Cheap 12-Day Crete Road Trip from Heraklion to Sitia

Your exciting road trip through Crete starts when you reach the incredible city of Heraklion, where you'll stay for 10 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Heraklion and begin your adventure in Crete.

Heraklion is a popular cheap holiday destination in Crete with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Heraklion and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Venetian Port of Heraklion will make your cheap holiday in Crete truly special. This attraction is a fascinating top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,727 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Heraklion. An excellent example is the popular Peskesi. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,953 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Crete is Merastri. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,788 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

Swing Thing is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 512 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Heraklion we recommend is Central Park, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,471 customers.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Heraklion, proving that cheap holidays in Crete can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Church of Agios Titos. This attraction is a church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,172 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Venetian Loggia. This popular place of interest is a stunning top-tier point of interest that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 830 visitors.

To make your trip to Heraklion more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Morosini Fountain. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 21,456 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Morosini Fountain is often mentioned in Crete road trip itineraries.

The magnificent EscapeRooms. Gr is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This must-see tourist destination and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 445 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Heraklion Archaeological Museum. More than 27,621 visitors have rated this archaeological museum and tourist destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Each year, over 104,717 people travel to this attraction to take a closer look into its unique and special features.

Your discovery of Heraklion does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Heraklion on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Crete.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Crete, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at 7 Thalases, one of the best restaurants in Heraklion. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,791 reviews.

You can also check out Apiri greek_eatery. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,190 diners.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Heraklion for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Xalavro Open Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,916 customers.

Ntoré Gastronomy is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,213 customers.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Heraklion!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Heraklion. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Heraklion!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Monastery Palianis. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in over 395 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable place of worship is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Fortifications of Heraklion. This attraction is a city walls that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,118 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Church of Agios Minas and Pantanassa. This popular eastern orthodox church in Heraklion has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,606 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Nikos Kazantzakis Grave. This must-see tourist destination and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,670 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Heraklion? Then make your way to the outstanding must-see tourist destination, Knossos Palace. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 42,799 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Heraklion. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Heraklion offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Heraklion is Mezedopoleio "I Ayli". This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,012 customers.

Vourvourladikon is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,141 reviews. Vourvourladikon is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Heraklion as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Heraklion, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Crop, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,200 customers.

Kuzina Casual Food serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Heraklion. Customers have rated Kuzina Casual Food an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,188 reviews.

This bar is popular in Heraklion for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Heraklion can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

Day 4 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Heraklion. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Heraklion!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Heraklion Lighthouse. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 720 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable best-rated sightseeing destination is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Rocca a Mare Fortress. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,392 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Historical Museum of Crete. This popular museum in Heraklion has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,448 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Natural History Museum of Crete. This natural history museum and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,734 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Heraklion? Then make your way to the outstanding best-rated sightseeing destination, Fountain Karavola. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 814 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Heraklion. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Heraklion offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Heraklion is The Home. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 555 customers.

Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,264 reviews. Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Heraklion as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Heraklion, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit The Garden, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,056 customers.

Casa Donato serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Heraklion. Customers have rated Casa Donato an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 935 reviews.

This bar is popular in Heraklion for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Heraklion can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Epano Kera. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the hamlet of Epano Kera!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 2,727 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable place of worship is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Epano Kera?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Epano Kera. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Epano Kera offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Epano Kera is Hacienda. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,372 customers.

KOUZEINERI is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,957 reviews. KOUZEINERI is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Epano Kera as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Epano Kera, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Veranda, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,111 customers.

News Cafe serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Epano Kera. Customers have rated News Cafe an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 941 reviews.

This bar is popular in Epano Kera for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Epano Kera can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

Day 6 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Krasion. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Krasion!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Platanus Tree. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 2,059 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable best-rated sightseeing destination is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Krasion?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Krasion. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Krasion offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Krasion is Érganos. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,634 customers.

Eiffel is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,597 reviews. Eiffel is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Krasion as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Krasion, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit PLASTELINA, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 913 customers.

Indigo serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Krasion. Customers have rated Indigo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 809 reviews.

This bar is popular in Krasion for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Krasion can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

Day 7 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Skotino. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Skotino!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Skotino cave. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 916 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable cave is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Skotino?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Skotino. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Skotino offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Skotino is Koukouvagia. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,587 customers.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Skotino as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Skotino, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit DISH BAR PARTY RESTAURANT, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 926 customers.

Polytechneio Cafe serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Skotino. Customers have rated Polytechneio Cafe an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 647 reviews.

This bar is popular in Skotino for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Skotino can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

Day 8 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Malia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Malia!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Paralia Malion. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 254 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable best-rated sightseeing destination is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Safari Club Crete. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 586 travelers.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Malia?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Malia. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Malia offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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!

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Malia as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Malia, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Iridanos cafe-bar-bistro, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 547 customers.

This bar is popular in Malia for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Malia can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

Day 9 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, Plaka. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the hamlet of Plaka!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Plaka Beach. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 3,924 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable best-rated sightseeing destination is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Spinalonga fortress. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,173 travelers.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Plaka?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Plaka. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Plaka offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Crete worth remembering for a lifetime.

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

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Plaka as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Plaka, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

This bar is popular in Plaka for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Plaka can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete!

On day 10 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Crete, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Agios Nikolaos and end your day in the city of Sitia, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Agios Nikolaos is the amazing Cretan Olive Oil Farm. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,877 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Bunte Treppe. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 7 travelers, a visit to this well-known must-see tourist destination and sightseeing spot in Agios Nikolaos is likely to make your vacation in Crete even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Agios Nikolaos is the outstanding The Abduction of Europe. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 781 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, drop by the popular Mosaikwand Fotospot (Delfine). This attraction, an amazing top-tier point of interest, has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Crete. To have the best affordable travel experience in Crete, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Crete unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Crete.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Sitia. Sitia is another cheap travel destination in Crete where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Crete can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Sitia that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Sitia is Hiona Taverna. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,184 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Sitia, Mitsakakis is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,010 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Inodion. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Sitia enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 743 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Sitia’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Crete. For example, you can visit Green Bar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 109 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is EXO LOUNGE CAFE. This popular bar in Sitia has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 102 bar-goers.

You can also go to Creta land Analipsis as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Creta land Analipsis is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 100 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 11 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Crete, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Milatos and end your day in the city of Heraklion, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Milatos is the amazing Milatos cave. This travel destination is a cave that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,286 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Crete. To have the best affordable travel experience in Crete, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Crete unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Crete.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Heraklion. Heraklion is another cheap travel destination in Crete where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Crete can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Heraklion that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Heraklion enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Heraklion’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Crete.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Crete as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 12 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Heraklion.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Crete.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Heraklion is the remarkable Kornarou Square. This best-rated sightseeing destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 485 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Heraklion and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Crete!