6-Day Crete Road Trip from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Crete begins as soon as you reach Heraklion and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 3 nights 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Heraklion. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Greece. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Savor the flavors at Peskesi, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Avlogyros beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Koukouvagia. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Heraklion tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Indigo, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Polytechneio Cafe, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Garden likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Crete!

Day 2 of your road trip across Crete promises a magnificent time exploring Heraklion. You have 2 nights left in Heraklion. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Rocca A Mare Fortress. This much-appreciated sightseeing destination is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,703 reviews.

Next up is Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,273 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Morosini Fountain. This fountain has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 22,185 reviews.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This archaeological museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,611 reviews. This popular attraction gets 104,717 visits every year.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Knossos Palace. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 45,087 reviews.

Your discoveries in Heraklion do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Heraklion on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Heraklion. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Xalavro Open Bar, an iconic dining spot in Heraklion. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a popular restaurant in Heraklion. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Athali Cretan Cuisine, a hidden gem nestled in Heraklion. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Swing Thing is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Stone Project, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Tita Briki. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Crete.

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Heraklion. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Make Fortifications Of Heraklion one of your first sightseeing stops in Heraklion. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,181 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This eastern orthodox church is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,760 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Historical Museum Of Crete. This museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,531 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Natural History Museum Of Crete. A trip to this popular natural history museum is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 3,866 previous visitors.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Heraklion's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Home, a highly-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're eager to try something different, consider ουζερί του Τερζάκη από το 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Merastri. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Heraklion this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Route 66 Rock Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Crete.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Crete. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Gournes, Limenas Chersonisou, and Krasion. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Agios Nikolaos, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gournes. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Take the opportunity to see Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21,905 visitors.

After soaking in Gournes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Limenas Chersonisou. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 14 min. When you arrive in Limenas Chersonisou, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre. This extraordinary aquarium is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,807 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dine in style at Ofou to lo, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT) boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Zygos Urban Garden. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Agios Nikolaos.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Yanni's Rock Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Palazzo Cafe Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Cafe Du Lac Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Crete!

On day 5 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 Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Neapoli. In the evening, you’ll end up in Heraklion, where you will stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see The Abduction Of Europe. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 814 visitors.

Set your GPS to Plaka and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Plaka beckons with new experiences!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Spinalonga Fortress. This much-appreciated point of interest is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,699 reviews.

Next up is Spinalonga. This island has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,981 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Plaka Beach. This sightseeing destination has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,148 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Heraklion, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Petoúsēs, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vourvourladikon offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Apiri greek_eatery. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Heraklion.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Crete!

Day 6 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.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

Make Nikos Kazantzakis Grave your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,719 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Crete, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Heraklion.

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!