the amazing Spinalonga Island, have some lunch in Plaka, and make a stop at a secret cove (Kolokitha Beach) to cool down in the crystal clear water. 

Night Eight – Agios Nikolaos 

Day Nine – Begin the drive to Rethymno in the morning with some sightseeing along the way. Visit Knossos Palace followed by a stop at a historic vineyard. Spend the afternoon sightseeing and having dinner in Heraklion before making the final stretch of driving to Rethymno. 

Night Nine – Rethymno

Day Ten – See the highlights of Rethymno on the final day of this Crete road trip itinerary.

Night Ten – Rethymno

Travel Day – End the road trip in your city of choice (Chania or Heraklion), return the car at the airport and fly home. 

Crete Road Trip Map

Click the arrow in the top left corner to view all road trip stops in order. Click the square in the top right corner to expand map in a new window. 

Total Driving Time

13-14 hours, give or take depending on traffic and chosen route

Longest Stretch of Driving

3.5 hours – Day 6, Sougia to Pitsidia with stops to break up the drive 

Total Kilometres / Miles Covered 

~ 700 km / ~ 430 miles

Crete Road Trip Highlights 

• Marvel at the mesmerizing landscapes of Balos Beach, the scenery of this unique lagoon is awe-inspiring.
• Charming coastal cities such as Chania and Rethymno are filled with beautiful architecture and rich history.
• Trek through Europe’s largest and most impressive gorge on a thrilling day of hiking. Samaria Gorge promises an unforgettable adventure. 
• Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside from Sougia to Pitsidia passing by dramatic coastal views and small villages along the way. This particular drive is fairly long but it stands out as a highlight from my road trip in Crete.
• Dive into centuries of history and outstanding scenery at the iconic Spinalonga Fortress near Agios Nikolaos. 
• Visit the impressive Knossos Palace and a historic vineyard near the city of Heraklion.

How Long Will I Need?

I completed this Crete road trip in 10 days, this is the minimum time you should allow. If you prefer a slower pace, it would be very easy to extend this itinerary to 2 weeks. There are many other towns and attractions to visit along the way so that you can easily stretch it out if you are flexible.

I travelled to Crete by ferry from another Greek island, but if you are arriving after a long haul flight you should allow for a few days to recover at the beginning of your trip. Spending a few extra nights in Chania or Heraklion would be a good idea to start/end your trip. Getting from Heraklion to Chania is an easy 2.5 hr journey by bus or car. 

This 10 day Crete road trip itinerary follows a pretty tight schedule so you should aim to plan your days of travel outside of the itinerary. 

Best Time to Road Trip Crete

I recommend visiting Crete during spring or fall when the weather is warm and the crowds are much thinner than peak season. The summer months in Crete (July/August) are the most popular time to visit however it is also the hottest and driest time of year. Temperatures can soar into the high 30’s and crowds at all of the attractions will be at their peak. 

I did this Crete road trip from the beginning to mid June and I can’t stress how perfect this time of year is. The weather was warm and sunny, hovering around 30 degrees everyday. The summer crowds hadn’t fully arrived yet so I had the best of both worlds. I have heard great things about visiting Crete in September for the same reasons. 

To sum it up, the best months to visit Crete for a road trip are May/early June or Sept/early October. 

Where to Rent a Car in Chania

Before beginning this epic Crete road trip, you’ll want to organize a rental car in Chania. To do this I would highly recommend checking out this search tool that I use to find car rentals in every country that I travel to. Picking up your car at the airport is the best way to go.

This site is hassle free and always has plenty of providers to choose from with reasonable prices. This Crete itinerary starts in Chania and ends in either Chania or Heraklion (depending on where your flight departs from). If you want to drop the car off in Heraklion, there may be an extra fee for returning the car in a different location.

→Browse car rentals in Chania here←

The Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Are you travelling to Greece from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.

Travelling to any country without insurance is never a good idea. The reality of travelling overseas is that unexpected things can happen at anytime so the best thing you can do is be prepared.

For peace of mind while abroad, Heymondo is one of the most reputable companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered!

As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!

►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄

 

A Magical 10 Day Crete Road Trip Itinerary – 10 Epic Days in Crete

Day One – Chania

Kicking off this road trip through Crete in the vibrant city of Chania, this is the perfect starting point. The city is known for its rich blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences.

It’s best to arrive before day one of this Crete itinerary but if you arrive on the day, that’s fine too. You should still have enough time to spend a few hours exploring the town and seeing a few of the sites.

Highlights of Chania

Old Venetian Port – Start by strolling the picturesque Venetian Harbour where colourful buildings line the waterfront and the iconic 16th-century lighthouse adds a touch of charm. I really enjoyed sipping a coffee and watch the world go by at one of the cafes on the harbour. 

Medieval Town Center – Wander through the narrow, cobblestone lanes of the Old Town, browsing cute shops and stopping for an authentic Cretan dish at one of the tavernas. Don’t miss a visit to the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the centrepiece of town.

End the day with a sunset view at Nea Chora Beach or with a glass of wine in hand at a top-rated restaurant in town, I had the best meal at Colombo. 

Archaeological Museum – Dive into Chania’s ancient past and see an impressive collection of artefacts from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. Located in a former Venetian monastery, the museum’s exhibits span the Minoan, Hellenistic, and Classical periods, offering valuable insights into the island’s unique blend of civilizations.

Where to stay in Chania

Centro Storico – Centrally located in the heart of the old town, these cozy apartments are reasonably priced and well equipped for the perfect stay in Chania. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay.

►Browse more accommodation options in Chania◄

Day Two – Seitan Limania/Kissamos

Start off your second day in Crete by checking out of the apartment and picking up a rental car (if you haven’t done so already). Drive 40 minutes to Seitan Limania to spend a few hours basking in the sun at this breathtaking hidden gem of Crete. 

The landscapes of Seitan Limania are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The beach is known for its unique zig-zag shape and a group of local goats who are often seen keeping beach-goers company. 

Accessible via a short but steep hike down from the parking area, the beach rewards visitors with dramatic views and crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming and sun bathing. 

Once you’ve had enough beach time, get back in the car and drive one hour to the small town of Kissamos, the perfect jumping off point for visiting Balos Beach and Falasarna Beach. 

Kissamos is a charming seaside town with cozy Greek tavernas lining the waterfront serving fresh seafood and Cretan specialties, a picture-perfect spot for watching the sunset. 

Where to Stay in Kissamos

EvaEle Luxury Apartments – Staying in or around Kissamos allows you to be close to the famous beaches in the area. I would recommend this beautiful apartment which has free parking and a host that goes above and beyond to make you feel at home.

This is the perfect place to be based for 2 nights in Kissamos, it’s located within walking distance to the town’s beach and restaurants/shops. 

►Browse more accommodation options in Kissamos◄

Day Three – Balos Beach/Falasarna Beach

Balos Beach – Day 3 of this Crete road trip is an exciting one where you’ll get to tick off a major bucket list attraction of Crete. Balos Beach is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. 

The landscapes of Balos Beach will take your breath away with towering cliffs rising up above a shallow turquoise lagoon and rugged rock formations. The wild and remote beauty is certain to leave a lasting impression, it’s easily the best beach I saw during my road trip around Crete.

Though it is quite remote, a trip to Balos Beach is well worth the journey. This is one of those places where photos don’t do it justice, this surreal kind of natural beauty has to be seen to be believed!

If you have driven to Balos Beach, you will have to follow a path down the hill from the parking lot. The hike takes around 20 – 30 minutes and you should allow some time to stop and take in the jaw-dropping view at the Balos viewpoint on your way down.

When I say jaw-dropping, I truly mean my jaw fell open when I came over the hill and the entire beach view came into sight. I’ve seen hundreds of beaches in my lifetime and nothing comes close to topping the scenery of Balos!

**Practical Tips for Visiting Balos Beach**

• Arriving as early in the day as possible is best to avoid the intense heat while hiking up/down the mountain
• Getting there early is also important to secure a parking spot as spaces are limited
• Bring a hat/sunglasses/sunscreen
• Good walking shoes are an essential item for the hike
• Bring enough water/snacks (this can also be purchased on the beach)
• Don’t forget to bring cash for the entrance/parking fee as well as buying food from kiosks on the beach

Falasarna Beach – If you still have time left in the day for another impressive Crete beach, Falasarna Beach is only 20 minutes by car from Kissamos. Calm turquoise water and laidback beach vibes make this gem a peaceful spot to spend the afternoon and perhaps stay to watch the sunset. 

While the scenery isn’t quite as unique as Balos Beach, as far as beaches go it’s pretty amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed floating around in the shallow bay on a hot afternoon. 

Getting to Balos Beach by Car

If you decide to drive to Balos Beach, the road from Kissamos quickly turns to gravel and becomes a bit rough for the majority of the journey. It is possible to do this drive in a rental car, I was able to do it without any issues and I saw many other tourists in rental cars during my trip. As long as you take the drive slowly and carefully, there should be nothing to worry about (just watch out for goats!)

To get there, follow the main road leaving Kissamos to the west. You’ll pass by a booth as you arrive at the entrance of the Gramvousa Peninsula where you can purchase a ticket to enter the protected nature reserve.

Tickets cost €1 per person and the drive to the parking lot will take around 20 – 30 minutes on the gravel road. Aim to get there earlier in the day to get a parking spot as the lot fills up quickly. It will cost another €3 to park the car. 

Getting to Balos Beach by Boat

Booking a boat trip is an easy and stress-free way to visit Balos Beach and tick off a few more places in the same day. Even if you’re driving around Crete, you may want to sit back and enjoy a driving-free day of sightseeing.

Balos Beach & Gramvousa Island Boat Trip – Take a scenic boat cruise to Balos Beach from Kissamos Port with a stop at Gramvousa Island on the way. Visit the island’s Venetian Castle and admire the amazing views of Balos Beach from the island’s highest point.

Continue the day trip to Balos Beach where you’ll have free time to swim in the crystal clear water and relax on the beach surrounded by spectacular landscapes. This popular tour includes a round-trip boat cruise, tour guide/captain, entry to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island. 

➤Find Balos Beach boat tour prices and availability here

Day Four – Elafonisi Beach/Sougia

Prepare for more driving on day four starting with a 1 hour drive from Kissamos to Elafonisi Beach followed by a 1.5 hour drive from Elafonisi Beach to Sougia in the afternoon.

The majority of the drive will be on a windy and slow mountainous road so allow extra time, you will want to stop for photos along the way! You can choose to either take the inland or coastal route, both are beautiful drives however the road that loops down to the coast will take longer. 

Elafonisi Beach – Crete has no shortage of incredible beaches and this one is no exception. Elafonisi Beach also known as the pink sand beach is known for its pristine setting with clear turquoise water, pink-tinged sands and a backdrop of mountains. The beach is actually a small islet separated from the main shore by a shallow lagoon, making it easy to wade between the two areas.

What can you expect from a visit to Elafonisi Beach? There are small food stands and well-kept bathrooms that cost €1 to use. The beach is not remote so you can expect to see more crowds and tour groups.

However the beach is large and there is more than enough space to find a quiet spot to yourself. To access Elafonisi Beach you will walk around 10 minutes from the designated parking lot.

While the photos you see online may make the beach appear more pink than in real life, it all depends on time of day, weather, and how calm the water is on the day. From my own experience, I noticed that the sand appeared more pink near the shoreline. If you have a drone, you should definitely fly it here for a different perspective! 

Sougia – Located on the south coast of Crete, the small seaside town of Sougia is the ideal base for hiking the famous Samaria Gorge. While many people opt to hike the gorge on a day trip from Chania, staying in Sougia makes it an easier and more enjoyable experience.

Being based in Sougia also allows you to get off the beaten path and experience a more authentic side of Greece. The town is home to a handful of tavernas, cafes, and family-run accommodations, allowing you to connect with the culture and local people outside of the tourist hot spots.

Where to Stay in Sougia

Santa Irene – Sougia is quite small but I would recommend being based in the town centre for easier access to the gorge hike. Santa Irene is a lovely accommodation located right on the beachfront of Sougia, steps from the restaurants and bars in town. The rooms are clean and well-equipped with a kitchenette and balcony, everything you need for a comfortable stay. 

►Browse more accommodation options in Sougia◄

Day Five – Samaria Gorge Hike

The iconic Samaria Gorge spans a total length of 16km from the White Mountains of Crete all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in the village of Agia Roumeli. It’s Europe’s longest gorge and one of Crete’s most famous landmarks. 

If you’re a big fan of hiking surrounded by dramatic landscapes, Samaria Gorge is not to be missed on your road trip in Crete. You should dedicate an entire day to this epic gorge hike, starting early in the morning and returning to your accommodation late in the afternoon. 

How to Hike Samaria Gorge from Sougia

The hiking trail begins in Xyloskalo which is just under an hour’s drive from Sougia. The bus to Samaria Gorge leaves from the center of Sougia at 7:00 am daily, tickets cost €5.30 per person. There is no road from the end point of the hike back to Sougia, you can only get there by ferry. This is why you can’t drive to the starting point of the hike with a car. 

Once you arrive at the trailhead, you will find a shop/café selling food, coffee and snacks so you can purchase a few things before beginning. There are also public toilets available to use for a small fee. 

Before beginning the hike, you will purchase a ticket to enter the gorge which you should keep safe as you have to show it again to exit the park. Unlike most hikes, Samaria Gorge begins at 1230m above sea level and slowly descends along a well-maintained hiking trail.

The trail is quite a steep descent until you arrive in a lush, narrow gorge framed by towering cliffs, pine forests, and a clear river that flows beside the path. The gorge hike is 13km and it takes around 6-8 hours to complete depending on your fitness level. 

Once you arrive at the end of the trail, you will have the option to take a shuttle bus to the ferry terminal in Agia Roumeli or you can continue to walk for the final 2km. The ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia only departs once per day at 5:30pm so it is essential to have completed the hike before this time. 

For that reason, it is important to catch the earliest bus from Sougia to the starting point of the gorge so you can complete the hike in time. For most people, this won’t be a problem. After completing the hike in 6 hours, I arrived in Agia Roumeli at around 2pm with plenty of time to have lunch and swim at the beach while waiting for the ferry. 

When you arrive in the village of Agia Roumeli, there are plenty of small restaurants to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. The beach is very inviting and perfect for a refreshing post-hike swim.

**Important Things to Pack for Hiking Samaria Gorge**

• Bring snacks, sandwiches and plenty of drinking water as there is no food available to purchase along the hike. Bottles can be filled at several locations along the trail from natural springs
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes 
• Cash/card for entry to trail, toilets, shuttle bus at the end of the hike and tickets for the ferry back to Sougia
• Swim suit and towel for swimming in the ocean after the hike
• Toilet paper for toilet stops along the way 
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat as most of the trail is exposed to the sun 
  

  Sparkling turquoise water awaits you at the end of your hike

Day Six – Sougia to Pitsidia Drive

Day 6 of your Crete road trip itinerary will see you travelling to the other side of the island, covering a large distance of 190km. The drive will take around 3.5 hours to complete with many opportunities to stop in small towns and villages along the way. 

Prepare for a fairly slow day of driving following a winding road through the mountainous countryside of Crete. The driving route will take you back up toward Chania, past the city of Rethymno and then down toward the island’s south coast. You will pass through many small villages and larger towns along the way so there are plenty of places to stop for a break.

You could choose to stay in several locations around this area, however I recommend booking your accommodation in the small village of Pitsidia. This charming village is full of character and only a 5 minute drive from the famous Matala Beach. 

There are many lovely little villas and B&Bs to choose from in Pitsidia making it an excellent place to be based. I also really liked the cute restaurants and cafes in this picturesque little town. 

Surrounding Pitsidia are several archaeological sites but of course the main attraction here is the proximity to Matala. Once a fishing village, Matala gained fame in the 1960’s as a hippie haven, attracting free spirits from around the world. Nowadays it’s a popular holiday destination known for its stunning turquoise bay and caves carved into the cliffs overlooking the beach.

Where to Stay in Pitsidia

Kritikies Apartment – This traditional Cretan apartment is located in a great spot in the town centre of Pitsidia. I absolutely loved my stay here, the place is very cozy. With a patio, kitchen and a dedicated parking spot near the property, this place has everything you need for the perfect one night stay. 

►Browse more accommodation options in Pitsidia◄

Day Seven – Matala/Agios Nikolaos

Matala Beach and Caves – This colourful little beach town is full of cute tavernas, shops and cafes overlooking the golden sands and crystal clear water of Matala Beach. It’s a fantastic place to unwind and spend a few lazy hours basking in the sun, swimming and enjoying the scenery. 

Spend the morning in Matala, relaxing at the beach and allowing some time to explore the caves carved into the cliffs. These fascinating man-made caves are steeped in history, dating back to the Neolithic period when they were first inhabited by humans. 

During the Roman and early Byzantine eras, they served various purposes such as dwellings and places of refuge. Evidence of this can be seen today when you visit the caves and explore the labyrinth of chambers. Admire a unique perspective of the beach as you peek through the cave’s windows. 

In more recent history, the caves became a popular place for hippies to call home during the 60’s and 70’s. Matala rose to fame during this time attracting free spirits and musicians, including artists like Joni Mitchell who even wrote about Matala in her music.

Cave Opening Hours – 10am – 7pm daily

Entry Ticket –  €4/adult, €2/child

Agios Nikolaos – After the morning spent in Matala, it’s time to hit the road again to continue this Crete road trip further to the island’s east. Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful town located on the northeastern coast of Crete. With a vibrant atmosphere and many stunning beaches and attractions nearby, this is a great location to stay for several nights.

The drive from Matala to Agios Nikolaos should take just under 2 hours, passing through Heraklion. You should arrive with enough time to check in and make your way into town for dinner. I really enjoyed the vibe and food at Skala restaurant, located right on the waterfront of Lake Voulismeni. 

Here are some beautiful beaches located near Agios Nikolaos:

• Almyros Beach
• Votsalo Beach – I ate lunch in a café here and this spot is really beautiful with calm, crystal clear water just begging you to jump in.
• Voulisma Beach
• Ammoudara Beach

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos 

Allas, Guest Art – I’m going to recommend the exact place I stayed near Agios Nikolaos. I really liked the location of this place, 10 minutes outside of the city and near some lovely beaches. This little apartment was comfortable, well-equipped and offered an amazing view of Agios Nikolaos from the terrace. 

The host was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home during my stay. I’d say this is one of my favourite stays that I had on my Crete road trip. Plan to spend 2 nights here. 

►Browse more accommodation options in Agios Nikolaos◄

Day Eight – Spinalonga Island/Plaka/Kolokitha Beach

On day eight it’s time to explore some of the amazing wonders near Agios Nikolaos. There are many great things to see and do in this part of Crete but a visit to Spinalonga Island is something that you simply can’t miss! 

Below is a recommended itinerary for how to plan your day. I would suggest making an early start, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months. I visited in June and the day I went to Spinalonga Island was particularly hot and sweaty, 38°C to be exact! 

Spinalonga Island – Located 15km north of Agios Nikolaos, just off of the coast of Crete, the island is a place of poignant history and stunning scenery. Dating to the 1500’s, Spinalonga Fortress was built by the Venetians as part of their efforts to protect Crete from Ottoman invasion.

Despite eventually falling to the Ottomans in 1715, the fortress remains remarkably well-preserved to this day. Later in its history, Spinalonga Island became home to a leper colony in the early 1900’s.

Toady the island is one of the most popular landmarks of Crete drawing visitors from all over there world to explore its ruins including defensive walls, stone houses, and a small church. The views from this island are nothing short of spectacular. This place truly blew me away, standing out as a major highlight from my Crete road trip! 

Entry to the island – €8/person

Getting to Spinalonga Island – Daily boat trips depart every 30 min for Spinalonga Island from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka. I recommend driving to the little town of Plaka, parking the car there and taking the ferry across.

Once you finish up your visit to the island, you can have lunch in a traditional taverna by the sea in Plaka. Allow for 2-3 hours to spend on Spinalonga Island. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk where you board the boat. 

Boat tickets from Plaka to Spinalonga – €12/adult, €6/child

Plaka – The small fishing village is mainly known as a jumping off point to access Spinalonga Island. With its laidback vibes and a peaceful waterfront lined with tavernas, it is well-worth stopping here for some lunch after your morning of sightseeing.

I had lunch at Giovanni’s, one of the restaurants that overlooks the ocean with an amazing view of Spinalonga Fortress. Relax and refuel with a cold drink and some authentic Cretan cuisine, like fresh seafood, salads and much more! I loved this spot and can highly recommend it. 

Kolokitha Beach – What better way to cool off after a sweaty day of sightseeing than hitting the beach? You could choose to spend the afternoon at a beach of your choice however I will recommend this hidden gem which is slightly out of the way. 

This secluded bay is a perfect swimming spot with calm, turquoise water and gorgeous scenery. Driving there from Plaka only takes around 25 minutes and it’s on the way back to Agios Nikolaos, see directions here.

As you drive onto the Spinalonga Peninsula, you’ll eventually come to a dirt road which is fine to drive with your rental car. You’ll have to park the car and continue for a short way by foot to access the beach. I spent hours floating in the shallow water of Kolokitha Beach! 

Day Nine – Knossos Palace/Historic Vineyard/Heraklion

After two nights spent in Agios Nikolaos, it’s time to continue this road trip back toward the western part of the island. There are several must-see sites as you make your way to the end point of this epic Crete road trip adventure. 

This will be a long day of driving and sightseeing so I would advise to check out of your accommodation as early as possible to ensure you fit everything into the day. 

Knossos Palace – Knossos Palace, located near the city of Heraklion, is the most famous archaeological site on Crete and a must-visit for history lovers. Marvel at the incredible collection of ancient buildings and artefacts as you make your way through 3,500 years worth of fascinating Cretan history. 

Exploring these well-preserved ruins transports you right back in time to the days of the Minoan civilisation, I was very impressed by this place. Allow for 1-2 hours to see everything within the complex. Get your Knossos Palace tickets online before you go to avoid the hassle of waiting in line! 

Opening Hours – Summer hours: 8am – 8pm daily (May – October), Winter hours: 8am – 3pm daily (November – April)

Tickets – €11/person (includes audio guide)

➤Purchase your ticket to Knossos palace online here

Winery Stilianou – The highlight of the day for me was stopping at this lovely family-owned vineyard only 20 minutes from Knossos Palace. With stunning countryside views from their terrace and delicious wines to try, this place is a true hidden gem. 

Taste your way through history, quite literally, as the history of wine-making in this region goes back over 4,000 years! Winery Stilianou is a fifth generation family-owned and operated vineyard that offers an authentic wine tasting experience. The family was very welcoming and hospitable from the moment I arrived on the property. 

I can recommend getting the cheese and olive oil platter to accompany your wine tasting. Sit back and relax on their outdoor terrace, taking in the incredible vineyard views while savouring the delicious flavours of Crete. 

There are other vineyards in this region but you will quickly see why I recommend this one, it was a wonderful and memorable experience for me. 

*Note* This winery operates on a seasonal basis and may be closed over the winter months. 

Heraklion – Hop in the car and drive for 30 minutes to arrive in the city of Heraklion. Find a place to park your car, (most parking spots are paid in the city) I used this one which offers parking in a central spot at a reasonable price. 

Heraklion is the vibrant capital city of Crete known for its beautiful historic buildings, great museums and an amazing culinary scene. You can look forward to dining on fresh, traditional Cretan cuisine during your visit. 

Old Town – During your afternoon/evening spent in Heraklion, I suggest taking some time to explore the Old Town, browsing shops and wandering through the charming alleys. Be sure to stop at the 17th century Morosini Fountain in Lions Square.

Venetian Fortress – Make your way toward the harbour to see one of the main landmarks of Heraklion, the Venetian-era Koules Fortress. Standing the test of time, this fortress has protected the city since the early 16th century. 

Where to Eat Dinner – When it comes time to find a restaurant for dinner, dining on the waterfront with lovely sunset views over the harbour is the place to be! There are plenty of restaurants lining the waterfront of Heraklion but I will suggest saving this one on your Google Map: A Little Wine A Little Sea. 

This is a fantastic place to enjoy dinner with a view where you’ll find a great selection of Mediterranean and Cretan dishes and best of all, good value for money! The food here was of the highest quality and very fresh, be sure to save room for the complementary dessert and raki shot. 

Rethymno – Once you’ve had dinner, make your way back on the road to finish the day of driving to the city of Rethymno. This last stretch will take 1hr 20 min. If you feel like this is too much driving in one day, you can also choose to book a room for the night in Heraklion and continue the drive in the morning.

I was trying to minimize the amount of times I had to check in/check out of places on this Crete road trip so I preferred to just push through and arrive a bit later to Rethymno. Even though it was a fairly long day, I was able to wake up the next day in Rethymno and have more time to explore. 

Where to Stay in Rethymno

Studio Lefaki – This homey studio apartment located in the heart of Rethymno Old Town is the ideal choice. I loved that this place has a small kitchen so you can minimize the cost of dining out and start your day with breakfast in the room. 

The place has a lovely garden and patio area to relax in and the location could not be any better. The host is so friendly and ready to help with any requests you may have. Keep in mind that it’s popular and books out very quickly, especially during high season! 

One thing to note is that parking within the Old Town is not possible so you should drop your luggage at the accommodation and then park in the large parking lot outside of town. 

►Browse more accommodation options in Rethymno◄

Day Ten – Rethymno/Kourtaliotiko Gorge

On the final day of your road trip through Crete, aim to spend the day enjoying the sights of Rethymno’s pretty Old Town. For those seeking a bit more adventure, you may want to include a trip to the jaw-dropping Kourtaliotiko Gorge for a dip in the icy cold water.

Rethymno Old Town – With quaint cobblestone alleys and picturesque façades, walking through Rethymno made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. Take your time getting lost in the streets of the old town, discovering beautiful churches and flower covered walls around every corner.

Cute cafes and restaurants line the narrow streets creating a romantic setting to sip your morning coffee or enjoy a glass of wine. Historical landmarks that can’t be missed are the Rimondi Fountain, the Neratze Mosque, and the of course the impressive 16th century Venetian Fortress that dominates the harbour.

The waterfront is lined with many traditional tavernas, inviting visitors to relax and take in the laid-back ambiance while enjoying local cuisine. If you’re craving a little more beach time, you could also go for a swim at Rethymno Beach.

With plenty to do in the Old Town, it’s easy to spend an entire day soaking up the town’s charm and lounging at the beach. However if more adventure is what you crave, the following excursion might interest you.  

Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Optional) – Being only a 30 minute drive south of Rethymno, you could easily include a visit to this amazing gorge on the last day of your Crete road trip itinerary.

I would advise getting there as early as possible, when I arrived after 10am the gorge was already full of people. This is an optional activity to include on your final day but if you’re up for an adventure, you will certainly end this trip on a high!

**Important Things to Know for Visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge**

• Get there early in the day (before 10am) to avoid crowds and have plenty of time left in the afternoon to explore Rethymno.
• During high season it can be challenging to find a parking space near the entrance of the gorge trail, save this parking lot on your Google Map for easy access to the trailhead. 
• To reach the gorge you will follow a trail that descends for around 15 minutes. See this location for the start of the hike. When the trail splits, continue to the right to swim/walk inside the gorge. Go left to see the gorge waterfall from above. 
• Bring a good waterproof phone case for taking your phone into the gorge. This is VERY important as getting inside the gorge requires swimming through a section of deep water. 
• The water inside the gorge is extremely cold but if you’re willing to brave it for a few minutes, you will be rewarded with an otherworldly scene that will absolutely take your breath away.
• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for the walk down to the gorge and back up as it is quite steep.
• Consider bringing water shoes to comfortably walk along the rocky surface on the bottom of the gorge. 
• Other things to pack: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water, snacks. 

Travel Day

When your 10 days in Crete have come to an end, you can plan your onward travel from Chania or Heraklion. These cities are where the two main airports are located on the island.

Whichever airport you choose to depart from, this is where you should select to drop the rental car off before you fly out. Keep in mind that there is usually a fee for returning the car at a different location. This means if you pick your car up at Chania airport, it’s best to drop it off at the same location. 

Final Thoughts on this Epic 10 Day Crete Road Trip Itinerary

When I was doing research online to plan my own Crete road trip, I wasn’t able to find an itinerary that included all the things I wanted to see. While many people stick to the western side of the island, my goal was to create a road trip itinerary that includes the best of both sides. 

I found this trip to be the perfect mix of adventure, history and beach time. So I hope that you enjoy this amazing Greek adventure as much as I did and please let me know if you found this blog post useful in planning your trip😃

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