Crete Island Adventure Self Drive

Upon arrival at the Heraklion airport, pick up your car and make your way to your hotel.
Heraklion is located on the eastern part of Crete and the largest city on the island. It is also the perfect base to explore the island's most important sites. Take it easy today and head down to the port to see the imposing Medieval castle, the Venetian Fortresss Rocca a Mare or Koules. The construction of the fortress was completed in 1540. The building had two floors, with 26 rooms, including prisons. The Turks, who occupied the island in 1669 renamed it ‘Koules’ and decided to continue its construction. It is now preserved in a very good condition and is used for various cultural events.

After breakfast, start your day by visiting the Heraklian Archaelogical Museum. Beat the crowds and arrive early and discover an impressive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization of Crete, the first European civilization dating back from 2700 B.C. Take a walk to nearby Eleftherias Square, the city's biggest meeting place leading to the main thoroughfare of Daidalou, a pedestrianized walkway lined with tavernas and shops. Stop at the Lions Square (Morozini's Fountain) for a bite to eat, a popular meeting point for shopping, socializing and people watching.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to discover Europe's oldest city, Knossos. Located just 20 minutes south of Heraklion, the famous Knossos Minoan Palace is the largest (22,000 sqm) Bronze Age archeological site on Crete. In ancient times, the Palace of Knossos was the centre of Minoan civilization and culture. The palace is also connected to Greek mythology, serving as the residence of the mytical King Minos, son of Zeus. Destroyed by an earthquake, it has been since excavated displaying an impressive colleciton of carved structures, magnificent murals and royal apartments.

Later, for something unique, visit a winery! Warm Mediterranean climates make Crete an ideal place to produce wine. Popular Cretan wines include Vindiano, a dry white wine, Kotsifali or Mandilaria, blends of red wines and Laitiko. The Lyrarakis Estate is a family winery, which has been producing wines since 1966. Visit their wine museum, take a tour of their vineyards, taste some regional wines or enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by picturesque settings. After the visit, make your way back to your hotel.

Check out of your hotel and make your way to Rethymno (approximately 1.5 hours). Enroute, make a stop at the Melidoni Cave, one of the the largest in Crete. Located halfway between Heraklion and Rethymno, pay a small entrance fee and take the 100 steps to the cave chamber. Drive to Rethymno and check into your hotel.

Take the remainder of the day to explore the charming Old Town of Rethymno. The third-largest city on Crete, Rethymno is known for its beautiful beaches and its imposing Venetian waterfront fortress. Wander through the narrow streets and discover an influence of Venetian architcture and Turkish mosques. Pass by the Rimondi Fountain which spouts water from the mouths of three lions and the Fortezza Fortress, used as a defense against the Ottoman empire.

In the evening, head to the 13th-century Old Venetian Harbour and enjoy dining at at taverna for authentic Greek food.

After breakfast, pack your bathing suit and discover the natural wonders of Crete, including a popular beach area! The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located just 30 minutes south of Rethymno. With over 400 gorges on the island of Crete, these magnificent narrow steep-walled valleys uncover unique natural scenery and breathtaking beauty. The huge cliffs of this canyon reaches to a height of 600 meters, filled with openings and caves, flora and fauna species. At the bottom of the gorge is a small church (Nicholas Kourtaliotis) and the stunning 40-metre-high waterfall of Kourtaliotis. From there, the path leads to the sea to the palm beach of Preveli. The trail will take approximately 2 hours. Prevali beach is also accessible from the large carpark with 400 steps down to the beach or 130 steps to the viewing platform.

Other nearby beaches to discover in this region of Crete are Plakias and Triopetra or 'three rocks', located on the southern coast of the island.

Today, drive to the Monastery of Arkadi, the most famous and visited monastery in Crete. It played a significant role in the history of Crete, in particular during the rebellion of 1866 against the Turks, where 1000 rebels, women and children took refuge in the monastery. After a long siege in battle, the civilians hiding inside the monastery, sacrificed themselves by gunpowder as a desperate act to remain free. It became a symbol of Cretan liberation and independence.

If you didn't get a chance to see the famous Knossos Palace, drive further south to the Phaistos Palace. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is a quieter, lesser-visited archaeological site. It's considered to one of the finest and typical Minoan palace. The Palace is also very close to Matala Beach, a popular beach area with a good selection of restaurants and cafes.

After breakfast, make your way to Chania. Enroute, perhaps make a stop to the village of Vrises (or Vrysses), renowned for its regional goat cheese and yoghurt! Upon arrival in Chania, explore the city at your own pace. Located on the northwestern part of the island, similar to Rethymno, it it has a strong Venetian-Turkish influence, including a fortified Venetian Harbour. Some of the highlights of this charming city include the Old Town, Venetian Harbour and lighthouse, the Turkish District, the Venetian District of the Old Town, the Church of Agios Nikolaos, Marine Museum of Crete and the Stivanadika or 'leather lane' for Cretan leather goods. Take some time to wander through the narrow streets, browse through the shops for local goods and admire the mix of cultures and architecture.

In the evening, head to the waterfront for a selection of restaurants and bars for dining.

This day can be dedicated to breathtaking beaches, hiking or a visit to a winery. For active travellers, the hike on Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe and the most spectacular in Greece. Considered a biospehere reserve by UNESCO, it starts at 1250 meters height for 16 km/10 mi and takes approximately 6 hours to cross. For beaches, to the west is Bala Lagoon or head south to Elafonissi Beach. Bala Lagoon is known for its crystal clear tourquoise and shallow waters. It is one of the most beautiful regions in Greece. To access the lagoon, drive west towards Kissamos and from there, take a boat to the Bala Lagoon. Elafonissi Beach is the popular 'pink beach' on the southern western tip of Crete. The pink colour comes from thousands of crushed shells. Spend the day enjoying its natural beauty, clear shallow waters and fine sand beaches.

Whether you choose to bask in the sun or trek the valley, the day is yours to discover at your own pace!

On your last day in Chania, head to the surrounding areas just outside Chania to find some hidden gems.  In Almyrida, see the Early Christian Basilica which dates back to the 6th century and well-preserved mosaic floor. In Kydonia, the Monastery of Gouvernato or Our Lady of the Angel, the Venetian Fortress and one of the oldest in Crete.  Visit the nearby cave of St. John the Hermit, the Christian saint known for miracles. Or take time to visit some of the colourful indoor markets and public gardens in Chalepa.  Another option is to visit a local winery.  The Manoussakis Winery, a family run winery located in Vatolakkos.  Take a tour of the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings or eat in their restaurant.  

After breakfast, make your way to the  Chania airport to return your car rental.