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

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Heraklion and visit amazing attractions in Nea Alikarnassos and Heraklion destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 5 nights left in Heraklion. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

A blend of fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots await you in Heraklion on today’s itinerary. First up is the frequently visited castle, Rocca A Mare Fortress. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Historical Museum Of Crete. A visit to this museum is an enriching experience for all.

As you explore Heraklion’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Natural History Museum Of Crete. This worthwhile museum is an essential stop that should not be missed. Following that, head to Fountain Karavola, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Heraklion and set your GPS to Nea Alikarnassos. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 27 min. Upon reaching Nea Alikarnassos, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Head to Heraklion Lighthouse, a frequently visited lighthouse in Nea Alikarnassos. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal 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.

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

Cap off your dinner by heading to Swing Thing, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Stone Project is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Tita Briki is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Day 3 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!

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Start at the often recommended Fortifications Of Heraklion, a historic monument in Heraklion. Next, go to Nikos Kazantzakis Grave.

After visiting Fortifications Of Heraklion and Nikos Kazantzakis Grave, take time to explore Heraklion's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Statue Of Eleftherios Venizelos, Irakleio. This noteworthy monument offers a unique experience. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is another noteworthy stop.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, a top-rated dining spot in Heraklion. If you're in the mood for something new, try Merastri, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Petoúsēs. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heraklion.

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

Cap off your dinner by heading to Route 66 Rock Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Crete!

On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Crete, you’ll go deep into Heraklion, where you'll stay for 3 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!

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Heraklion, including a church, a monument, an escape room, a historical landmark and much more! Start your adventure at Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa. This worthwhile church is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Morosini Fountain located in Heraklion for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Escaperooms. Gr. After the escape room, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Venetian Loggia. This historical landmark has a photogenic appeal. For a change of pace, head to Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus. As one of the most intriguing attractions in Heraklion, this church is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Crete. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Crete and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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 meal at Vourvourladikon, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Apiri greek_eatery is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kuzina Casual Food. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Heraklion tonight.

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

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

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Heraklion, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. 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.

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 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos, a notable aquarium known for its eye-catching features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Gournes, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Piskopiano. This drive usually takes around 14 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your journey at Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre and explore the visually striking features.

Set your GPS to Krasion and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Krasion beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, a beloved monastery that everyone visiting Krasion should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

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 Heraklion, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ta Kalitera, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Casa Donato? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Hacienda. As well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Heraklion.

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.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Crete.

Day 7 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 Neapoli and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the hamlet of Plaka and the village of Schisma Eloundas. You’ll stay in Sitia for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Neapoli, 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 Neapoli may take around 51 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Neapoli, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Amazonas Park, an intriguing zoo that draws attention for its picturesque features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Neapoli and set your GPS to Plaka. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 25 min. Upon reaching Plaka, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Plaka Beach. Spend some time admiring the majestic features of the beach before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Spinalonga. This increasingly popular archeological site is a traveler-favorite in the town. Not far away, you’ll also find Spinalonga Fortress. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the castle.

Set your GPS to Schisma Eloundas and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Schisma Eloundas beckons with new experiences!

Begin your journey at Windmills Poros Elounda and explore the respected features.

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

Exploring the food culture in Sitia 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 To limani, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Krētikós offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Zorba's Tavern. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sitia.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Sitia and unwind at the coolest bars in the town.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Rakadika, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Exo Lounge Cafe. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Nouvelle Boutique, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 8 of your self-drive tour in Crete is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the village of Kritsa and end it in the city of Heraklion. You’ll stay in Heraklion for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Crete.

When you’ve had your share of Sitia, 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 1 hour 14 min.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Church Of Panagia Kera, a worthwhile church that draws visitors from near and far.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Agios Nikolaos, 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 Kritsa to Agios Nikolaos may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Agios Nikolaos, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Almiros, an underrated beach that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. When you’re ready, continue to Cretan Olive Oil Farm, an intriguing farm beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Milatos. This drive usually takes around 31 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Milatos Cave, an increasingly popular cave that draws visitors from near and far.

In the city of Heraklion, 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.

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 Heraklion, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Don’t miss out on dining at Veneto, a top-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ntoré Gastronomy, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hari’s Creperiê Heraklion. 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, stop at some of Heraklion’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Crete.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Crete!