6-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
6 days & 5 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
5 nights included
Car rental
6 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 6-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 4 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 and Agios Nikolaos. We'll help you experience the best 6 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 Knossos Palace 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 Morosini Fountain to the breathtaking Rocca a Mare Fortress 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. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Spinalonga fortress and learn more about the unique CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Heraklion 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 5 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 5 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, 5 nights
Rental car, 6 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Crete - region in GreeceHeraklion / 4 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
Monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa, Municipality of Kera, District of Chersonissos, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceMonastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
Church of Agios Titos, 1st Community of Heraklion - Central, Municipality of Heraklion, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceChurch of Agios Titos
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
photo of view of Milatos cave,Municipality of Milatos greece.Milatos Cave
photo of view of Venetian fortress Koules in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.Venetian Walls of Heraklion
photo of view of Skotino Cave,Gournes greece.Skotino Cave

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
  • 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 4 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.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion, Peskesi. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,953 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion is Merastri. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,788 customers.

Locals recommend 7 Thalases as one of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,791 customers.

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 Central Park. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,471 customers.

Locals also enjoy Xalavro Open Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,916 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 6-day vacation in Crete!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Heraklion

Day 2

Day 2 – Heraklion

  • Heraklion
  • More

Drive 15 km, 1 hour 1 min

  • Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
  • Church of Agios Titos
  • Morosini Fountain
  • 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 3 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 Church of Agios Titos. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,172 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Morosini Fountain. This fountain has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,456 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.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Heraklion is the popular Mezedopoleio "I Ayli". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,012 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Heraklion is Vourvourladikon. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,141 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Ntoré Gastronomy 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 1,213 customers.

Crop is another of the most popular bars in the city of Heraklion. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Heraklion is Kuzina Casual Food. Kuzina Casual Food has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,188 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 – Gournes and Heraklion

Day 3

Day 3 – Gournes and Heraklion

  • Heraklion
  • Malia
  • More

Drive 49 km, 1 hour 18 min

  • Venetian Walls of Heraklion
  • Church of Agios Minas
  • Natural History Museum of Crete
  • CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
  • More

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Heraklion, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

You can also make your new day in Crete more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Crete’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Heraklion.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like The Home. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa is one of the top restaurants in the city of Heraklion. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,264 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Heraklion is Hacienda. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,372 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Heraklion, The Garden. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,056 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Heraklion, we recommend the cocktails at Casa Donato. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 935 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Heraklion is Veranda. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Heraklion!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Krasion, Skotino, Limenas Chersonisou, and Agios Nikolaos

Day 4

Day 4 – Krasion, Skotino, Limenas Chersonisou, and Agios Nikolaos

  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Malia
  • More

Drive 107 km, 2 hours 14 min

  • Skotino Cave
  • Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
  • Monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
  • Platanus Tree
  • More

Day 4 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 hamlet of Epano Kera and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Agios Nikolaos. You will stay in Agios Nikolaos for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Epano Kera is the amazing Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. This attraction is a place of worship that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,727 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Epano Kera by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the hamlet 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 Agios Nikolaos, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

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

Locals also recommend Taverna Amelia as one of the best restaurants in the city of Agios Nikolaos. Taverna Amelia is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 778 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Agios Nikolaos is MamaLoukia & Lotzeta. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 647 customers.

After dinner, visit Palazzo cafe bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Agios Nikolaos. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 665 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT). This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.

Alternatively, No Name Restaurant & Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Agios Nikolaos. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 570 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 5 – Plaka, Milatos, Neapoli, and Heraklion

Day 5

Day 5 – Plaka, Milatos, Neapoli, and Heraklion

  • Heraklion
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • More

Drive 97 km, 2 hours 10 min

  • Σπιναλόνγκα
  • Spinalonga fortress
  • Plaka Beach
  • AMAZONAS PARK
  • Milatos Cave
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Crete, you'll awaken to the bustling hamlet of Plaka. 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 Plaka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Plaka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Spinalonga fortress. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,173 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Plaka Beach. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,924 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Plaka 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.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular KOUZEINERI. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,957 reviews.

The remarkable Érganos is another top restaurant in Heraklion we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,634 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Eiffel is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,597 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Heraklion, the fantastic News Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 941 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful PLASTELINA. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 913 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Indigo. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 809 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Crete!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Heraklion - departure day

Day 6

Day 6 – Heraklion - departure day

  • Heraklion - Departure day
  • More
  • Grave Monument of Kazantzakis
  • More

Day 6 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.

Nikos Kazantzakis Grave 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 1,670 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 Koukouvagia before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 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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