It is no secret that a road trip is the best way to fully experience the diversity of Crete. As the largest Greek island, it has many interesting things to do and stunning places to explore. That is why a road trip through this dreamy island is undoubtedly one of the best travel experiences in Greece. In addition to the amazing beaches, you will find many charming towns and villages that will leave you speechless with their beauty and authenticity. In this article, you will find a week-long road trip itinerary for Crete, Greece.
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Things you should know before your road trip to Crete
Why is Crete a must-visit destination in Greece?
Although there are countless islands in Greece, Crete is one of the most beautiful and diverse places to explore. Not only the Mediterranean climate, but also its history, architecture, and stunning beaches make it a little paradise. The local Cretan cuisine is another reason why this island is so special. Crete is one of those places you should visit at least once in your life. You will quickly find out that it is one of the rare cases where an island has it all. Luxury hotels, Airbnb, restaurants, cafés, bars, nightclubs, museums, malls, and so on are just some of the many things that this unique island offers.
Are 7 days enough for a road trip through Crete?
Crete is a large island with many gems to explore, such as charming towns, interesting cultural sites, picturesque villages, dreamy beaches, etc. If you only have a week at your disposal, you can still get a good taste of its unique beauty! However, be aware that Crete will be overcrowded during the summer months. Therefore, if you visit it in the peak season, it is best to combine the touristy places with the less crowded spots. For your seven days in Crete, we highly recommend that you get out of bed as early as possible to enjoy your time to the fullest.
How to get to Crete?
Crete is an easily accessible island. You can reach it either by boat or by plane. It has two airports, the first one is located in Heraklion, which is the main airport, and the second one in Chania. So, there are many international and domestic flights per day, especially in the summer. You can alternatively take the ferry from any nearby island or Athens, which is a more affordable option. Whichever way you choose, be aware that tickets sell out quickly during peak season (from June to late August). Especially during this period, it is best to book your tickets and accommodation in advance.
The best time for a road trip in Crete
The Mediterranean climate makes Crete the ultimate summer destination. However, because it is overcrowded and hot in the summer, you can alternatively visit it during the shoulder season. In the fall or spring, Crete is amazing with more bearable temperatures. There are also fewer tourists, which makes it easier to explore. In our opinion, you should avoid visiting Crete in winter, as it can rain a lot and the roads will be quite dangerous under these conditions. Regardless of when you visit Crete, you should be aware that the road conditions are poor. People are careless and drive at high speeds, without respecting the driving rules.
One week road trip itinerary for Crete – Greece
Day 1: Arrival and walk in Heraklion
In this itinerary, we use Heraklion as our starting point, since it is where the main port and airport are located. So, it is the perfect place to start and end your road trip through Crete. Heraklion caters to all tastes, as it is a beautiful seaside city with a lively atmosphere, stunning beaches, cafés, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Additionally, it is considered an important Greek city, as the most important archaeological site of Crete is located just a few kilometers from the city center. It is called “Knossos Palace” and it is a must-see place in Crete. Since it is one of the most popular tourist attractions, we recommend booking your tickets online to avoid long queues, especially on hot summer days.
Day 2: Visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos
You cannot leave Crete without visiting the most colorful and picturesque town called “Agios Nikolaos”. It has charming buildings and a port, cute souvenir shops, and beaches with turquoise waters. Just a few meters from the town’s center, you will even find a small lake called “Voulismeni Lake”. It is very pleasant to take a walk in the center and admire all these incredible spots. On summer days, besides a dip in the surrounding beaches, we recommend you drink an iced coffee in the center, while enjoying the amazing views of the small harbor. Another interesting thing you can do is take the boat and visit the island of Spinalonga. It is where the lepers (victims of leprosy) used to live.
Day 3: Visit to the stunning Voulisma Beach and the town of Sitia
Voulisma Beach is one of the best beaches in Crete. It offers stunning mountain and ocean views. You will find this gem just 15 kilometers outside of Agios Nikolaos. The turquoise waters and surrounding mountains create the perfect setting. We visited early in June, on a weekday, and it was really quiet with only a few people. However, the situation will probably not be the same on weekends during the high summer season. If you are planning to visit during that time, make sure to arrive as early as possible. This beach is the perfect place to enjoy your summer day, as you can either spread your towel on the white sand or pay for a sunbed at the beach bar.
Not far from Agios Nikolaos and Voulisma beach, you will find a quiet town called “Sitia”. You can end your day there, enjoying a magnificent sunset by the sea. The 2 best beaches you can visit are Sitia Beach and Vai Beach. The latter is considered one of the best beaches on the entire island, mainly due to its tropical vibes. You will find countless palm trees on this beach! On our recent trip to Crete, we spent an afternoon at Sitia beach, as we wanted a rocky beach for sunset.
Day 4: Long drive to the city of Chania
Chania is a unique place to visit, full of colors and vibes. That is why it could also be the alternative starting point of your road trip. Some of the most dreamy beaches of Crete are located near Chania, such as Balos and Elafonissi Beach. However, we could not include them in our week-long road trip itinerary. You would need more time to go to these beaches, since we started this itinerary from Heraklion. There are many things to do in a day in Chania, such as visiting the old Venetian harbor and lighthouse, strolling through the old town, and enjoying your lunch or dinner. The best time to walk around the old town and port of Chania is at sunset to admire the magical pastel colors.
Day 5: A day at Seitan Limania Beach
You can consider Seitan Limania beach as one of the most unique beaches to visit, not only in Crete but also in Greece. It offers stunning views, turquoise waters, and huge rock formations. It is the perfect beach for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it is only accessible by car. That is why we included it in this road trip itinerary. At this beach, you will find a parking lot that fills up quickly during the summer season. Once you reach the parking lot, you should follow the path to get down to the beach. You have to hike a bit, so comfortable shoes are a must for this beach. Seitan Limania is secluded, and there are no facilities. Therefore, you should bring enough food and water for a fun day at this wonderful beach.
Day 6: Drive to Chora Sfakion (South Crete)
Chora Sfakion or Sfakia is a small town on the south coast of Crete. It is the most authentic place we have visited in Crete. This village is the capital of the mountainous region of Sfakia. The white old houses, the surrounding Cretan mountains, and the amazing ocean views create the perfect scenery. It has only 278 inhabitants, and you will find a few cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Although it is a tiny, remote place, there are many tourists every summer. That is why we suggest you get there as early as possible to have it all to yourself. Access is quite easy. Chora Sfakion is located approximately 75 kilometers (1 hour 20 min) from the city of Chania. The sea and mountain views along the way will take your breath away.
Day 7: Drive to Heraklion and departure from Crete
On your last day, you will drive back to Heraklion to drop off your car (if you have rented one) and then catch your flight or ferry. Depending on when you depart Crete, you may have a few hours to spare. If so, we cannot recommend enough to grab an iced coffee, take a last dip at any of the surrounding beaches of Heraklion, and then get ready to leave this unique island. We assure you that you will return home with memories of a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Crete is one of our favorite Greek islands and undoubtedly a must-visit place in Greece. The diverse landscapes, the friendly locals, the delicious Cretan cuisine, and the overall atmosphere will not disappoint you. We hope that now you have a better idea of how to organize your road trip to Crete and what to expect from this trip. Remember that all that matters is having fun. So, prioritize the places you really want to visit during these 7 days so that you do not overload your time.
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