My Crete Road Trip – The perfect 10 Day Itinerary

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Are you planning to spend 10 days on a road trip on Crete? To help you plan your stay in Crete, I have put together the perfect 10-day itinerary so that you can discover the most important highlights of the Greek island during your summer holiday.

After completing one of the most incredible road trips 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 to dramatic gorges 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 paradise. This itinerary offers a seamless blend of the island’s eastern and western highlights, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

• Route: Rethymnon – Chania – Kissamos – Matala – Agios Nikolaos – Heraklion
• Distance: 900 km
• Pure driving time: 18hrs

Table of Contents

10 Day Crete Road Trip Overview – Pink Beaches & Blue Canyons

How about an island road trip across Crete? Grab your bucket list and make your dream of Greek island life come true! From the colourful old town of Rethymno, you’ll wind your way past olive groves between the mountains and the sea to Chania, where the sunset over the harbour will be your absolute highlight and the beaches shimmer pink. Experience Plakias: beach vibes and snorkelling spots are followed by turquoise rivers and Instagram-worthy canyons. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature and treat yourself to the full Crete experience before your last must-see awaits you.

• Rethymnon – 1 night (Old town, Venetian harbour, Arkadia monastery)
• Chania – 3 nights (Chania Olt Town, Samaria gorge, Seitan Limania beach)
• Kissamos – 2 nights (Balos lagoon, Elafonissi beach)
• Matala – 2 nights (Matala beach & caves, Red Beach hike)
• Agios Nikolaos – 1 night (Lake Voulismeni, Spinalonga island)
• Heraklion – 1 night (Archeological Museum, Knossos Palace)

If you want to explore Crete on your own, I recommend renting a car. Most roads are motorways and in good condition. With your own car, you can go anywhere and take the time to visit a hidden beach or stop for a photo along the way.

Day 1 – Rethymnon

Today marks the start of your 10-day road trip around Crete. After your arrival at the airport, leave Heraklion and drive towards Rethymnon (30-minute drive).

Roll down the windows, turn up the music, and cruise through the Cretan countryside, past olive groves and turquoise blue coastlines.

Settle in to your accommodation, and then you can spend the rest of the day strolling through the old town. I found Tethymnon especially pleasant for leisurely walks. There are many charming little alleys with pretty shops and taverns.

Things to do in Rethymnon

Rethymno is the third largest city on Crete and, with its many interesting sights, one of the most popular destinations on the island. Hardly any other city on Crete offers so many things to do within walking distance. Whether it’s the long sandy beach, the nightlife with its numerous bars and discos, or the old town and other attractions.

• Archaeological Museum – near the Neratze Mosque
• Venetian Fortress (Fortezza) – On Paleokastro Hill, west of the old town of Rethymno
• Old Venetian harbour – also good for tasting some local fish and taking pretty photos
• Rimondi Fountain – The tourist attraction in Rethymno
• Neratze Mosque & Mikrasiaton Square – the church with its three domes changed its religious affiliation several times

Accommodation tip: Rimondi Boutique Hotel – Probably the most famous hotel in Rethymno, located in the heart of the old town. Elegant rooms, friendly staff and a lovingly designed courtyard with a small pool. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Just outside of Rethymnon, Margarites village is known for its many pottery shops and draws visitors. Here you can watch potters at work and arrange for some beautiful souvenirs – handmade and inexpensive pottery (bowls from €3).

From Margarites, you can continue to the Arkadi Monastery (15 km). For €3 admission, you can visit the 16th-century Venetian church and the small museum with its impressive relics.

Day 2 – 4: Chania – The romantic harbour town

Chania (Greek: Χανιά) has a reputation for being the most beautiful city in Greece and is also affectionately known as ‘Venice of the East’. After Heraklion, Chania is the second largest city on Crete with a population of around 60,000. Chania is the capital of the prefecture of the same name. It is also the westernmost prefecture of Crete.

Hotel Tip: Hanim Boutique Hotel – immaculately-clean rooms in an ideal location. If you book the top floor apartment, you have access to a private rooftop terrace with views of the Venetian Harbor. Idomeneas, the owner, is a real gem and helped me with all I needed. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Things to do in Chania

One of Chania’s most popular attractions is the historic old town with its narrow streets. Small shops, taverns, and boutique hotels can be found here. The facades in warm colours and flowers and small trees, some of which climb over the streets like roofs, are beautiful photo opportunities.

Attractions in the old town:

• Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque
• Large Venetian arsenal
• Former boathouses
• Church of San Rocco
• Church of Agios Nikolaos and the minaret

Tip: There are many ice cream parlours, offering delicious flavours such as Greek yoghurt and honey.

On the third day of your 10-day road trip around Crete, you will discover one of the most beautiful places on the island: Balos Lagoon. This lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and offers an idyllic setting for a relaxing day. Your plan for the day is simple: go swimming in the beautiful, turquoise, shallow waters of the lagoon! Balos Beach is about 1.5 hours from Chania.

Since you spent yesterday relaxing on the beach, get ready for a slightly more active day today: Your road trip will continue with one of the island’s most famous hikes: the Samaria Gorge hike. The hike leads first through the forest and then through the gorge down to the sea. Since start and end point are not the same, I recommend booking a bus transfer package (National Park entrance and ferry ticket are seperate). The trail is 16 km long in total, you should allow 5 to 7 hours for this hike. I recommend starting your hiking tour at 8am at the National Park entrance to allow enough time to reach the return ferry.

From Chania, drive to ‘Xyloskalo’ (about 1 hour drive). You can park your car in the car park (€5) or for free at the side of the road. Admission to Samaria National Park (open Mai to October) costs €5 per person, which you can pay at the ticket office (a small hut at the start of the trail). Keep your ticket, as you will need to show it again at the end of the trail to ensure that no one is left in the park.

Sturdy footwear is essential; flip-flops or sandals are not suitable. There are toilets in the gorge, but no snack bars. You should pack the following items when hiking through the Samaria Gorge:

• Water bottle (can be refilled at the springs) & Food
• Sun screen & Head cover
• Small beach towell

Depending on your pace, you will reach the end of the gorge in Agia Roumeli between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. In Agia Roumeli, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and then relax on the village beach, so be sure to pack a small towel in your hiking bag. The ferry to Chora Sfakion leaves at 5:30 p.m. The buses for the return journey are waiting just above the harbour.

The guided tours are available from € 30 and include pick-up from your hotel, return transport and a guide (English or German), who does not always accompany you on the hike. There is an additional charge of €5 per person for the national park. The ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion must also be paid for separately.

Following the hike, your forth day is reserved for a visit to the famous Seitan Limania Beach, a secluded beach in the north-eastern part of the Akrotiri peninsula.

The site is a narrow channel enclosed between high cliffs, with a small patch of white sand and pebbles and transparent, bright blue water. All this, combined with its seclusion, makes it an extraordinary place that, until a decade ago, was known only to locals. Enjoy!

Day 5 & 6: Kissamos – Pink Beaches of Balos and Elafonisi

Kissamos combines the natural beauty of the sea with numerous beaches stretching from Kastelli to Falasarna and along the west coast of Crete to Elafonisi and Cape Krios. Kastelli, Polyrineia and Falasarna were among the most important cities in ancient times, and a visit to the historic island of Gramvousa with its Venetian castle and the wild beauty of the pink beach at the coast at Balos is an experience not to be missed. Kissamos is not a place that is entirely devoted to tourism and, compared to other towns on the north coast, exudes a rough, almost gloomy atmosphere.

Visiting the pink beach of Balos

The exotic Balos lagoonlies between Cape Tigani and the rocky island of Gramvousa. The tranquil lagoon has shallow, crystal-clear, warm water and a seemingly endless sandy beach. Only the drive along the eight-kilometre-long unpaved road may seem a little unpleasant to some. You really have to take it slowly, as the road is on a cliff and goats frequently cross the path. For those not so keen on unpaved roads by rental car, there are also daily boat tours leaving from Kissamos.

The main attraction of Balos is the beautiful sandy beach, the clear turquoise waters of the sea and the breathtaking natural surroundings. However, the atmosphere will depend very much on how many other people had the same idea as you. The lagoon impresses with the quality and warmth of the water, as it is very shallow here.

Your itinerary for the next day leads you to the discovery of another very beautiful beach that you should not miss during your 10-day trip to Crete: Elafonissi Beach. This beautiful beach is located in the very south-west of the island, 1.5 hours by car from Chania.

Access to this beach is much easier than in Balos, as there is a huge free car park and you can reach Elafonissi Beach in less than 5 minutes on foot. All you have to do is lay down your towel or hire a deckchair/parasol (€10 for 2) and enjoy a peaceful day!

Day 7 & 8: Matala – The hippie village

Continue your 10-day road trip in Crete and drive to Matala, a beach town in southern Crete that combines stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant bohemian spirit that continues to captivate travelers from around the globe. Whether you’re drawn by its golden sands, the fascinating caves that line the cliffs, or its laid-back charm, Matala Beach, Crete, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring.

Where to stay in Matala? Hotel & Suites Die Zwei Brüder – The bright, boho-style rooms almost all have a sea view and you can choose between double rooms, single rooms and suites. The owners have made use of natural materials such as wood and cotton in the design of their rooms, Fresh and regional products are also served for breakfast.

Activities in Matala

Matala is famous for its caves, which were dug into the cliffs. They were used as tombs during Roman times. Nowadays, a hippie commune has settled here.

Explore the Famous Caves

The highlight of Matala are the famous caves carved into the cliffs overlooking the beach. These caves, once tombs in the Roman era, were later inhabited by the hippies who made Matala their home in the 1960s. Today, you can wander through the caves (admission €3), marvel at their historical significance, and enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Libyan Sea. The beach below the caves is ideal if you feel like going for a swim.

Relax on Matala Beach

Matala Beach’s golden sands and crystal-clear waters make it the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. The beach is well-organized, with umbrellas, sunbeds, and beachfront tavernas offering refreshments and food. The atmosphere is lively but not overcrowded, making it ideal for families and solo travellers alike.

Discover the Red Beach

A short hike or boat ride from towards the south from Matala will take you to Red Beach, a secluded and stunning stretch of sand named for its distinctive reddish color. Known for its natural beauty and tranquillity, Red Beach is a favourite among naturists and those seeking a quieter escape.

Day 9: Agios Nikolaos – The charming coastal town

Agios Nikolaos is a tranquil little town spread across several hills. The coastline is long and winding, and a small inland lake connected to the sea serves as a harbour for fishing boats.

Agios Nikolaos was where Crete’s development as a holiday island began around 1960. The lively and humorous book “Wind in Crete”, which you can buy in Cretan bookshops, tells the story beautifully. Apart from being a holiday resort, Agios Nikolaos is particularly important as the administrative centre for the whole of eastern Crete.

Hotel Tip: Hotel Port 7 Boutique Collection – Centrally located hotel right on the waterfront promenade with tasteful rooms and a magnificent view of the harbour bay. Generous breakfast and friendly staff. Soula was very gracious and told us all about the best restaurants.

Activities & Things to do in Agios Nikolaos

Visit lake Voulismeni

Lake Voulismeni is an ancient lake located right in the center of the city of Agios Nikolaos. The locals claim that it’s bottomless. They will also tell you that it’s an ancient volcanic vent and that it’s connected with the active volcanos. None of that is true, of course, but the real story of the lake is no less impressive. It is much deeper than any part of the adjacent sea for many kilometers offshore, for example.

Most visitors who see the lake today are content to view the peaceful and calming lake from the comfort of one of the many bars and tavernas that surround it. A scenic walkway that runs up the area of the cliff collapse in 1856 takes the visitor to the top of the cliff, where stunning views across the lake and town can be found.

Boat trip to the former leper colony of Spinalonga island

Day 9 of your road trip takes you to to Elounda, just 15 mins from Agios Nikolaos. From the port of Elounda, take a boat and cross over to the island of Spinalonga. Boats depart every 30 minutes during the high season. The trip takes only 15 minutes and costs €12 per person (return trip).

The entire small island is home to an impressive Venetian fortress with well-preserved outer walls. However, this is not the main reason why visitors come here. They are attracted by Spinalonga’s reputation as Crete’s last leper colony. From 1903 to 1954, all lepers in Crete were banished here. The sick moved into empty houses, laid out gardens, improved the water supply and even opened taverns. Hardly anything of this remains to be seen today, but the idea of what once took place here still makes visitors shudder.

After returning, you can walk about 150 metres to the right from the jetty and you will immediately find yourself on a sandy beach, where you can enjoy a late afternoon swim before heading back.

Day 10: Heraklion

Your final day brings you back to the charming capital city Heraklion with its partly Venetian past that definitely deserves more than just a brief stopover.

Sightseeing may not be the first choice of holiday activity when visiting a beach destination like Crete. Nevertheless, a stroll through Heraklion can offer a varied alternative to a day at the beach towards the end of your itinerary. Perhaps you are feeling energetic today – the perfect time to visit some or all of the following must-sees!

Palace of Knossos

When you say ‘Crete’, you really have to say ‘Palace of Knossos’ as well, because it is the ultimate attraction on the Greek island. The palace consists of several ruins, some of which are over 3,000 years old, located five kilometres from Heraklion. Culture lovers are therefore just a short distance away from Crete’s hotspot, which is said to have once housed over 1,000 rooms on five floors. However, you will need plenty of time to explore everything and take it all in – we recommend a whole day. The Palace of Knossos dates back to the Minoan period and is considered the greatest cultural treasure in Crete.

Museums in Heraklion

Alternatively, some exciting museums await you in Heraklion! The most famous is probably the Archaeological Museum, which exhibits more than 5,500 years of history. One focus is on the Minoans, who heralded the cultural era in Europe. No wonder that hours can be spent among the exhibits, such as weapons, sculptures and accessories from that period! If you still have time, the Natural History Museum is also interesting. Learn more about the flora and fauna of Crete.

10 Days on Crete – Getting there

By plane

The easiest way to get to Heraklion is by plane. Heraklion Airport is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre. As prices for flights to Heraklion vary greatly, it is a good idea to compare them as early as possible. You can use our flight comparison tool, such as Skyscanner, to do this.

By ferry

To reach Crete by ferry, most connections depart from the Greek mainland, mainly from the port of Piraeus (8 to 9 hours) near Athens, to Heraklion or Chania. It is also possible to travel overland from Italy to Greece and then continue by ferry.

Alternatively you can travel to Heraklion from many Greek islands in the Cyclades: Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Tinos. There is also a ferry connection from the island of Rhodes to Heraklion.

To travel on from Crete, ferries depart from the ports of Heraklion, Sitia, Rethymno and Chania and arrive at the ports of Santorini (Thira), Ios, Anafi, Syros, Sifnos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Koufonissi, Katapola (Amorgos), Mykonos and Folegandros in the Cyclades Islands.

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