13-Day Crete road trip Starting from Heraklion to Sitia
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 13-day road trip through Crete.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Crete. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 11 nights in Heraklion and 1 night in Sitia, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Crete. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Heraklion, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Sitia. We'll help you experience the best 13 days in Crete you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Heraklion, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Crete, including the stunning Venetian Port of Heraklion and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Crete. From the magnificent Knossos Palace to the breathtaking Morosini Fountain and Rocca a Mare Fortress, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Heraklion, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Sitia, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Crete. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Crete.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Crete. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Crete.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Crete.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Crete has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Crete. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 12 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 12 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Crete extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Crete fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Crete today!
Included
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FlightsYesNo
Travel details
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CarYesNo
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Day 1 – Heraklion - arrival day
Day 1 – Heraklion - arrival day
- Heraklion - Arrival day
- More
- Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
- More
Your road trip adventure in Crete begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Heraklion. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 11 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Heraklion has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Venetian Port of Heraklion. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,727 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
Heraklion also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Heraklion is Swing Thing. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 512 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 13-day vacation in Crete!
Experiences
Day 2 – Heraklion
Day 2 – Heraklion
- Heraklion
- More
Drive 18 km, 1 hour 14 min
- Venetian Walls of Heraklion
- Grave Monument of Kazantzakis
- Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Knossos Palace
- More
Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Heraklion has to offer. Cherish the 10 nights you have left in Heraklion by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Heraklion. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Heraklion, like the extraordinary Fortifications of Heraklion. This attraction is a city walls and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,118 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Heraklion is the spectacular Nikos Kazantzakis Grave. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,670 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, Irakleio. This portrait statue has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 471 visitors.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This archaeological museum is a popular destination among visitors in Heraklion. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,621 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit. In one single year, this attraction usually gets more than 104,717 visitors.
If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Knossos Palace. Knossos Palace is a must-see tourist destination and popular attraction in Heraklion. More than 42,799 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Your discovery of Heraklion does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Heraklion on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Crete, be sure to eat at Apiri greek_eatery, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,190 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, Xalavro Open Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,916 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Heraklion!
Experiences
Day 3 – Heraklion
Day 3 – Heraklion
- Heraklion
- More
Drive 1 km, 18 min
- Church of Agios Titos
- Venetian Loggia
- EscapeRooms Gr
- Morosini Fountain
- Church of Agios Minas
- More
Day 3 of your road trip across Crete is another day in the magnificent Heraklion. You now have 9 nights left in Heraklion. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Heraklion offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.
One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Heraklion is the stunning Church of Agios Titos. This has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,172 visitors.
You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Venetian Loggia in the city of Heraklion. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 830 visitors.
Another attraction you could visit in the city of Heraklion is the incredible EscapeRooms. Gr. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 445 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Morosini Fountain. This fountain and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,456 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding Church of Agios Minas and Pantanassa. This eastern orthodox church is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,606 visitors.
Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Heraklion you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.
When it’s time to eat, the city of Heraklion has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.
Toast to another amazing day in the city of Heraklion!
Experiences
Day 4 – Heraklion
Day 4 – Heraklion
- Heraklion
- More
Drive 9 km, 1 hour 6 min
- Heraklion Lighthouse
- Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
- Historical Museum of Crete
- Natural History Museum of Crete
- Fountain Karavola
- More
Day 4 of your road trip across Crete is another day in the magnificent Heraklion. You now have 8 nights left in Heraklion. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Heraklion offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.
One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Heraklion is the stunning Heraklion Lighthouse. This has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 720 visitors.
You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Rocca a Mare Fortress in the city of Heraklion. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,392 visitors.
Another attraction you could visit in the city of Heraklion is the incredible Historical Museum of Crete. This attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,448 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Natural History Museum of Crete. This natural history museum and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,734 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding Fountain Karavola. This top-tier point of interest is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 814 visitors.
Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Heraklion you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.
When it’s time to eat, the city of Heraklion has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.
We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion, The Home. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.
Toast to another amazing day in the city of Heraklion!
Experiences
Day 5 – Malia and Heraklion
Day 5 – Malia and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Malia
- More
Drive 79 km, 1 hour 31 min
- Schöner Garten
- Safari Club Crete
- Watercity Waterpark Crete
- More
On day 5 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. You still have 7 nights left in Heraklion.
Today you'll explore the city of Malia. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Schöner Garten. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 7 visitors.
Safari Club Crete is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Malia. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 586 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Crete to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Heraklion.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion, Veranda. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like News Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 941 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 6 – Malia and Heraklion
Day 6 – Malia and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Malia
- More
Drive 56 km, 1 hour 23 min
- Skotino Cave
- Sole summerweare
- Dinosauria Park
- More
On day 6 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. You still have 6 nights left in Heraklion.
Today you'll explore the city of Malia. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Skotino cave. This incredible attraction is a cave and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 916 visitors.
Sole summerweare is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Malia. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Crete to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Heraklion.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion, like Érganos. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,634 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion, PLASTELINA. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 913 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Indigo. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 809 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 7 – Malia and Heraklion
Day 7 – Malia and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Malia
- More
Drive 64 km, 1 hour 25 min
- Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
- DiscoveringCrete.com
- Aposelemi Beach
- CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
- More
On day 7 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. You still have 5 nights left in Heraklion.
Today you'll explore the city of Malia. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is DiscoveringCrete.com. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 109 visitors.
Aposelemi Beach is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Malia. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 461 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Crete to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Heraklion.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion, DISH BAR PARTY RESTAURANT. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 926 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 8 – Malia and Heraklion
Day 8 – Malia and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Malia
- More
Drive 108 km, 1 hour 58 min
- Windmills of Seli Ambelou
- Monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
- Platanus Tree
- Monumental Platanos
- Παραλία Σταλίδος
- More
On day 8 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. You still have 4 nights left in Heraklion.
Today you'll explore the city of Malia. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Windmills of Seli Ambelou. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 247 visitors.
Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Malia. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,727 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Malia is Platanus Tree. This amazing attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,059 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Paralia Stalidos. This top-tier point of interest and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 356 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Crete to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Heraklion.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion, Iridanos cafe-bar-bistro. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 547 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 9 – Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion
Day 9 – Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Agios Nikolaos
- More
Drive 147 km, 2 hours 40 min
- Σπιναλόνγκα
- Spinalonga fortress
- Pēgádi
- Plaka Beach
- Areti Monastery
- More
On day 9 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. You still have 3 nights left in Heraklion.
Today you'll explore the city of Agios Nikolaos. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Spinalonga. This incredible attraction is an island and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,880 visitors.
Spinalonga fortress is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Agios Nikolaos. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,173 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Agios Nikolaos is Pēgádi. This amazing attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Plaka Beach. This best-rated sightseeing destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,924 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Areti Monastery. This place of worship is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 207 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Crete to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Heraklion.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 10 – Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion
Day 10 – Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Agios Nikolaos
- More
Drive 148 km, 2 hours 51 min
- Windmills Poros Elounda
- Cretan Olive Oil Farm
- Abduction of Europe
- Agii Pantes
- More
On day 10 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. You still have 2 nights left in Heraklion.
Today you'll explore the city of Agios Nikolaos. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ancient Naxos. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 38 visitors.
Windmills Poros Elounda is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Agios Nikolaos. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 523 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Agios Nikolaos is Cretan Olive Oil Farm. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,877 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding The Abduction of Europe. This top-tier point of interest and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Agii Pantes. This top-tier point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Crete to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Heraklion.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 11 – Agios Nikolaos and Sitia
Day 11 – Agios Nikolaos and Sitia
- Sitia
- Agios Nikolaos
- More
Drive 140 km, 2 hours 27 min
- AMAZONAS PARK
- Bunte Treppe
- Treppe mit Malerei Delphine
- Fisherman’s Crypt
- More
Day 11 of your road trip through Crete gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Agios Nikolaos and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Sitia. You will stay in Sitia for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Agios Nikolaos is the amazing Bunte Treppe. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 7 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Treppe mit Malerei Delphine. With an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars by 4 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Agios Nikolaos is the outstanding Fisherman’s Crypt. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 156 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Agios Nikolaos by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Crete. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Sitia, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Mitsakakis, one of the best restaurants in the city of Sitia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.
Locals also recommend Kritiko Spiti as one of the best restaurants in the city of Sitia. Kritiko Spiti is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 928 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sitia is To limani. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 378 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Crete!
Experiences
Day 12 – Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion
Day 12 – Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Agios Nikolaos
- More
Drive 168 km, 3 hours 15 min
- Panagia Kera
- Almiros
- Kremasta Monastery
- Milatos Cave
- Boat Aphrodite
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 12 of your epic road trip in Crete, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Agios Nikolaos. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Heraklion. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Agios Nikolaos’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Agios Nikolaos, start your day with a visit to the amazing Church of Panagia Kera. This much-appreciated church building and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 909 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Almiros. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 552 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Kremasta Monastery to make the most of your road trip across Crete. The spectacular Kremasta Monastery is a place of worship that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 396 visitors.
The lovely Milatos cave is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,286 visitors have left this cave average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Boat Aphrodite. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 68 reviews.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Agios Nikolaos has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Heraklion. Heraklion offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Crete!
Experiences
Day 13 – Heraklion - departure day
Day 13 – Heraklion - departure day
- Heraklion - Departure day
- More
- Kornarou Square
- More
Day 13 of your road trip in Crete is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Heraklion before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Kornarou Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Heraklion. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 485 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Heraklion and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Crete.
You’ll then say farewell to Heraklion. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Crete!
Experiences
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