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Road trips in Greece

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

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Photo of famous sandy beach of Falasarna at the north west of Chania, Crete, Greece.

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Explore the best of Crete on a remarkable 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Heraklion, Kallithea, Rethymno, Asomatos, Kalyves, Chania, Falasarna, and Tsoyroyniana.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Crete. You will spend 3 nights in Heraklion, 2 nights in Rethymno, and 3 nights in Chania. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Crete. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Heraklion, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Crete on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Crete. Knossos Palace and Old Venetian Port Of Chania are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Heraklion, Kallithea, Rethymno, Asomatos, Kalyves, Chania, Falasarna, and Tsoyroyniana, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Crete. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Crete.

Throughout your road trip in Crete, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Crete.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Crete fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Crete today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Heraklion - Arrival day
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Morosini Fountain
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Your road trip adventure in Crete begins as soon as you reach Heraklion and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Heraklion, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Heraklion is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Heraklion. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Heraklion, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Crete!

Day 2

Heraklion
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Drive 21 km, 1 hour 42 min

Knossos Palace
Fortifications of Heraklion
Natural History Museum of Crete
Church of Agios Minas
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Ενετικό Φρούριο Rocca a Mare
Grave Monument of Kazantzakis
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Wake up to day 2 of your road trip in Crete. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Kallithea and Heraklion. With 1 night to stay in Heraklion, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

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

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

Say good night to Heraklion and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Crete!

Day 3

Heraklion
Rethymno
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Drive 107 km, 2 hours 20 min

Arkadi Monastery
Venetian Fortezza Castle
Rimondi Venetian Fountain
Iroon Politechniou Square
Municipal Garden
Porta Guora
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Crete. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Rethymno. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rethymno, where will spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rethymno. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Crete!

Day 4

Rethymno
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Drive 67 km, 1 hour 34 min

Preveli Palm Forest
Preveli Beach
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Big Waterfall
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On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rethymno, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Crete.

Day 5

Rethymno
Chania
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Drive 62 km, 1 hour 16 min

Koumos
Greek National Football Team Museum
Old Chania Market
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Crete. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Kalyves and Chania. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Chania, where you'll spend 3 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Chania. Chania offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Chania is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Chania.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 6

Chania
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Drive 132 km, 3 hours 27 min

Seitan Limania
Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery
Eleftherios Venizelos' House
Εθνικός Δρυμός Σαμαριάς
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You’ll stay in Chania for 2 nights.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Crete. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Chania. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Crete!

Day 7

Chania
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Drive 182 km, 4 hours 9 min

Falasarna beach
Topolia Gorge
Cave of Agia Sofia
Ελαφονήσι
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On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Chania, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Falasarna and Tsoyroyniana.

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

Chania is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Chania.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 8

Chania
Heraklion
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Drive 152 km, 2 hours 59 min

Old Venetian Port of Chania
Firka Venetian Fortress
Lighthouse of Chania
Ancient Theater of Aptera
Λίμνη Κουρνά
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Crete, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Chania and Mouri. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Heraklion, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Heraklion, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

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

Day 9

Heraklion - Departure day
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Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
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Day 9 of your road trip in Crete is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Crete!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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