Cheap 5-Day Crete Road Trip from Heraklion traveling west to Chania

Your exciting road trip through Crete 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 Crete with something to offer every traveler.

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.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful 7 Thalases. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,791 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

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.

Xalavro Open Bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,916 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 2 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 Heraklion and end your day in the city of Chania, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Heraklion is the amazing Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This travel destination is an archaeological museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,621 visitors. Up to 104,717 people visit this attraction yearly, so don't miss this opportunity to see the wonderful Heraklion Archaeological Museum with your own eyes.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Morosini Fountain. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,456 travelers, a visit to this well-known fountain and sightseeing spot in Heraklion is likely to make your vacation in Crete even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Heraklion is the outstanding Church of Agios Minas and Pantanassa. This eastern orthodox church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,606 visitors. In a single year, approximately 104,717 travelers include the unforgettable Church of Agios Minas and Pantanassa in their road trip and sightseeing itineraries.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Crete, drop by the popular Rocca a Mare Fortress. This attraction, an amazing top-tier point of interest, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,392 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Knossos Palace. This must-see tourist destination is a popular attraction rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 42,799 visitors from all over the globe.

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 Chania. Chania 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 Chania that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Chania is KAIKI. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,026 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Chania, Kouzina EPE is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,762 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is MonEs. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Chania enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 620 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Chania’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Crete. For example, you can visit Sinagogi coctail bar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,489 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania. This popular bar in Chania has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 548 bar-goers.

You can also go to PALLAS as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular PALLAS is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 6,286 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 3 of your road trip adventures in Crete, you’ll go deep into Chania, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Chania, and meet locals along the way!

Chania offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Lagon Life Spirit Boutique Hotel to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Chania. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,619 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Belmondo Hotel & Suites. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Chania. Belmondo Hotel & Suites has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 696 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Chania should also consider El Greco Hotel. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. El Greco Hotel has been rated by 858 guests with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Chania offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Chania the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding best-rated sightseeing destination, Seitan Limania. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,577 visitors.

The famous Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible place of worship and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,172 visitors.

Chania is also the home of the extraordinary Old Chania Market. Around 13,234 travelers have rated the spectacular Old Chania Market an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Old Venetian Port of Chania. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 31,371 reviews, a visit to this wonderful must-see tourist destination and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Crete is also your chance to admire the fantastic Lighthouse of Chania up close. This fascinating must-see tourist destination and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Lighthouse of Chania enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,941 travelers.

Come to Chania prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Crete. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Chania.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Chania, TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA. Locals enjoy eating at TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,144 diners.

Cabana Mare Beach Club serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,373 food lovers.

If you want more options, Chrisostomos is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Chrisostomos has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,773 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Chania? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Chania after dinner. Locals recommend Salis, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,808 customers.

Feidias cafe bar Chania is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Crete. Feidias cafe bar Chania has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,977 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Chania.

You might also want to cap the night off at Nama RestoBar, a fascinating bar that 1,201 customers have rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Crete!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Crete gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Kissamos and end your day in the city of Rethymno.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Heraklion for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Crete.

While you’re in Kissamos, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Gramvousa. The fantastic Gramvousa is a popular island and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,230 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Balos Lagoon, a well-known beach in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 13,591 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Kissamos, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Rethymno.

Make Venetian Fortezza Castle your first stop. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 15,083 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Rethymno is the outstanding Rimondi Venetian Fountain. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 8,550 visitors, this remarkable best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction deserves a spot on your Crete travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Crete. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Crete and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Apiri greek_eatery, one of the best restaurants in Heraklion. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,190 customers.

Mezedopoleio "I Ayli" is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Mezedopoleio "I Ayli" is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,012 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Vourvourladikon, another well-loved restaurant in Heraklion. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,141 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Crete.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Heraklion, Ntoré Gastronomy. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,213 bar goers.

Crop is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Heraklion, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,200 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Kuzina Casual Food, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,188 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Crete. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Crete!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Crete as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 5 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.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Heraklion, consider a top-rated restaurant like The Home. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,264 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Hacienda. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,372 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 and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Crete!