Cheap 5-Day Crete Road Trip from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos

Your exciting road trip through Greece starts when you reach the incredible city of Heraklion, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Heraklion and begin your adventure in Crete.

Heraklion is a popular cheap holiday destination in Greece with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Greece, Heraklion 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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Heraklion is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Peskesi, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,953 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Merastri, so you'll want to drop by this place. Merastri serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,788 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Heraklion is Apiri greek_eatery. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,190 customers.

Swing Thing is an excellent example of a great bar in Heraklion offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 512 customers.

You can also hang out at Mare Coffee Bar & Food, another of locals’ go-to bars in Heraklion. Mare Coffee Bar & Food is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 3,867 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Central Park is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Heraklion. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 3,471 bar-goers.

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

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Crete, you’ll go deep into Heraklion, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Heraklion, and meet locals along the way!

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Crete sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Crete. Crete has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Crete that will fill you with new inspiration.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Crete, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Heraklion that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at Μεζεδοπωλείο "Η Αυλη". This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,012 reviews.

You can also check out Vourvourladikon. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,141 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is The Home. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 555 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Enjoy a drink or two at Xalavro Open Bar. Around 1,916 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Ntoré Gastronomy, where you can relax and have some fun. Ntoré Gastronomy is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,213 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Crop, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,200 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Crete offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Heraklion, Gournes, Limenas Chersonisou, and Agios Nikolaos. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Agios Nikolaos.

Make Heraklion Archaeological Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this archaeological museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,882 reviews. More than 104,717 people visit this place of interest every year.

Malia’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Heraklion behind. This drive usually takes around 22 min. Malia welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Malia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Agios Nikolaos. This drive usually takes around 37 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Agios Nikolaos has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Piato. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 974 customers.

Archontiko is another local-favorite restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. Archontiko serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 616 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Ofou to lo is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Heraklion. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 514 customers.

Palazzo cafe bar is a fantastic bar many locals in Agios Nikolaos recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 665 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT), another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,112 customers.

Ammoudi Club is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Agios Nikolaos. Customers have rated the exciting Ammoudi Club an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 634 reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Crete with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Crete!

Day 4 of your road trip across Crete is another proof that cheap holidays in Crete can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Plaka, Milatos, Neapoli, and Heraklion.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Agios Nikolaos and set your GPS to Heraklion. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 55 min. Upon reaching Heraklion, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While exploring Crete is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Heraklion has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Heraklion on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Heraklion, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Visit the popular Λίγο Κρασί Λίγο Θάλασσα. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,264 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Crete is Hacienda. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,372 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful KOUZEINERI. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,957 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at a bar. Kuzina Casual Food is a great place to continue your night. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,188 customers.

If you want to know where locals go, check out The Garden. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,056 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is Casa Donato. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 935 customers.

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

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 Heraklion.

On your last day in Crete, take time to indulge in shopping at Heraklion’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Crete. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Heraklion, consider a top-rated restaurant like Érganos. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,634 customers.

Eiffel is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,597 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Koukouvagia. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Crete and your fun memories in Heraklion.

You’ll then say farewell to Heraklion. 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!