Luxury 4-Day Crete Road Trip from Malia to Rethymno and surrounding area

Your luxury holiday in Crete begins as soon as you reach the city of Malia. There, you’ll pick up the luxury rental vehicle of your choice and hit the roads!

The first destination of your luxury vacation in Crete is Malia - a city with many fantastic attractions to explore. Catch an early flight to enjoy as much time as possible discovering Malia.

Start your sightseeing in the city with a visit to the fantastic Morosini Fountain. This fountain is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Malia, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,456 visitors.

Tonight you will be treated to a stay at one of best luxury hotels in Malia. We have picked out three of the most exclusive luxury lodging and hotel options for you to choose from.

Exploring new places can make you hungry. When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend trying one of the finest restaurants in Malia.

For a culinary experience you will remember, have a look at the menu at Peskesi. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,953 customers, it’s truly one of the best restaurants in the whole of Malia.

If you feel like having something slightly different, check out Merastri. This is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city. Considering its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,788 customers, it’s one that most guests enjoy.

Apiri greek_eatery is another restaurant you could book a table at tonight. This fantastic restaurant is often recommended by both travelers and locals in Malia, and has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,190 customers.

As your day in Malia is coming to an end retreat to a bar where you can celebrate the start of your exciting luxury holiday in Crete.

Make your way to Swing Thing. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 512 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Mare Coffee Bar & Food, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars among 3,867 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Central Park. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,471 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day luxury vacation in Crete and look forward to more fantastic days to come!

On day 2 of your luxury road trip holiday in Crete you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Malia and the city of Rethymno. You’ll stay in Rethymno for 1 night.

Your day starts in Malia. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing Rocca a Mare Fortress your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,392 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this top-tier point of interest and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Heraklion Archaeological Museum. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,621 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this archaeological museum and attraction. In fact, this welcomes around 104,717 visitors annually.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Church of Agios Minas and Pantanassa. This eastern orthodox church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,606 visitors.

When you’re finished at the must-see tourist destination, the perfect next stop is the popular Nikos Kazantzakis Grave. This spectacular must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,670 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Knossos Palace. This must-see tourist destination is a remarkable attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 42,799 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Malia by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Crete to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Crete. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Malia today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Rethymno, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Prima Plora Organic Restaurant & Wine Bar, one of the best restaurants in Rethymno. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,192 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Nostos as one of their top choices in the city. Nostos is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,565 customers.

Another restaurant you could try in Rethymno is Zefyros. This lovely restaurant has a fantastic menu and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,282 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Fraoules is one of the best bars you can visit in Rethymno tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,586 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like LivingRoom GastroBar Rethymnon. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,355 customers.

Alternatively, try Lux Cafe. Lux Cafe is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,983 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Crete! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

On day 3 of your luxury holiday in Crete, wonderful attractions await. Today you have the opportunity to discover two places in one day, the city of Rethymno and the city of Gournes. You’ll stay in Malia for 1 night.

Begin your adventures of the day with a visit to the outstanding Rethymnon Municipal Garden. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,875 visitors.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible PORTA GUORA. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,022 reviews.

The wonderful Rimondi Venetian Fountain is another popular attraction you can explore on this day of your vacation in Rethymno. This well-known attraction, and spectacular top-tier point of interest, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 8,550 visitors.

Now is also your opportunity to visit the fantastic Venetian Fortezza Castle. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 15,083 visitors. Attracting more visitors every year, it's clear that Venetian Fortezza Castle is one of the top places to see in the area.

Joining a top-rated tour in Rethymno is another excellent way to spend your luxury holiday in Crete. The best tours in this destination will take you on a discovery of some of Crete’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

It’s now time to hit the road again and travel to your next destination, the city of Gournes.

For the night, you’ll have the choice of the best luxury hotels and places to stay in the city of Malia.

After a long day of experiencing some of the most fantastic attractions and sights in Crete, we recommend you try Mezedopoleio "I Ayli", one of the best restaurants in Malia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,012 customers.

If you’re keen on trying something else, locals also recommend Vourvourladikon as one of the top restaurants in the city. Vourvourladikon is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,141 customers.

Another of the most recommended restaurants in Malia is The Home. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

After dinner, you can enjoy some downtime at your hotel or head out to a bar for a couple of drinks.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Xalavro Open Bar. This bar is considered one of the best in Malia and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,916 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Ntoré Gastronomy. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,213 customers.

Alternatively, go to Crop. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars by locals in Malia and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,200 reviews.

Go over your photos from the day, raise a toast, and rest your tired legs. A new adventurous day of your luxury road trip in Crete awaits!

Today is the last day of your 4-day luxury holiday in Crete and it’s soon time to start your journey home. This is your chance to get one last glimpse of Malia before saying goodbye.

Catch a later flight to enjoy some extra time for exploring. If you have a late departure, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of what’s left of your luxury vacation in Crete by heading out to the stunning Venetian Port of Heraklion. This extraordinary must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,727 reviews, and is an excellent choice for your last sightseeing in Malia.

Don’t end your vacation hungry. For one last meal in the city of Malia, check out the menu at Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,264 customers.

Alternatively, another recommendation is Hacienda. This restaurant is a popular choice among travelers as well as locals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,372 customers.

If you prefer something slightly different, try KOUZEINERI. This restaurant will not let you walk out hungry. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,957 customers, it is truly one of the best in the city.

You will then say farewell to Malia and begin your journey home. We wish you safe travels and a warm welcome home, with unforgettable memories and incredible photos from your luxury holiday in Crete in your luggage!