9-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Rethymno and Chania

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Heraklion for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today’s agenda in Heraklion includes a castle, a museum, and a church. Rocca A Mare Fortress is must-visit castle and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Heraklion Archaeological Museum, a notable museum, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa, a history-steeped church, also available for your discovery today.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Crete is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities 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.

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.

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.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Crete!

On day 3 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 Rethymno. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rethymno, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Heraklion, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rethymno. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Venetian Fortezza Castle, a popular castle that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Rimondi Fountain, where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings. Next, explore Rethymnon Municipal Garden, yet another beloved place to see in the area. After the park, make time to go to Guora Gate. This photogenic historical landmark is well worthwhile the visit.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rethymno, 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 Rethymno. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Agrimia Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Rethymno. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos, a popular restaurant in Rethymno. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Lemonokipos Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Rethymno. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Antika Irish Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Rethymno. Monitor Art Café is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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.

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Crete, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Chania. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Chania, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Rethymno, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Chania may take around 51 min. Upon your arrival in Chania, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Ancient Theater Of Aptera and explore the breathtaking features. Next, make your way to Old Venetian Port Of Chania, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the marina, continue to Presentation Of The Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church, a stunning church. Nearby, you will also find Greek National Football Team Museum. This increasingly popular museum is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Old Chania Market, a photogenic market that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Chania. Chania offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Chania. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at To Maridaki, a popular restaurant in Chania. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Chania at Arismari, Cretan Creative Cuisine - Arismari, Apo Tin Kritiki Gi, 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 Apokoronas. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Chania tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Vazaki. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Emprime provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Chania. You’ll stay in Chania for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s itinerary in Chania covers several incredible sights, including a monastery and a museum. Start your adventure at Holy Trinity (agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery. This intriguing monastery is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the heritage-rich wonders of Eleftherios Venizelos House, a must-see museum in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Crete is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Chania. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Salis, an iconic dining spot in Chania. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Nymphes Coffee & Dessert, a popular restaurant in Chania. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The Well of the Turk, a hidden gem nestled in Chania. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Aeriko - Aeriko Cafe Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Barbarossa offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Puerto Coffee Food & Cocktails provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Crete. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Chania, Kalyves, and Mouri. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Heraklion. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s agenda in Chania includes a castle and a lighthouse. Firka Venetian Fortress | Enetiko Froyrio Firka is must-visit castle and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Lighthouse Of Chania, an intriguing lighthouse, located just a leisurely stroll away.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Chania, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kalyves may take around 28 min. Upon your arrival in Kalyves, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Koumos is a frequently visited sculpture garden we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour to Kalyves, a mesmerizing beach that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’ve had your share of Kalyves, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Mouri. Your travel time is around 25 min.

Kournas is a curiosity-inducing lake we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Heraklion. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Dine in style at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Merastri boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Petoúsēs. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Heraklion.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Route 66 Rock Bar is an excellent place to start.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Crete!