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

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Crete continues on day 2, 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 Heraklion and beyond. With 1 night left in Heraklion, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque 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. Knossos Palace is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this historic archeological site before continuing your journey. Rocca A Mare Fortress is your next stop. This beloved castle 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 Heraklion Venetian Port. This romantic marina is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus and Morosini Fountain. If time allows, end your day with Natural History Museum Of Crete, a picture-perfect museum that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

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

Exploring the food culture in Heraklion 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 city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Athali Cretan Cuisine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Home. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Heraklion.

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

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Swing Thing after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Stone Project, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Tita Briki also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Crete promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll end your day in the city of Rethymno, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Heraklion allows for both. Start by heading to Venetian Fortezza Castle. This interesting castle provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Rimondi Fountain, an instagrammable monument, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Neratze Mosque, a frequently visited mosque. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the up-and-coming Rethymnon Municipal Garden. Round off your day at Guora Gate, another gem in Heraklion with photogenic features to discover.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Rethymno. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Crete by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Agrimia Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Lemonokipos Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rethymno.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Antika Irish Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Monitor Art Café offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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.

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

Set aside time today to explore Akti Kountourioti, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Rethymno is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Lighthouse Of Chania, a beloved lighthouse that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Greek National Football Team Museum, enchanting visitors with its instagrammable appeal. Continue your exploration at Old Chania Market. This market is one of the city’s most popular spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Rethymno at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church. After exploring the church, head to the interesting Old Venetian Port Of Chania.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Noble, a popular restaurant in Rethymno. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Rethymno at PAGLIACCIO, 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 Queens Room Club Restaurant. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Rethymno tonight.

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

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Bonobo Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Store 311 offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Rethymno. Barrio The Neighbourhood Cafe is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Rethymno 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!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Rethymno, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Rethymno will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Crete.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Rethymno today. One of the most up-and-coming attractions included on the itinerary is Holy Monastery Of Piso Preveli. This stunning monastery will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Preveli Palm Forest and learn what makes this serene beach unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Preveli Beach. After exploring the beach, head to Kourtaliotiko Gorge. This frequently visited canyon is a highlight 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.

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

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

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

Day 6 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 Vori. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Heraklion, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Rethymno, including a museum, an archeological site, a monastery, a winery and much more! Start your adventure at Museum Of Cretan Ethnology. This worthwhile museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Minoan Palace Of Phaistos located in Rethymno for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Monastery Panagia Kaliviani. Its breathtaking features will captivate you. After the monastery, continue your tour of the village with a visit to Lyrarakis Winery & Tasting Room. Visitors usually appreciate the awe-inspiring features of this winery.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Crete at Heraklion. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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.

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.

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

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

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