Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Rethymno
You'll arrive in Crete and pick up your rental car for the scenic drive along the coast to Rethymno. After checking into your accommodation, head straight to the beach for a swim and some relaxation. Later in the evening, walk through the charming town and find a local Greek restaurant for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Beach swimming and relaxation
- Exploring Rethymno town on foot
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Day 2
Myli Gorge and Rethymno
Drive out to Myli Gorge early and hike through the Valley of the Mills, where you'll find abandoned water mills, waterfalls, and cool lakes surrounded by fig, walnut, banana, and orange plantations. Once you finish the hike, grab a snack at a tavern before heading back to explore Rethymno's old town, including the 500-year-old Fortezza and local markets. End the day relaxing at the Venetian harbor.
Optional Activities
- Hiking through Myli Gorge
- Visiting abandoned water mills and waterfalls
- Snack at a tavern after hiking
- Exploring Fortezza fortress
- Shopping at Arkadi and Antistaseos street markets
- Evening stroll at Venetian harbor
Landmarks Myli Gorge Fortezza Venetian Harbor - Day 3
Chania and Akrotiri Peninsula
Drive to Chania and spend time wandering the old town's narrow alleyways and colorful house facades. Browse the market hall to pick up local snacks and souvenirs, then get ice cream at the harbor. Head to the Akrotiri peninsula to check out the Agia Triada monastery. If you're interested, there's an option to buy local olives and wine before settling into your new accommodation in Chania.
Optional Activities
- Exploring Chania old town
- Browsing the market hall
- Ice cream and people-watching at the harbor
- Visiting Agia Triada monastery
- Purchasing local olives and wine
Landmarks Agia Triada Monastery Akrotiri Peninsula - Day 4
Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach
Head to Kissamos and take a boat to Balos Lagoon at Crete's northwestern tip. You'll spend hours swimming and relaxing on the fine sandy beach with turquoise water. After that, drive south to Elafonissi Beach, known for its white and pink sand created by microorganisms and coral fragments.
Optional Activities
- Boat ride to Balos Lagoon
- Swimming and sunbathing at Balos Lagoon
- Visiting Elafonissi Beach
Landmarks Balos Lagoon Elafonissi Beach - Day 5
Samaria Gorge Hike and Drive to Heraklion
Start a challenging 16-kilometer hike through Xyloskalo in the hilly landscape, where you might spot griffon and bearded vultures among the evergreen pines and cypresses. You'll descend into one of Europe's longest gorges with a turquoise river winding beneath dramatic red rock faces. A ferry option is available from Sougia if you prefer. Later, drive to Heraklion for the rest of your stay.
Optional Activities
- 16-kilometre hike through Xyloskalo and Samaria Gorge
- Ferry ride from Sougia (full hike option)
- Alternative 5-kilometre gorge section from Sougia to Agia Roumeli
- Bus ride back to starting point
Landmarks Samaria Gorge Xyloskalo Sougia Agia Roumeli 
- Day 6
Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
Drive along the coastal road to Agios Nikolaos and wander through its charming alleyways lined with colorful houses around Lake Voulismeni. Have lunch at a waterfront restaurant where you can see the lake. Then take a boat across Mirabello Bay to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga to explore its impressive fortress walls and learn about its Venetian, Ottoman, and leper colony heritage.
Optional Activities
- Strolling through Agios Nikolaos alleyways
- Lunch at a restaurant with Lake Voulismeni views
- Boat ride to Spinalonga Island
- Exploring Spinalonga fortress ruins and historical sites
Landmarks Lake Voulismeni Spinalonga Island Mirabello Bay - Day 7
Knossos Palace and Departure from Heraklion
Drive just five kilometers from Heraklion to visit Knossos, one of Crete's most important archaeological sites and the legendary palace of King Minos. The ruins show what was once an ancient Minoan palace with up to 1,300 rooms, connected to the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. After your visit, return to Heraklion to drop off your rental car and spend the evening exploring the city before departure.
Optional Activities
- Exploring Knossos Palace archaeological site
- Taxi ride from airport to Heraklion city
Landmarks Knossos Palace - Day 8
Ferry to Santorini and Arrival in Fira
Head to the port and board a ferry for the scenic crossing to Santorini. Relax on deck as the sea sparkles in the sun. Once you arrive, take a taxi to your accommodation in Fira and explore the island's capital. Wander through charming streets while taking in the white houses clinging to the mountainside overlooking the bright blue sea.
Optional Activities
- Exploring Fira town
- Viewing white houses and sea views
- Taxi ride to accommodation
Landmarks Fira 
- Day 9
Cliff Walk from Fira to Oia
Hike ten kilometers along the cliffs from Fira to Oia, passing through villages and past volcanic craters with the blue sea as your backdrop. Stop at the famous Three Bells of Fira in Firostefani, then continue through increasingly difficult terrain. Reach Oia with its iconic white houses, windmills, and blue domes. Head to the old castle to get the best spot for watching the sunset paint the village in golden and purple light.
Optional Activities
- 10-kilometre cliff-side hike from Fira to Oia
- Visiting the Three Bells of Fira
- Sunset viewing from the old castle in Oia
Landmarks Three Bells of Fira Oia Firostefani - Day 10
Departure from Santorini
Depending on your flight time, take a final walk through town to pick up souvenirs or relax on the beach or by your pool. Say goodbye to Greece and head to the airport for your return flight, leaving with plenty of memories of the bright blue Aegean Sea.
Optional Activities
- Shopping for souvenirs in Fira
- Beach relaxation
- Pool relaxation at accommodation
