12-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, and Ierapetra

On day 2 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Kallithea and Heraklion. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Heraklion, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Whether you decide to explore Kallithea on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Rocca A Mare Fortress brings Heraklion's character to life. This culturally significant castle is a highlight of any visit in the village. Then, enjoy Heraklion Venetian Port, another awe-inspiring attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus, one of the village’s most underrated attractions, known for its culturally significant features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Morosini Fountain. This heritage-rich monument is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Natural History Museum Of Crete, an often recommended museum, and take a stroll around the area.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Heraklion and set your GPS to Kallithea. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 18 min. Upon reaching Kallithea, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Knossos Palace, a well-known archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Heraklion and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Heraklion. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a top-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Athali Cretan Cuisine, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Home. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Heraklion this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Swing Thing, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Stone Project, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Tita Briki likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Head back to your accommodation in Heraklion and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Crete.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Crete, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Rethymno. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Rethymno, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Rethymno and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rethymno beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Venetian Fortezza Castle and explore the culturally significant features. Next, make your way to Rimondi Fountain, another highlight in Rethymno. When you’re done exploring the monument, continue to Neratze Mosque, a standout mosque.

Nearby, you will also find Rethymnon Municipal Garden. This curiosity-inducing park is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Guora Gate, an eye-catching historical landmark that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rethymno, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Rethymno's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Make sure to reserve a table at Agrimia Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Rethymno. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos, a popular restaurant in Rethymno. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Lemonokipos Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Rethymno. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Antika Irish Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Monitor Art Café. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Head back to your accommodation in Rethymno and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Crete.

On day 4 of your road trip in Crete, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Chania are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Chania, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Chania. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Kastélli, a worthwhile archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Old Venetian Port Of Chania and admire its respected features.

When you’re ready, continue to Presentation Of The Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church, an intriguing church beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Greek National Football Team Museum, a photogenic place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Chania. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Chania's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at To Maridaki, a top-rated dining destination in Chania. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Arismari, Cretan Creative Cuisine - Arismari, Apo Tin Kritiki Gi, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Apokoronas. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Chania this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Vazaki after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Emprime also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Crete.

Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Heraklion. You’ll stay in Chania for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Eleftherios Venizelos House brings Chania's character to life. This respected museum is a highlight of any visit in the city. Next, head over to Lighthouse Of Chania, one of the city’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its history-steeped features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Crete. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Chania is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Chania.

Savor the flavors at Plaka, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider KAIKI. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Chania tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Block 38 Cafe Cocktail Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Nama Restobar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Peacock Tail Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Say good night to Chania and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Crete!

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Crete includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Agios Nikolaos. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Agios Nikolaos, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Chania, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Agios Nikolaos. Your travel time is around 2 hours 53 min.

Savor the day by heading to Cretan Olive Oil Farm, an often recommended farm that draws visitors from near and far.

Next, explore Fisherman’s Crypt, yet another beloved place to see in the area.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos. Agios Nikolaos offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Ofou to lo, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT) beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Zygos Urban Garden. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Agios Nikolaos tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Yanni's Rock Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Palazzo Cafe Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Cafe Du Lac Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Crete!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in Crete. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Pachia Ammos and Ierapetra. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Ierapetra, where will spend 2 nights.

As you explore Pachia Ammos’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the village.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pachia Ammos may take around 20 min. Upon your arrival in Pachia Ammos, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Archaeological Site Of Gournia, an underrated archeological site in Pachia Ammos. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pachia Ammos, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ierapetra. This drive usually takes around 16 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Archaeological Collection Of Ierapetra. Spend some time admiring the photogenic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Ierapetra, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Ierapetra. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Stsi Koumbares, a top-rated dining destination in Ierapetra. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bakalogatos, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mama's Soul Kitchen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Ierapetra this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Saxo, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Island Cafe Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Crete!

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in Crete. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Krasion and Psichron. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Heraklion, where you'll spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Krasion, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Ierapetra to Krasion may take around 1 hour 22 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Krasion, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Monumental Platanos, a locally appreciated monument that everyone visiting Krasion should see. Next, head to Mnimeiakos Platanos. This picturesque monument is one of the most locally appreciated attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, a picture-perfect monastery popular among locals as well as travelers.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Psichron may take around 25 min. Upon your arrival in Psichron, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Cave Of Zeus, an often recommended cave that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Cave Of Diktaion Andron, where you can soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Heraklion. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Heraklion is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Heraklion.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Merastri offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Petoúsēs. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Heraklion.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Route 66 Rock Bar, a prime location for a drink.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!