Relaxed 7-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Rethymno

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Heraklion, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Heraklion will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Crete.

Awaiting your discovery is the popular Knossos Palace, a picture-perfect archeological site in Heraklion. Next, go to Rocca A Mare Fortress.

After visiting Knossos Palace and Rocca A Mare Fortress, have a stroll along Heraklion's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Heraklion Venetian Port. This visually striking marina offers a unique experience. Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Morosini Fountain, one of the most noteworthy places to visit in Heraklion. If you still have some time left for sightseeing, we also recommend stopping by Natural History Museum Of Crete.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Heraklion and your accommodation.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Heraklion has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

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.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Heraklion. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Swing Thing, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Stone Project, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Tita Briki provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Crete!

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Crete offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Rethymno for 3 nights.

Venetian Fortezza Castle brings Heraklion's character to life. This romantic castle is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Rimondi Fountain, another symbolic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Neratze Mosque, one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing attractions, known for its culturally significant features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Rethymnon Municipal Garden. This stunning park is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Guora Gate, an often recommended historical landmark, and take a stroll around the area.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Rethymno. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Crete.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Rethymno has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Don’t miss out on dining at Agrimia Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Rethymno. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Lemonokipos Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rethymno this evening.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Crete.

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.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Crete.

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip in Crete, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Rethymno and visit amazing attractions in Chania, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Rethymno, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Akti Kountourioti is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic street in Chania, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city.

Lighthouse Of Chania makes a great addition to your morning plans. This locally appreciated lighthouse is a romantic place to see in Rethymno. Continue your discovery at Greek National Football Team Museum, a standout museum 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 Old Chania Market. This popular market offers a heritage-rich encounter with Rethymno. Next, make your way to Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Old Venetian Port Of Chania, a captivating marina that’s sure to impress. 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.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rethymno.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Crete. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Rethymno, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Noble, a top-rated dining destination in Rethymno. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider PAGLIACCIO, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Queens Room Club Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rethymno this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Rethymno and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bonobo Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Store 311, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Barrio The Neighbourhood Cafe likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Crete.

Your relaxed road trip in Crete continues on day 5 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Crete better by exploring the top attractions of Rethymno and beyond. With 1 night left in Rethymno, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Holy Monastery Of Piso Preveli is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This breathtaking monastery is sure to impress. Next on your list is Preveli Palm Forest, another must-visit landmark and frequently visited beach renowned for its serene features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Rethymno by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Preveli Beach. This majestic beach is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Rethymno experience. We also recommend visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge, an up-and-coming canyon.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Rethymno and your accommodation.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Othonas, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hasika? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Kapilio as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Rethymno.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Rethymno and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Crete!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Crete will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Crete, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

No visit to Rethymno is complete without Museum Of Cretan Ethnology. This locally appreciated museum is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Minoan Palace Of Phaistos, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Rethymno, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Monastery Panagia Kaliviani. This intriguing monastery is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Lyrarakis Winery & Tasting Room, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

You'll be staying in Heraklion on this laid-back road trip through Crete. You'll stay here for 1 night.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Heraklion.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Route 66 Rock Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Crete!