My Crete Road Trip: The perfect 7 day itinerary

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If you have a week to spend in Crete, you’ll love it! Beautiful beaches, mountains, hikes, historical sites… I will take you to the best places, beaches and experiences on the island with my ideal itinerary route for touring Crete in 7 days, with accommodation in Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Malia.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a very popular holiday destination. Thanks to its rich history and diverse landscapes, time flies by on this beautiful island when you spend your days enjoying picturesque beaches, hiking trails, local tastings and top attractions.

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But with so much to choose from, it’s hard to decide what to see in a week-long trip. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I will show you a day-by-day itinerary from Heraklion to Elafonissi that includes all the essential activities. I’ve also left time for a little relaxation on beautiful beaches.

The best time to visit Crete is in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) to enjoy milder weather, fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring. If you prefer a beach holiday, the hot summer months of June to August are ideal for visiting beaches and enjoying water sports.

Crete in 1 week: The most important information

Is one week enough for Crete?

7 days is certainly enough to get a good overview of the island and enjoy some of its most popular sights and experiences. A seven-day itinerary will allow you to explore Crete’s breathtaking scenery: beaches, villages, lagoons, mountains… But you won’t be able to see the whole island. It’s quite large and has many beautiful places to discover!

• Route: Heraklion – Rethymno – Chania – Elafonissi Beach – Samaria Gorge – Village of Loutro – Matala
• Distance: 900 km
• Pure driving time: 16hrs

Suggested accommodation during this road trip: Heraklion (1x), Rethymno (1x), Chania (3x), Loutro (1x), Matala (1x)

How to get around Crete

Northern Crete has an excellent and very affordable bus network that connects the main towns and attractions. In places such as Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno, you can also get around easily by taxi.

However, 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: Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos

Start your road trip itinerary in Heraklion, the island’s capital and an excellent base for exploring Crete. Visit the old town surrounded by ancient walls and the harbour with its Venetian fortress, and enjoy a typical Cretan lunch. If you have time, it’s also worth visiting the renowned Archaeological Museum.

Travel tip: Visit the museum during the hottest hours of the day to escape the heat!

Then continue on to the Palace of Knossos, the island’s most famous attraction and one of the most fascinating in all of Greece. The complex is located outside the city, but can be reached in about 15 minutes by car or bus from the city centre. It is an ancient citadel built around 1700 BC and is a unique testimony to the art and culture of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Please note that the frescoes you see here are reproductions. I recommend visiting the Palace of Knossos with a guided tour to discover all the details and learn more about the history and legends of the palace.

Hotel tip: City Lion by Semavi, located near Heraklion city centre, offers beatiful, modern and well-equipped rooms and apartments. Its quiet location despite its proximity to the main attractions and restaurants are making it ideal to start your Crete holiday in Heraklion. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Day 2: Rethymno & Arkadi

In the morning, visit Arkadi Monastery, taking the exit towards Amari just 30km before reaching Rethymno. According to history, the Arkadi Monastery was founded around the 11th century AD, by a monk named Arkadios. It was initially dedicated to St. Constantine and St. Helen.

The tragedy that occurred here in 1866, killing hundreds of locals, had a significant impact on how the revolution against the Turks was perceived internationally.

• Arkadi Monastery Admission: 4€
• Open: Daily 9am to 6pm (monks still live there)

• Location: Arkadi Monastery

Today, you can explore many rooms of the monastery and see traces of the battle. The museum has some beautiful pieces.

After soaking in the monastery and its beautiful surroundings, head on to Rethymno. Rethymno itself is a historic coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere. Spend your afternoon of the second day in Crete exploring the old town and harbour, where you can still see the remains of its Turkish and Venetian past. This is also the perfect place for a shopping spree.

And don’t miss the magnificent Venetian fortress, where outdoor events and concerts are often held.

To cool off after your stroll, you can refresh yourself at the well-equipped city beach or visit one of the many beautiful beaches in the area.

Day 3: Chania – History in old town & Venetian harbour

Continue your 7 days itinerary in Chanai, located about 140 km from the capital Heraklion and easily accessible via the island’s motorway. Today, the city is the tourist and cultural centre of the prefecture of Chania and is your ideal base for exploring western Crete further.

One of the aspects that particularly impressed me is the city’s charming and colourful architecture. When I walk through the streets, I am greeted by a pleasant palette of warm pastel shades and earth tones that adorn the buildings. The combination of Venetian and Ottoman influences gives the city an added appeal, making you feel as if you have been transported back in time.

In addition, the old harbour has a special place in my heart. The sight of the lighthouse, fishing boats and cosy cafés by the water creates a peaceful and picturesque scene.

Exploring Chania – Highlights:

• the Venetian harbour and its lighthouse
• the Maritime Museum of Crete
• the Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Then treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation on this road trip, whether on a picturesque beach or simply by the pool.

Day 4: Day trip to the paradise beach of Elafonissi

The beaches of Crete are truly like something out of a postcard, and one of the most famous is Elafonissi Beach. Known for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, Elafonissi is a true paradise. Offshore coral reefs serve as wave breakers. Fine red coral traces form a fringe along the shore and create a fantastic play of light in the water.

Off the coast lies the small island of the same name, which can be reached either via a sandy walk or across the sea, depending on the tide. If you want to combine relaxation with exploring the island, why not take an organised trip to Elafonissi, where you can also visit the Agia Sofia cave and the Chrissoskalitissa monastery.

Spend the evening of the forth day of your itinerary in Chania, the third largest city in Crete. Here you can dine in a restaurant in the historic centre, stroll along the beautiful Venetian harbour and enjoy a drink by the sea.

Day 5: Hiking day trip to Samaria Gorge

Now it’s time for a little adventure on your road trip! The Samaria Gorge is a truly fascinating national park, home to the famous 15 km hike through the canyon, located in the White Mountains. It is a long downhill hike that offers an incredible thrill. The trail starts in the village of Omalos and ends in Agia Roumeli, from where you can return by ferry. Along the way, you will pass towering rock walls, the narrow passage known as the ‘Iron Gate’ and abandoned villages. I recommend you to bring water, snacks and comfortable shoes.

• Open annually from May to October, the gorge features the downhill path that takes 5-8 hours to traverse, starting at Xyloskalo and ending in the village of Agia Roumeli on the coast.
• The park is a refuge for the endemic Cretan wild goat (kri-kri) and showcases diverse flora and fauna within a dramatic landscape of cliffs, forests, and streams.

If you prefer all trasnportation to be pre-arranged and have a hassle free day, day tours from Chania to Samaria Gorge leave early morning from May to October (depending on weather conditions).

Once you arrive in Agia Roumeli, you can wait for the ferry on the beach, take a refreshing dip in the sea or enjoy local food from the region in a tavern before you make your way back to Chania.

Day 6: The White village of Loutro

Now it’s time to get more off the beaten track on your Crete itinerary. Today you will explore the tiny village of Loutro.

Loutro is a small former fishing village on the south coast. It is located between the towns of Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli. There are no roads in the village and no roads lead here. The village is car-free. It can only be reached by ferry, on foot or by water taxi. Heading south towards the town of Hora Skafion, take the boat to the remote white village of Loutro. The village is secluded in a small bay on the wild south coast. The white houses contrast with the orange mountains and emerald waters.

There are two beaches in Loutro on Crete. One is in the centre of the village and the other is on the eastern edge. During the season, sun loungers and parasols are available to hire at both beaches. Small canoes, rowing boats and motorboats can also be hired. Otherwise, you should take the time to explore the village with its narrow streets. A trip towards Finikas to the ruins of the Turkish castle is also worthwhile. Or a short detour past the ferry landing stage to the Venetian castle is also interesting.

The location is breathtaking! If you are fit, you can hike to the village (medium difficulty) and return by boat.

Day 7: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala

Our next stop on the itinerary is Gortyna, located on the south coast of Crete. It is an archaeological site that differs from others in that it spans from the Minoan period through the Hellenistic period (3rd and 2nd centuries BC) to the Roman period, when the city reached its peak (1st to 5th centuries AD). The most important thing not to be missed is located behind the theatre: the walls covered with writing. It is the law book of Gortyn (5th century BC).

• Location: Minoan Palace of Phaistos (Μινωικό Ανάκτορο Φαιστού)

Next, visit the Palace of Phaistos. Inhabited since the late Neolithic period (3000 BC), it reached its peak during the Palace period (around the 20th century BC to the 15th century BC).

Visitor Information

• Palace of Phaistos Opening Hours: Summer | daily 08:00-20:00 – Winter | daily 08:30-15:30
• Admission to the site: Adult ticket 10€

When visiting the site, you can clearly see its strategic location with beautiful views of the valleys. You can even see the section where the Phaistos Disc was found (a clay disc with symbols that is believed to be Minoan – but it remains a mystery). It is now on display in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

End this day of your road trip in Matala admiring the sunset. If you’re looking for a hippie atmosphere combined with a beautiful sunset, Matala is the place for you. The beach is well positioned and as the sun drops lower, it renders the wall and its cave even more fascinating.

Where to stay in Crete?

Crete may be the largest of the Greek Islands, but thankfully the crowds seem to spend much more of their time on overcrowded neighbors like Santorni. This leaves this gorgeous, rugged Greek island to people like us, who are looking to explore rather than simply relax.

My recommendations:

• For a charming town with lots to do – See top-rated accommodation in Chania
• For sandy beaches and nightlife – See top-rated accommodation in Malia
• For a mix of history, beaches and a central location – See top-rated options in Rethymno
• For culture in the capital city – see the top-rated accommodation in Heraklion
• For breathtaking scenery, away from the crowds – see options in Palaiochora
• For a very quiet stay – see the top-rated options in Mochlos

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