Cheap 5-Day Crete Road Trip from Malia traveling west to Rethymno

Your exciting road trip through Greece starts when you reach the incredible city of Malia, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Malia and begin your adventure in Crete.

Malia is a popular cheap holiday destination in Greece with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Greece, Malia is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Malia has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

We recommend a local favorite like Peskesi. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,953 customers.

Merastri is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Malia. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,788 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Malia you might want to check out is Apiri greek_eatery. Apiri greek_eatery is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,190 reviews.

One great example is Swing Thing. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 512 customers.

Mare Coffee Bar & Food is another popular bar in Malia. If you ask the 3,867 customers who have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, Mare Coffee Bar & Food is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Crete!

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in Crete will take you to the city of Rethymno, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Rethymno, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Crete, including Malia and Rethymno.

Rethymno offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Crete. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Rethymno, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Rethymno is KAIKI. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,026 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Rethymno, Kouzina EPE is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,762 diners.

After dinner, visit Sinagogi coctail bar for a drink or two. This bar serves plenty of food and drink options and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,489 customers.

You can also enjoy your night at Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 548 customers, it's safe to say that Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania promises an unforgettable bar experience.

Alternatively, locals recommend PALLAS. This bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,286 customers, is a great place to meet new friends.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Crete!

Day 3 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Rethymno!

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Rethymno. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Rethymno, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

You could check out TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,144 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Salis is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,808 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Chrisostomos. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Chrisostomos has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,773 customer reviews.

Feidias cafe bar Chania is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,977 customers.

Nama RestoBar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Nama RestoBar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,201 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Rethymno.

You might also want to cap the night off at ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ Speciality Coffee Bar, a fascinating bar that 1,233 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Crete!

Day 4 of your road trip across Crete offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Kissamos, Rethymno, and Malia. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Malia.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Venetian Fortezza Castle. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 15,185 visitors.

Next, make your way to Rimondi Venetian Fountain. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 8,671 reviews.

Malia’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rethymno behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 19 min. Malia welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Malia. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Malia, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

A cheap, budget vacation in Malia should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Malia, try some of our top recommendations.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Μεζεδοπωλείο "Η Αυλη", one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,012 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Vourvourladikon, so you'll want to drop by this place. Vourvourladikon serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,141 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Malia is The Home. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to Xalavro Open Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,916 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to Ntoré Gastronomy. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,213 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Crop. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Malia!

Your budget road trip vacation in Crete is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Malia.

As you approach the end of your journey in Crete, take a moment for some retail therapy in Malia’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Crete, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Crete, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Malia.

For example, Λίγο Κρασί Λίγο Θάλασσα has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,264 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Hacienda. Is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,372 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is KOUZEINERI. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,957 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of Crete and your fun memories in Malia.

You’ll then say farewell to Malia. 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!