Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Crete
You'll land in Heraklion and pick up your rental car, then drive through the Cretan countryside with olive groves and turquoise coastline coming into view as you head toward Rethymno. After checking in and freshening up, it's straight to the beach for a swim and some relaxation. Later in the evening, wander through town and find a restaurant with authentic Greek food.
Optional Activities
- Beach swimming and relaxation in Rethymno
- Evening stroll through Rethymno town
- Dinner at local Greek restaurant
Landmarks Rethymno 
- Day 2
Rethymno
Head to Myli Gorge near Rethymno for a hike through the Valley of the Mills where you'll see abandoned water mills, small waterfalls, and cool lakes surrounded by fig, walnut, banana and orange plantations. Once you're done hiking, grab some snacks at a tavern to recover. Then back in Rethymno, check out the old town, the 500-year-old Fortezza, and local markets before finishing at the Venetian harbor to catch the sunset.
Optional Activities
- Hike through Myli Gorge (Valley of the Mills)
- Tavern snack after hiking
- Explore Rethymno old town and streets
- Visit Fortezza (500-year-old fortress)
- Browse Arkadi and Antistaseos street markets
- Evening relaxation at Venetian harbor
Landmarks Myli Gorge Fortezza Venetian Harbor, Rethymno 
- Day 3
Rethymno to Chania
Drive to Chania and walk through the charming old town with its narrow alleyways and colorful house facades. Stop for ice cream at the harbor and browse the market hall for souvenirs. From there, drive to the Akrotiri peninsula to visit Agia Triada monastery, and you can do an optional olive oil and wine tasting if that interests you. Check into your accommodation in Chania for the night.
Optional Activities
- Explore Chania old town and alleyways
- Ice cream and people-watching at harbor
- Browse market hall for souvenirs and local products
- Visit Agia Triada monastery on Akrotiri peninsula
- Optional local olive oil and wine tasting (payable locally)
Landmarks Chania Old Town Chania Harbor Agia Triada Monastery Akrotiri Peninsula 
- Day 4
Chania
Drive to Kissamos and take a boat out to the Balos Lagoon at Crete's north-westernmost point, where the fine sandy beach and turquoise water make for perfect relaxation. If you're up for it, continue south to Elafonissi Beach, which is famous for its pink-hued sand created by microorganisms and coral fragments.
Optional Activities
- Boat transfer from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon (optional, bookable in advance or on site)
- Beach relaxation at Balos Lagoon
- Visit to Elafonissi Beach with pink sand
Landmarks Balos Lagoon Elafonissi Beach Kissamos 
- Day 5
Chania to Plakias
Take the winding coastal roads south through mountains and villages to reach Plakias. Spend time on Plakias Beach with views across the glittering bay. There's an option to explore the nearby Kourtaliotiko Gorge with its iconic waterfall, either hiking a 15-kilometer circular trail or taking a shorter leisurely route. Finish the day with sunset views and fresh seafood at a waterfront tavern.
Optional Activities
- Relax on Plakias Beach
- Refreshments at Beach House (payable locally)
- Hike Kourtaliotiko Gorge with waterfall views (full 15km circuit or shorter option)
- Sunset and seafood dinner at waterfront tavern
Landmarks Plakias Beach Kourtaliotiko Gorge - Day 6
Plakias
Start with coffee and bougatsa pastry, then drive west to Skinaria Beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs and known as a top snorkeling spot. Continue to Ammoudaki Bay for a smaller, more private beach with rocky shade. Return to Plakias in the evening for a stroll and to watch the sunset.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast with bougatsa pastry
- Drive to Skinaria Beach
- Snorkeling at Skinaria Beach
- Visit Ammoudaki Bay
- Evening promenade stroll in Plakias with souvenir shopping
- Sunset viewing
Landmarks Skinaria Beach Ammoudaki Bay - Day 7
Plakias
Start early at Souda Beach to relax and soak in the beach vibes. Later, hike the scenic Myrthios Gorge starting from the mountain village of Myrthios, where you'll find small streams, shady spots, and bay views. Back in the village, grab a local zucchini ball sandwich from a café, then visit Lefkogia village to see handmade ceramics and local herbs. End with a sunset dinner in Myrthios overlooking the Libyan Sea.
Optional Activities
- Early morning visit to Souda Beach
- Hike Myrthios Gorge
- Lunch: zucchini ball sandwich at local café
- Visit Lefkogia village for ceramics and herbs
- Sunset dinner in Myrthios with sea views
Landmarks Souda Beach Myrthios Gorge Myrthios village Lefkogia village - Day 8
Plakias to Heraklion
Drive across the heart of Crete through olive groves and mountain villages to reach Heraklion. Check in and rest for a bit. Then drive to Agios Nikolaos to explore colorful houses around Lake Voulismeni and have lunch at a restaurant with lake views. If you're interested, take a boat to Spinalonga island to explore fortress ruins and learn about its Venetian, Ottoman, and leper colony history.
Optional Activities
- Explore Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni
- Lunch at restaurant overlooking Lake Voulismeni (payable locally)
- Boat transfer to Spinalonga island (optional, payable locally)
- Explore Spinalonga fortress and historic ruins
Landmarks Agios Nikolaos Lake Voulismeni Spinalonga Island Mirabello Bay 
- Day 9
Heraklion
Head to Knossos, located about 5 kilometers from Heraklion and one of Crete's most important archaeological sites. Walk through the ruins of the legendary Minoan palace, which contained up to 1,300 rooms and is where King Minos supposedly imprisoned the Minotaur according to myth. Wander the labyrinthine corridors and take in the history of ancient Crete.
Optional Activities
- Visit Knossos archaeological site
- Explore Minoan palace ruins
Landmarks Knossos - Day 10
Departure from Crete
On your final day, have a last breakfast with sea views or revisit a favorite spot one more time. Take a final barefoot walk on the sand, then head toward the airport with stops to pick up olive oil, honey, and handmade souvenirs. Return the rental car and grab a last Greek snack before heading home.
Optional Activities
- Final breakfast with sea views
- Revisit favorite spots
- Beach walk
- Shop for olive oil, honey, and souvenirs
- Final Greek snack (dakos, loukoumades, or frappé)
