4-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Rethymno and surrounding area
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 4-day road trip through Crete. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Crete takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Heraklion and 1 night in Rethymno. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Crete. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Heraklion, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Crete on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Crete. Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Heraklion, Rethymno, and Gournes, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Crete. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Crete.
Throughout your road trip in Crete, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Crete.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Crete fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Crete today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Heraklion - arrival day
- Heraklion - Arrival day
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- Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
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Your road trip adventure in Crete begins as soon as you reach Heraklion and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Heraklion is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Heraklion Venetian Port or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Heraklion. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Greece. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Heraklion. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Peskesi, a top-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Koukouvagia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Xalavro Open Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Heraklion this evening.
Keep the evening going at Indigo, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Polytechneio Cafe, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Garden, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Crete!
Day 2 – Heraklion and Rethymno
- Heraklion
- Rethymno
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Drive 94 km, 2 hours 8 min
- Church of Agios Minas
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
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On day 2 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 Heraklion. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rethymno, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several an instagrammable, a respected, a stunning, a stunning, and a majestic. Whether you decide to explore Heraklion on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic church before continuing your journey. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is your next stop. This interesting museum is one of the best-rated sights in Heraklion.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Rocca A Mare Fortress. This breathtaking castle is a sight to behold.
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.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rethymno. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Agrimia Restaurant, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Lemonokipos Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rethymno tonight.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Antika Irish Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Monitor Art Café is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Crete.
Day 3 – Rethymno, Gournes, and Heraklion
- Rethymno
- District of Chersonissos
- Heraklion
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Drive 123 km, 2 hours 5 min
- Municipal Garden
- Porta Guora
- Rimondi Venetian Fountain
- Venetian Fortezza Castle
- CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Crete. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Rethymno and Gournes. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Heraklion, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Rethymno, featuring a charming, a beautiful, a breathtaking, an instagrammable, a heritage-rich, a symbolic, and a noteworthy. Start at Rethymnon Municipal Garden, an often recommended park in the city. Then, head to Guora Gate and soak in the ambiance of this heritage-rich historical landmark.
There are many interesting places to see in Rethymno and when you are ready for more, go to Rimondi Fountain. This is one of the city’s most locally appreciated spots. After exploring the monument, visit the popular Venetian Fortezza Castle.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rethymno and set your GPS to Gournes. 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 1 hour 23 min. Upon reaching Gournes, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Make your way to Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos, an interesting aquarium that draws attention for its picture-perfect features.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Heraklion. Heraklion offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Heraklion's best restaurants.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Athali Cretan Cuisine offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Home is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Heraklion.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Swing Thing after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Stone Project, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Tita Briki also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Crete!
Day 4 – Heraklion - departure day
- Heraklion - Departure day
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- Morosini Fountain
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
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Day 4 of your road trip in Crete is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Heraklion before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in Crete by visiting Heraklion’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Crete.
Immerse yourself in Heraklion’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Morosini Fountain. This heritage-rich monument is sure to ignite your curiosity.
Before you conclude your road trip in Crete, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Heraklion.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Merastri, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Heraklion. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Crete!
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