5-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Rethymno and Chania

1 / 31
Photo of aerial view of lake almyros in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
From A to Z
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 5-day road trip in Crete! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Heraklion, Kallithea, Rethymno, Chania, and Meleses.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Crete. You will spend 2 nights in Heraklion, 1 night in Rethymno, and 1 night in Chania. 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 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 Old Venetian Port Of Chania are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Heraklion Archaeological Museum, learn more about the unique Morosini Fountain, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Venetian Fortezza Castle.

As you hit the open road and drive through Heraklion, Kallithea, Rethymno, Chania, and Meleses, 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, accommodations, 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!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Heraklion, landing in Heraklion

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65
I live in
Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Heraklion - Arrival day
  • More
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Crete begins as soon as you reach Heraklion and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Heraklion, 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 Archaeological Museum, or just 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 central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Heraklion, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Peskesi, a popular restaurant in Heraklion. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heraklion at Koukouvagia, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Xalavro Open Bar. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heraklion tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Indigo, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Polytechneio Cafe is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Garden ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Crete!

Read more
Day 2

Day 2

  • Heraklion
  • Rethymno
  • More

Drive 96 km, 2 hours 3 min

  • Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
  • Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
  • Knossos Palace
  • Venetian Fortezza Castle
  • Rimondi Venetian Fountain
  • More

Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in Crete includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Heraklion, Kallithea, and Rethymno. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Rethymno, where you'll spend 1 night.

Heraklion Venetian Port is an ideal stop early in the day. This worthwhile marina is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Rocca A Mare Fortress, which may be one of the most stunning 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 Knossos Palace, a well-known archeological site in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Venetian Fortezza Castle and Rimondi Fountain.

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.

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 consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rethymno tonight.

Keep the evening going at Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Antika Irish Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Monitor Art Café, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Read more
Day 3

Day 3

  • Rethymno
  • Chania
  • More

Drive 64 km, 1 hour 44 min

  • Eleftherios Venizelos' House
  • Lighthouse of Chania
  • Kastélli
  • Old Venetian Port of Chania
  • More

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

Eleftherios Venizelos House makes a great addition to your morning plans. This underrated museum is an eye-catching place to see in Rethymno. Continue your discovery at Lighthouse Of Chania, a history-steeped lighthouse with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Rethymno, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Kastélli. This intriguing archeological site offers a history-steeped encounter with Rethymno. Next, make your way to Old Venetian Port Of Chania to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Rethymno.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Chania, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at To Maridaki, a popular restaurant in Chania. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Chania at Arismari, Cretan Creative Cuisine - Arismari, Apo Tin Kritiki Gi, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Apokoronas. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Chania tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Vazaki after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Emprime is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Read more
Day 4

Day 4

  • Chania
  • Heraklion
  • More

Drive 185 km, 3 hours 4 min

  • Old Chania Market
  • Greek National Football Team Museum
  • Domaine Paterianakis- Κτήμα Πατεριανάκη
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Crete. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Chania and Meleses. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Heraklion, where will spend 1 night.

Awaiting your discovery is the captivating Old Chania Market, an instagrammable market in Chania. Next, go to Greek National Football Team Museum.

After visiting Old Chania Market and Greek National Football Team Museum, have a stroll along Chania's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Domaine Paterianakis- Ktima Paterianaki. This gorgeous winery offers a unique experience.

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 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. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Heraklion.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Swing Thing, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Stone Project is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Tita Briki is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Read more
Day 5

Day 5

  • Heraklion - Departure day
  • More
  • Morosini Fountain
  • More

Day 5 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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Morosini Fountain. This notable monument is a hotspot among locals.

For a shopping spree in Heraklion, we recommend the lively 1866 Street Market. Here, you'll find a range of shops you can browse for some souvenir shopping.

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 for something new, try Merastri, another premier location with a delectable 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!

Read more

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in Greece

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.