5-Day Crete road trip Starting from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos

A small village with unique beaches and famous resort of Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, Greece
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-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 3 nights in Heraklion and 1 night in Agios Nikolaos, 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, and Agios Nikolaos. We'll help you experience the best 5 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 Morosini Fountain and Rocca a Mare Fortress.

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 Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Venetian Port of Heraklion, 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, and Agios Nikolaos, 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 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 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!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Crete - region in GreeceHeraklion / 3 nights
Photo of aerial view of the port in Agios Nikolaos, famous travel destination of Crete, Greece.Agios Nikolaos / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of Malia beach and small island with Church of Transfiguration, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.Malia

Map

Attractions

Minoan Palace of Knossos, 4th Community of Heraklion - South, Municipality of Heraklion, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceKnossos Palace
Photo of the Heraklion Historical Museum is a museum located in Heraklion city on Crete island, Greece.Heraklion Archaeological Museum
CRETAquarium Θαλασσόκοσμος, Municipality of Anopolis, District of Chersonissos, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceCRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Photo of Venetian Morosini Fountain in the Lions square, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.Morosini Fountain
Spinalonga fortress, Municipality of Elounta, District of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceSpinalonga fortress
Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare, 1st Community of Heraklion - Central, Municipality of Heraklion, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceΕνετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceΕνετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
AMAZONAS PARK, Municipality of Neapolis, District of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceAMAZONAS PARK
photo of Front view of the cathedral of St. Minas Heraklion, Greece.Church of Agios Minas
Plaka Beach, Municipality of Vrouchas, District of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreecePlaka Beach
Natural History Museum of Crete
Platanus Tree
photo of view of Σπιναλόνγκα, Agios Nikolaos, Greece.Σπιναλόνγκα
Grave Monument of Kazantzakis, 4th Community of Heraklion - South, Municipality of Heraklion, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceGrave Monument of Kazantzakis

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Heraklion - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Heraklion - arrival day

  • Heraklion - Arrival day
  • More
  • Morosini Fountain
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Crete begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Heraklion. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 3 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 Morosini Fountain. This attraction is a fountain and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,456 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.

Another of the best bars in the city of Heraklion is Xalavro Open Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,916 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Crete!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Heraklion

Day 2

Day 2 – Heraklion

  • Heraklion
  • More

Drive 16 km, 1 hour 18 min

  • Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
  • Natural History Museum of Crete
  • Church of Agios Minas
  • Grave Monument of Kazantzakis
  • Knossos Palace
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Heraklion has to offer. Cherish the 2 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 Rocca a Mare Fortress. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,392 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Heraklion is the spectacular Natural History Museum of Crete. This attraction is a natural history museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,734 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Church of Agios Minas and Pantanassa. This eastern orthodox church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,606 visitors.

Nikos Kazantzakis Grave is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This top-tier point of interest is a popular destination among visitors in Heraklion. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,670 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Knossos Palace. Knossos Palace is a best-rated sightseeing 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.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Heraklion!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Heraklion, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos

Day 3

Day 3 – Heraklion, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos

  • Heraklion
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Malia
  • More

Drive 68 km, 1 hour 19 min

  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
  • Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the city of Heraklion and the city of Malia. You’ll stay in Agios Nikolaos for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Heraklion today is Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This excellent attraction is an archaeological museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,621 visitors. Each year, Heraklion Archaeological Museum attracts over 104,717 local and international travelers.

To experience the local culture, see more of Crete, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Crete. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Agios Nikolaos.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Agios Nikolaos, Piato. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 974 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Agios Nikolaos, Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT). This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Crete with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Heraklion

Day 4

Day 4 – Malia, Agios Nikolaos, and Heraklion

  • Heraklion
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Malia
  • More

Drive 154 km, 3 hours 1 min

  • Platanus Tree
  • Spinalonga fortress
  • Σπιναλόνγκα
  • Plaka Beach
  • AMAZONAS PARK
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Crete is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Malia and the city of Agios Nikolaos. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Malia is the amazing Platanus Tree. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,059 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Malia is another excellent way to spend your new day in Crete. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Crete’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Crete’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Crete’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Spinalonga fortress in the city of Agios Nikolaos for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,173 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Agios Nikolaos is the outstanding Spinalonga. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,880 visitors, this island deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Plaka Beach. This attraction, a stunning must-see tourist destination, has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,924 travelers.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Heraklion.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try The Home, one of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

After dinner, visit Veranda, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Crete!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Heraklion - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Heraklion - departure day

  • Heraklion - Departure day
  • More
  • Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
  • More

Day 5 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.

Venetian Port of Heraklion is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Heraklion. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,727 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 could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Heraklion at Érganos before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,634 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Heraklion. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Crete!

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Experiences

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