Relaxed 7-Day Crete Road Trip Starting from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos

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.

Make Heraklion Venetian Port one of your first sightseeing stops in Heraklion. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,173 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Heraklion.

Dine in style at Peskesi, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Avlogyros boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Koukouvagia. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Heraklion.

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 savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Indigo, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Polytechneio Cafe offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Heraklion. The Garden is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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.

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Crete means 24 hours of making the best memories in Heraklion. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Heraklion. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Heraklion!

Make Rocca A Mare Fortress one of your first sightseeing stops in Heraklion. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,703 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This archaeological museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,611 reviews. Up to 104,717 travelers visit this site every year to make their time in Heraklion special.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa. This eastern orthodox church has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,760 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Knossos Palace. A trip to this popular museum is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.3 out of 5-star rating as given by 45,087 previous visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Crete. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Crete.

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 Heraklion.

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.

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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Swing Thing. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Stone Project, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Tita Briki provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Crete is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Agia Pelagia and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the town of Limenas Chersonisou and the village of Gournes. You’ll stay in Agios Nikolaos for 3 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Agia Pelagia, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Heraklion to Agia Pelagia may take around 33 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Agia Pelagia, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Quad Safari Peninsula. This much-appreciated sightseeing destination is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars in 3,874 reviews.

Next up is Ela Quad Safari. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,509 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Limenas Chersonisou, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Agia Pelagia to Limenas Chersonisou may take around 49 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Limenas Chersonisou, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a great place to start. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,807 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Gournes. This drive usually takes around 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,905 reviews.

In the town of Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Crete.

When it’s time to eat, the town has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Agios Nikolaos, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Ofou to lo, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT) offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Zygos Urban Garden is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Agios Nikolaos.

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 Agios Nikolaos. The bars in Agios Nikolaos 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, Yanni's Rock Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Palazzo Cafe Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Cafe Du Lac Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Schisma Eloundas, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Schisma Eloundas will make you fall even more in love with the village and uniqueness of Crete.

Schisma Eloundas’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Agios Nikolaos behind. This drive usually takes around 20 min. Schisma Eloundas welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Windmills Poros Elounda your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 547 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Schisma Eloundas, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Plaka. Your travel time is around 11 min.

Take the opportunity to see Spinalonga Fortress. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,699 visitors.

Spinalonga is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This island has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,981 travelers.

Plaka is also the home of Plaka Beach. Around 4,148 people have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Agios Nikolaos 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 town for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Piazza Cafe Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Agios Nikolaos. If you're in the mood for something new, try Karnagio / Pita tou Riga, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Avli. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Agios Nikolaos.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Agios Nikolaos’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Crete.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Alexandros Roof Cocktail Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Peripou Coffeehouse | Live Music Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bajamar - Cocktail Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Crete!

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 Kritsa 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 village.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Almiros. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Agios Nikolaos, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 590 visitors.

Cretan Olive Oil Farm is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,001 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kritsa. This car ride takes around 13 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Church Of Panagia Kera is a great place to start. This church building is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 954 visitors.

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

Exploring the food culture in Agios Nikolaos offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the town.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Ammoudi Club, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Piato offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Minos Palace Hotel & Suites. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Agios Nikolaos.

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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Cafe Puerto Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Aquarius Cafe Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation.

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

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Crete. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Crete.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Fisherman’s Crypt. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 161 visitors.

Next, make your way to The Abduction Of Europe. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 814 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Neapoli. This drive usually takes around 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Amazonas Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,063 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Neapoli, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Milatos may take around 23 min. Upon your arrival in Milatos, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Milatos Cave. This cave is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,355 visitors.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Heraklion in this laid-back road trip in 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Home, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try ουζερί του Τερζάκη από το 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Merastri as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Heraklion.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Heraklion.

Continue your lively evening at Route 66 Rock Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Crete. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Crete tomorrow with new energy.

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.

On your last day in Crete, take time to indulge in shopping at Heraklion’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Heraklion is the remarkable Morosini Fountain. This fountain and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 22,185 visitors.

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.

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.