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

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Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in Crete with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in Crete at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Heraklion, Kallithea, Agia Pelagia, Piskopiano, Gournes, Agios Nikolaos, Schisma Eloundas, Neapoli, Milatos, and Kritsa. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Heraklion and 3 nights in Agios Nikolaos. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Crete.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in Crete. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Heraklion, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across Crete and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across Crete with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in Crete.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in Crete. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Knossos Palace. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Traveling leisurely through Crete means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Morosini Fountain. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos. Get close to the spectacular Spinalonga Fortress and the wonderful Rocca A Mare Fortress. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Enjoy strolling through Crete's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Crete.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in Crete. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through Crete's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the Crete.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through Crete. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in Crete. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in Crete and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in Crete today!

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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Morosini Fountain
Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a MareHeraklion Archaeological MuseumChurch of Agios MinasKnossos Palace
Quad Safari PeninsulaELA Quad SafariAquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue CentreCRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
Cretan Olive Oil FarmWindmills Poros EloundaPlaka BeachSpinalongaSpinalonga fortress
Kremasta MonasteryAMAZONAS PARKMilatos cave
Mosaikwand Fotospot (Blumenmädchen)Cosmina's BeachAbduction of EuropeNaos Panagias KerasAlmiros
Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Heraklion - Arrival day
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  • Morosini Fountain
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Your relaxed road trip through Greece starts when you reach the incredible city of Heraklion, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Heraklion and begin your adventure in Crete.

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 Morosini Fountain, 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 hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Peskesi, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Koukouvagia offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Xalavro Open Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Heraklion.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Heraklion. The bars in Heraklion make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Indigo stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Polytechneio Cafe offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Garden is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Greece. Enjoy your first taste of Heraklion as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Heraklion
  • More

Drive 16 km, 1 hour 8 min

  • Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Church of Agios Minas
  • Knossos Palace
  • More

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.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Heraklion on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Rocca A Mare Fortress is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect castle before continuing your journey. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is your next stop. This captivating museum is one of the best-rated sights in Heraklion.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa. This photogenic church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Knossos Palace.

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

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a top-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Athali Cretan Cuisine, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Home. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Heraklion this evening.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Swing Thing, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Stone Project offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Tita Briki provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Crete!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Heraklion
  • Agios Nikolaos
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Drive 137 km, 2 hours 28 min

  • Quad Safari Peninsula
  • ELA Quad Safari
  • Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
  • CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
  • More

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Crete gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the village of Agia Pelagia. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the town of Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Heraklion, including a safari park and an aquarium. Start your day at Quad Safari Peninsula. This awe-inspiring safari park is an up-and-coming place to see in Heraklion. Then, wander over to Ela Quad Safari. If picturesque sites excite you, this safari park will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre. This picture-perfect aquarium is a favorite among visitors.

Heraklion offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos is a popular spot in the village that will captivate you with its unique charm.

You’ll be staying at the incredible town of Agios Nikolaos in this laid-back road trip in Crete. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

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 Agios Nikolaos, explore the town like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Ofou to lo, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT) offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Zygos Urban Garden. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Agios Nikolaos.

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

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Yanni's Rock Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Palazzo Cafe Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Cafe Du Lac Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Agia Pelagia can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Crete!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Agios Nikolaos
  • More

Drive 33 km, 58 min

  • Cretan Olive Oil Farm
  • Windmills Poros Elounda
  • Plaka Beach
  • Spinalonga
  • Spinalonga fortress
  • More

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Agios Nikolaos and visit amazing attractions in Agios Nikolaos, Schisma Eloundas, and Plaka destinations, just outside of the town. You still have 2 nights left in Agios Nikolaos. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, natural wonders, and scenic views in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. Your adventure starts at Cretan Olive Oil Farm, an underrated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Windmills Poros Elounda. This often recommended historical landmark is known for its visually striking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Agios Nikolaos's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Plaka Beach. This serene beach offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Spinalonga is also worth visiting, along with Spinalonga Fortress. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

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

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 Agios Nikolaos, explore the town like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Piazza Cafe Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Agios Nikolaos. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Karnagio / Pita tou Riga, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Avli. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Agios Nikolaos this evening.

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

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Alexandros Roof Cocktail Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Peripou Coffeehouse | Live Music Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bajamar - Cocktail Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Agios Nikolaos as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Crete with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Crete!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Agios Nikolaos
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Drive 62 km, 1 hour 33 min

  • Kremasta Monastery
  • AMAZONAS PARK
  • Milatos cave
  • More

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Crete continues on day 5, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Crete and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Agios Nikolaos and beyond. With 1 night left in Agios Nikolaos, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the town.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Agios Nikolaos, including a monastery, a zoo, and a cave. Start your day at Kremasta Monastery. This historic monastery is an often recommended place to see in Agios Nikolaos. Then, wander over to Amazonas Park. If visually striking sites excite you, this zoo will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Milatos Cave. This respected cave is a favorite among visitors.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Crete, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Agios Nikolaos.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ammoudi Club, a top-rated dining spot in Agios Nikolaos. If you're in the mood for something new, try Piato, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at To Potiraki. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Agios Nikolaos.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Agios Nikolaos. 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 lively evening at Cafe Puerto Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Aquarius Cafe Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Crete!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Heraklion
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Drive 87 km, 1 hour 44 min

  • Mosaikwand Fotospot (Blumenmädchen)
  • Cosmina's Beach
  • Abduction of Europe
  • Naos Panagias Keras
  • Almiros
  • More

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Crete promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the town of Agios Nikolaos and drive in the direction of the village of Kritsa for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Heraklion, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Start your day with a visit to Mosaikwand Fotospot (blumenmädchen). This beloved art installation is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Cosmina's Beach, which may be one of the most eye-catching places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Agios Nikolaos 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 The Abduction Of Europe, an often recommended point of interest in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Church Of Panagia Kera and Almiros.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Heraklion. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, 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 Merastri, 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 Petoúsēs. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heraklion tonight.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Keep the evening going at Route 66 Rock Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Heraklion!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Heraklion - Departure day
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  • Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Crete is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Heraklion.

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

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Heraklion Venetian Port. This intriguing marina is a popular place to see in the city.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Heraklion or just grab something light to keep you going.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Apiri greek_eatery, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Heraklion and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Crete is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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