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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Crete. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Heraklion, Kallithea, and Melidoni. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rethymno. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures. Whether you decide to explore Heraklion on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa is your next stop. This worthwhile church is one of the best-rated sights in Heraklion.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Natural History Museum Of Crete. This eye-catching museum is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Rocca A Mare Fortress and Knossos Palace.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rethymno. 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 Rethymno's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at Agrimia Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Lemonokipos Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Rethymno tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Antika Irish Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Monitor Art Café is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Crete!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Crete. Today you will explore Rethymno and Mouri, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Chania. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Rethymno is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a historical landmark, a park, a mosque, a monument, a castle, a lake and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Guora Gate. Just a short distance away is Rethymnon Municipal Garden, a mesmerizing park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Neratze Mosque, one of the city’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the curiosity-inducing Rimondi Fountain. Last up on today’s itinerary is a castle. Make your way to Venetian Fortezza Castle for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Rethymno.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Chania's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Vazaki, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Emprime is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Chania for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Chania today. One of the most curiosity-inducing attractions included on the itinerary is Iguana Beach. This eye-catching beach will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Lighthouse Of Chania and learn what makes this majestic lighthouse unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the locally appreciated Firka Venetian Fortress | Enetiko Froyrio Firka. After exploring the castle, head to Old Venetian Port Of Chania. This well-known marina is a highlight in Chania. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the often recommended Holy Trinity (agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery. Enjoy exploring this incredible monastery at your own pace.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Salis, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Nymphes Coffee & Dessert? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Well of the Turk as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Chania.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Aeriko - Aeriko Cafe Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Barbarossa offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Chania. Puerto Coffee Food & Cocktails 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 road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Chania, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Chania, including a beach, a castle, a monastery, a monument and much more! Start your day with a visit to Gramvousa. This intriguing beach is a must-visit in the village. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Gramvoussa Fort, which may be one of the most majestic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Chania on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Balos Lagoon, a notable beach in the village. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Falasarna-paxeia Ammos 2 and Gonia Odigitria Monastery.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Chania's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Plaka, a top-rated dining spot in Chania. If you're in the mood for something new, try TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at KAIKI. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Chania.

Continue your lively evening at Block 38 Cafe Cocktail Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Nama Restobar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Peacock Tail Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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 6 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 Chania and Eleytherna. In the evening, you’ll end up in Heraklion, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Chania covers several incredible sights, including a market, a museum, an archeological site, a monastery and much more! Start your adventure at Old Chania Market. This captivating market is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the respected wonders of Greek National Football Team Museum, a must-see museum in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Ancient Theater Of Aptera. This intriguing archeological site offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Arkadi Monastery, where you can take in stunning features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Ancient Eleutherna. This historic archeological site offers a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a top-rated dining spot in Heraklion. If you're in the mood for something new, try Athali Cretan Cuisine, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Home. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heraklion.

Continue your lively evening at Swing Thing, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Stone Project is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Tita Briki ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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