Ultimate Crete Itinerary – 8 Days
This Crete itinerary will get You through the best places to visit while in Crete.
When thinking of beautiful beaches and summer vacations, Crete is among the top islands to consider. If you’re the type that enjoys getting away from it all during the summer, Crete is the perfect destination. It begins and ends in Heraklion, taking you to all of Crete’s finest attractions and showcasing the island’s most beautiful beaches and views along the way. These locations are ideal for getting lost in palm groves and snapping some breathtaking photographs. These are 8 amazing days in Crete, 4 in Chania, and 4 in Gournes Gouvon.
Beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts, honeymooners, families, and those on a tight budget will all have a fantastic time here. Here you can explore some breathtaking scenery, unique locations, beautiful beaches, and thrilling highways. Soak up the good times!
Must have on this trip: Hammock to hang in the palm trees by the beach, snorkeling mask, water shoes, sunscreen, hat
Overview
How To Use The Map:
Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers (pins on maps with places such as swimming spots and beaches, parking, restaurants, towns, ticket offices, etc.)
You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each pinned point.
If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
Crete itinerary
Highlights
Day 1
Summary: Arrive in Heraklion, and rent a car there, because most likely you will end your trip in Heraklion too. Chania is to go for the start of your journey. Explore the streets of Heraklion and then make your way to Chania to start exploring Crete from there. Get to your accommodation, rest or go swimming.
Sights and activities:
Heraklion
Heraklion, Crete’s current capital, assumed that role relatively recently. Named after the ancient Roman harbor of Heracleum, which was most likely located there. Khandaq (Moat) was its new name when it became the capital of Saracen Crete in the ninth century.
White Mountains Viewpoint
The White Mountains, also known as Lefka Ori, can be found in the region’s center and are the most prominent geographical feature in West Crete. The White Mountains get their name because they remain snow-capped well into late spring, despite being composed of limestone. Summits of limestone appear white in the summer too due to the sun’s reflection.
The exact viewpoint location You’ll find on the map…
Day 2
Summary: Wake up, eat Your great breakfast, and start exploring.
Sights and activities:
Topolia Gorge
It is located in the inland area of Kissamos, at the western end of the Chania prefecture. However short in length, the gorge is impressive and its landscape is wild. The vertical walls reach a height of 300 meters and the width of the stream bed varies between 5 and 50 meters.
The walk down the gorge, which is fairly easy, requires about one hour.
Elafonisi Beach
The beach of Elafonisi is a remarkable, windy, and sandy beach located on the Southwest coast of Crete, in the region of Chania prefecture. It’s about 74 km from Chania town.
Day 3
Summary: Again – Wake up, eat Your great breakfast, and continue exploring. You’re going to an amazing place surrounded by palms and the sea to relax, swim and hike a little bit.
Sights and activities:
Preveli Beach and Palm Forest
The palm forest of Preveli is the second largest in Crete after the palm forest of Vai. It covers an area of about 40 acres and it hosts the endemic Cretan palm of Theophrastus. Apart from palm trees it also hosts osiers, reeds, oleanders, and locust trees. You can walk through and swim in the refreshing river waters.
About 70% of the forest was devastated by a big fire on August 22, 2010, but most of it has recovered. In a short period of time, the forest managed to regenerate and keep alive some of the incinerated palm trees. At the same time, new trees sprouted. The colony of palm trees forms now a small tropical paradise amidst the dry rocky Mediterranean terrain. It is located 38 km south of Rethymnon, below the monastery of Preveli, at the mouth of the Kourtaliótiko gorge near the famous Preveli beach.
Day 4
Summary: After a hearty breakfast, take a Boat Cruise – to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa from Kissamos Port, You will have an amazing beach day, continuing with a delicious dinner, and watching a magnificent sunset over the sea.
Sights and activities:
Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon, a popular tourist destination, is situated between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani, to the northwest of Chania, and to the northwest of Kissamos, respectively, and is sheltered by the Platiskinos Mountains. Without a doubt, Balos is Crete’s most photographed beach and a staple of any and all Greece travel books. It was not by chance that Prince Charles and Princess Diana sailed to Balos on their private yacht back in the 1980s.
Corinna Star Restaurant
Corinna Star Restaurant’s cuisine cruises the sea of taste following the route of simplicity and authenticity, piloted by Mr. Yannis and his son Vassilis.
After a fantastic day at the beach, cap it off with a delicious meal while taking in the sunset over the mountains from the shore.
Day 5
Summary: After a huge breakfast, It’s time to leave for some more adventures on the other side of Crete, You’re going to Gournes to stay the last nights there but on the way You’ll visit some more amazing places, to relax and have fun, maybe to buy some souvenirs too.
Sights and activities:
Kournas Lake
Located on the border between Chania and Rethymno, it is surrounded by hills and is only a short distance from the coast. Lake Korisia, thus named by ancient writers, is currently a popular tourist spot. You can see a lot of turtles here, but you’ll need to take a boat across to the other side, where the turtles are living in peace and harmony. If you don’t bother them, you can even communicate with them!
The lake’s water level rises in the winter from nearby mountain sources and falls in the summer, exposing a golden sandy strip. In contrast to the relatively shallow and clear waters near the beach, the deeper and more shady waters may be found in the lake’s center, which reaches a maximum depth of 22.5m. Observe how its reflective surface reflects the verdant landscape that serves as a sanctuary for the local avifauna and is protected under the Natura 2000 initiative.
There are a lot of souvenir shops nearby too.
Day 6
Summary: It’s time for some relaxation and fun all day long in Watercity, If You’re traveling in summer, but if it’s off-season make sure to explore more of Heraklion because there is a lot to see.
Sights and activities:
Watercity Waterpark
Crete’s Biggest Waterpark will offer You many activities throughout the day, better to stay there all day, to catch up with everything. Watercity is a very beautiful place to be and have fun, The ancient Greek theme of the park brings a beautiful and amazing vibe here, make sure to enjoy it to the fullest. You can buy tickets here…
Day 7
Summary: If You’re ready for an amazing adventure full of fun and good vibes it’s time to go on a Jet Ski Safari at Lottie Watersports and explore a little bit of Rethymno town and grab dinner there.
Sights and activities:
Jet Ski Safari
The coastline of Crete is beautiful and You will venture along it on Jet Ski for 15km one way, (so 30km in total), visiting areas that can only be reached by boat or jet ski. You will of course see a very beautiful and interesting coastline, swim between underwater cliffs, and possibly see some goats hanging out on coastal cliffs.
Day 8
Summary: Today You’re exploring one of the biggest palm beaches in Europe.
Sights and activities:
Vai Beach
The Palm Beach of Vai, also known as Finikodasos, is without a doubt one of the most stunning beaches in all of Crete if not the entire globe. The largest palm forest in Europe can be found here, and it extends all the way to the shore, making it the top attraction. The beauty of the sandy beach is substantially enhanced by the presence of around 6,000 trees, which provide shade and pleasant strolling space. Vai Beach is located on a small peninsula in northern Crete, away from any major cities. Vai Palm Beach, one of Crete’s most fascinating attractions, was given a Blue Flag in recognition of its outstanding facilities and exceptionally high standards of cleanliness.
