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 start and end your day in Heraklion, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Kallithea and Heraklion. You still have 1 night left in Heraklion.

Today’s itinerary in Heraklion covers several incredible sights, including an archeological site, a castle, a marina, a church, a monument, a museum and much more! Start your adventure at Knossos Palace. This interesting archeological site is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the picture-perfect wonders of Rocca A Mare Fortress, a must-see castle in the village.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Heraklion Venetian Port. This underrated marina offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus, where you can take in culturally significant features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Morosini Fountain and Natural History Museum Of Crete. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Heraklion. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Athali Cretan Cuisine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Home. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Heraklion.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Swing Thing stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Stone Project offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Tita Briki is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Crete.

On day 3 of your road trip in Crete, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Rethymno. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rethymno, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Heraklion, including a castle, a monument, a mosque, a park, a historical landmark and much more! Start your day with a visit to Venetian Fortezza Castle. This popular castle is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Rimondi Fountain, which may be one of the most instagrammable places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Heraklion on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Neratze Mosque, an underrated mosque in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Rethymnon Municipal Garden and Guora Gate.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rethymno. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Agrimia Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Lemonokipos Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rethymno.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Antika Irish Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Monitor Art Café offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Crete.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Crete. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Chania. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Chania, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Rethymno, including an archeological site, a marina, a church, a museum, a market and much more! Start your adventure at Kastélli. This intriguing archeological site is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Old Venetian Port Of Chania located in Rethymno for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Presentation Of The Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church. Its eye-catching features will captivate you. After the church, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church. Visitors usually appreciate the respected features of this church. Next up is Greek National Football Team Museum, a highly recommended museum. For a change of pace, head to Old Chania Market. As one of the most well-known attractions in Rethymno, this market is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Chania, 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 Chania. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at To Maridaki, a top-rated dining spot in Chania. If you're in the mood for something new, try Arismari, Cretan Creative Cuisine - Arismari, Apo Tin Kritiki Gi, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Apokoronas. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Chania.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Vazaki, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Emprime is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Crete!

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Chania. You’ll stay in Chania for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Start by visiting Eleftherios Venizelos House, a prime spot to begin your journey. This heritage-rich museum is sure to impress.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Chania by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Lighthouse Of Chania. This romantic lighthouse is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Chania experience.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Crete is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Chania, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Block 38 Cafe Cocktail Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Nama Restobar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Peacock Tail Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Crete and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Crete. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Agios Nikolaos. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Agios Nikolaos. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, natural wonders, and scenic views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Cretan Olive Oil Farm. This worthwhile farm is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is The Abduction Of Europe, one of the town’s best highlights.

Next, check out Fisherman’s Crypt, one of the most locally appreciated places to see in Chania. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of 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.

As you explore more of Agios Nikolaos, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ofou to lo, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT) is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Zygos Urban Garden. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Agios Nikolaos tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Yanni's Rock Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Palazzo Cafe Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Cafe Du Lac Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Crete, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Pachia Ammos and Ierapetra. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ierapetra, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Agios Nikolaos is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include an archeological site, a monument, and a museum. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Archaeological Site Of Gournia and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Monumental Ancient Olive Tree Azoria, a history-steeped monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Archaeological Collection Of Ierapetra, one of the village’s most curiosity-inducing spots that you shouldn’t miss.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Ierapetra. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

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

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.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Crete.

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in Crete. Today you will explore Krasion and Psichron, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Heraklion. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Ierapetra’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Monumental Platanos. This history-steeped monument is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the history-steeped features of Mnimeiakos Platanos, a must-visit monument in the village.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, a curiosity-inducing monastery. For a change of scene, check out Cave Of Zeus, known for its history-steeped features. We also recommend visiting Cave Of Diktaion Andron. This cave is a must for anyone looking to experience the village to the fullest.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Heraklion, 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 Heraklion's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Dine in style at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Merastri boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Petoúsēs. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Heraklion.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Route 66 Rock Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Crete!