Relaxed 9-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Crete, you’ll go deep into Heraklion, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Heraklion, and meet locals along the way!

Natural History Museum Of Crete leaves a lasting impression. This museum is one of the most often recommended places to visit in Heraklion. Next, head to Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa, a worthwhile church, known for its instagrammable features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This instagrammable museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Rocca A Mare Fortress Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Crete makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Crete also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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.

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.

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.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Swing Thing, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Stone Project is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Tita Briki also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 3 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.

As you explore Kallithea’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the village.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kallithea, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Heraklion to Kallithea may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kallithea, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Knossos Palace is a popular archeological site we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Agia Pelagia, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kallithea to Agia Pelagia may take around 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Agia Pelagia, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Quad Safari Peninsula, a beloved safari park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Ela Quad Safari, where you can soak in the eye-catching surroundings.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Agia Pelagia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Vori. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 13 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Minoan Palace Of Phaistos, an often recommended archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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.

Savor the flavors at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Merastri beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Petoúsēs. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Heraklion tonight.

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.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Route 66 Rock Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Crete!

Day 4 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!

When you’ve had your share of Heraklion, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Gournes. Your travel time is around 22 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos and explore the eye-catching features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Piskopiano, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Gournes to Piskopiano may take around 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Piskopiano, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, a frequently visited aquarium known for its picture-perfect features.

After soaking in Piskopiano’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Krasion. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Krasion, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Monumental Platanos and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Mnimeiakos Platanos, another highlight in Krasion.

You'll be staying in Agios Nikolaos on this laid-back road trip through Crete. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ofou to lo, a top-rated dining destination in Agios Nikolaos. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT), another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Zygos Urban Garden. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Agios Nikolaos this evening.

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 Yanni's Rock Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Palazzo Cafe Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cafe Du Lac Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Crete!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Agios Nikolaos will make you fall even more in love with the town and uniqueness of Crete.

Experience Almiros, an up-and-coming beach in the village.

There are many interesting places to see in Agios Nikolaos, and when you are ready for more, go to Cretan Olive Oil Farm. This is one of the village’s most intriguing enchanting spots of interest.

When you’ve had your share of Agios Nikolaos, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kritsa. Your travel time is around 13 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Church Of Panagia Kera. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the church before you continue to your next stop.

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 lovely dining experience at Arodo Cafe Bar, a popular restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Agios Nikolaos at Paradosiako, 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 Pelagos. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Agios Nikolaos tonight.

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.

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

On day 8 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Crete, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Awaiting your discovery is the beloved Mosaikwand Fotospot (blumenmädchen), a noteworthy art installation in Agios Nikolaos. Next, go to Minotaur Mural.

After visiting Mosaikwand Fotospot (blumenmädchen) and Minotaur Mural, have a stroll along Agios Nikolaos's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Archaeological Museum Of Agios Nikolaos. This eye-catching museum offers a unique experience.

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

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Vourvourladikon, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Apiri greek_eatery offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Kuzina Casual Food is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option 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.

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