Discovering Crete, Self-drive

To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled as the land of King Minos, it is a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennium. From every point of view, travellers discover landscapes of amazing variety. Mountains split with deep gorges and honeycombed with caves, rise in sheer walls from the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some with a wealth of amenities and others isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Heraklion: the hometown and resting place of Nikos Kazantzakis, is the largest town of Crete. It distinguishes itself for its impressive fortress, the Venetian port and the fish taverns along the waterfront. 

Chania: Stroll the romantic streets of Chania, admire its medieval architecture, elegant mansions and the wonderful Venetian port, the most famous spot in the town. 

Rethymnon: one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece, the perfect combination of orthodox and Catholic churches, mosques, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths which create a magical atmosphere.

Agios Nikolaos: sitting partially upon the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara, this coastal town is different from all other towns in Crete.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CRETE / CAR-PICK UP – HERAKLION (3km – 15min)

Upon arrival at Heraklion International Airport, make your way to the car rental office and pick-up your vehicle. Drive to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 2: HERAKLION

Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with a walk through the capital of Crete, Heraklion. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. Continue by car to the most famous and popular of all attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos. A journey back 5000 years into myths and legends and learn secrets of the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoans.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 3: HERAKLION – CHANIA (141km – 2hrs)

After recharging your energies with breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chania town. Chania is a great town for just walking around. It has a gorgeous harbour front. Try starting in the harbour’s eastern edge in the marina, where the Venetian boatyards are and maybe have your eye on a dockside tavern for later. If you are up to it you can walk out to the Egyptian lighthouse from here but definitely do this before dark because it can be a little bumpy. From the lighthouse, you have a great view of the main harbour.

Overnight in Chania.

Day 4: CHANIA – ELAFONISSI – CHANIA (165km – 4hrs)

Start early in the morning with your car towards the south-west to Elafonissi. Elafonissi ( some people also call it Elafonissos or Elafonissi ) is something like an island and a peninsula because to reach the island you have to walk through the sea. What characterizes the area of Elafonissos and makes it such an exotic place, are the little sand islets formed, the shallow turquoise waters of the sea, which at a point looks like a lagoon, and certainly the fine white sand, pinkish at several spots because of the crushed shell powder. 

Overnight in Chania.

Day 5: CHANIA – RETHYMNON (65km – 1hr)

Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel before check-out. Drive to Rethymnon and after settle in your room, discover the beautiful old town and harbour and explore the winding back streets. This will be a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history. 

Overnight in Rethymnon.

Day 6: RETHYMNON – AGIOS NIKOLAOS – ELOUNDA – SPINALONGA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS (160km – 2.5hrs)

Have breakfast at the hotel and check-out before driving to your next destination: Agios Nikolaos. Located just a 10-minute drive down the coast from Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach is a spectacular, shallow beach with clear turquoise water. It is considered one of Crete's best beaches for its curving ribbon of soft sand backed by cliff walls. One of the best places for shopping is 28is Oktovriou, a pedestrian street just back from the port and the lake, where you can find a wide range of stores that cater to tourists. Other stores line the waterfront of the port area. Continue by car to the small fishing village Elounda where you can take a small boat to the island Spinalonga, which is one of the better- known features in Crete and the location of the top-selling novel “The Island” (author Victoria Hislop). It was a former leaper colony (until 1957) and Venetian fortress and has centuries of history.

Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.

Day 7: AGIOS NIKOLAOS – SITIA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS (190km – 4hrs)

Sitia is a small and pleasant coastal town, built in a semicircle on the western side of the Bay of Sitia, a typical, peaceful Mediterranean port. Close to Sitia is the Monastery of Toplou – It is a historical monastery of the 15th century, which collapsed in the earthquake of 1612 and was rebuilt with the financial aid of the Venetians. During the Ottoman conquest of Crete, the monastery was destroyed and devastated by the Turks. Continue east for Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these palms are endemic Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrasti).

Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.

Day 8: AGIOS NIKOLAOS – CAR DROP-OFF/ DEPARTURE CRETE (60km – 1hr)

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Heraklion International airport and return your car hire and enjoy your flight home! 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Crete. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.