Top 4 Itineraries in Heraklion

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Heraklion.

If you only have a few days, Heraklion weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Heraklion offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Heraklion are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Heraklion’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Heraklion offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Greece's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Heraklion offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Heraklion truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Heraklion belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Heraklion are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Heraklion and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Heraklion itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Heraklion for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Heraklion without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Heraklion!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, and Kallithea is one of the best ways to experience Greece. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Heraklion can easily be combined with other top destinations in Greece without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, and Kallithea by public transport, renting a car in Greece opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Heraklion

• Arrival city: Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, Kallithea, and Dimos Kissamoy
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Heraklion. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Irakleio and Kallithea

• Destinations: Irakleio and Kallithea
• Driving distance: 151.85 km, approx. 2 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Rocca a Mare Fortress, Knossos Palace, Morosini Fountain, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Church of Agios Minas
• Recommended tour: Minoans World 3D Museum & 9D Cinema

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Rocca a Mare Fortress, Knossos Palace, Morosini Fountain, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Church of Agios Minas. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Irakleio and Kallithea, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Chania.

Day 3: Discover Chania and Dimos Chanion

• Destinations: Chania and Dimos Chanion
• Driving distance: 53.7 km, approx. 1 hour and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Old Chania Market, Lighthouse of Chania, Old Venetian Port of Chania, Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery, and Seitan Limania
• Recommended tour: The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour – Explore East Chania Mainland

Spend the day exploring Old Chania Market, Lighthouse of Chania, Old Venetian Port of Chania, Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery, and Seitan Limania. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Rethymno and Dimos Kissamoy

• Destinations: Rethymno and Dimos Kissamoy
• Driving distance: 247.64 km, approx. 4 hours and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Gramvousa Beach, Rimondi Fountain, Balos Beach, and Venetian Fortezza Castle
• Recommended tour: Knossos-Zeus-Old Wind Mills- Lasithi Plateau-Olive Oil Factory

Continue your journey through Rethymno and Dimos Kissamoy, where you can explore Gramvousa Beach, Rimondi Fountain, Balos Beach, and Venetian Fortezza Castle. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Heraklion.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Heraklion

• Departure city: Ηράκλειο, Ρέθυμνο, Χανιά, Καλλιθέα, and Δήμος Κισσάμου
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Heraklion. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 313 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Heraklion.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Heraklion for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Heraklion with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Heraklion and Heraklion's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Heraklion without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Heraklion

Arrive in Heraklion and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Peskesi is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Heraklion's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Heraklion by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Rocca a Mare Fortress, Holy Cathedral Temple of Saint Titus, Morosini Fountain, Heraklion Venetian Port, and Church of Agios Minas.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Heraklion. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Heraklion in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Heraklion

Use this day to discover more of Heraklion’s top sights. We recommend visiting Knossos Palace.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Heraklion in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Heraklion's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Heraklion’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Heraklion

Spend your last few hours in Heraklion soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Heraklion in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Heraklion, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Heraklion travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 7-day beach vacation in Heraklion offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Heraklion:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Limanakia beach.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Infinity Blue Boutique Hotel and Spa for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Ofou to lo, Palm Bay, and Leschi Axiomatikon Froyras irakleioy, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Enigma Stoupa, Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, and Diamond Beach Club Moudania, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Morosini Fountain, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 7-day beach vacation itinerary in Heraklion, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Heraklion

Arrive in Heraklion, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 7 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Limanakia beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Heraklion.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Limanakia beach, a top beach in Heraklion. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Knossos Palace, Morosini Fountain, and Heraklion Archaeological Museum for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Limanakia beach. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre and Acqua Plus. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Say Farewell to Heraklion

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Heraklion. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Heraklion. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Heraklion's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Heraklion offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Heraklion itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Heraklion weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Heraklion

Arrive in Heraklion around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Heraklion Venetian Port, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Heraklion’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Heraklion with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit EscapeRooms. Gr early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Morosini Fountain, stopping by Holy Cathedral Temple of Saint Titus for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Heraklion and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Heraklion

No itinerary in Heraklion is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Knossos Palace.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Heraklion and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Greece.

Day 5 - Depart from Heraklion

Make the most of your last few hours in Heraklion before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Heraklion in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Heraklion.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Heraklion. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Heraklion itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Heraklion, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Heraklion for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Heraklion in a way that feels truly unforgettable!