Crete, the largest and one of the most incredible islands in Greece, stuns its travelers with its diversity. Full of heavenly beaches warm all year round, fascinating history, and unique culinary creations, there is nothing not to love about it! I would love to arrange for you a tour around Chania's Old Town and Venetian Harbor. Being influenced by five civilizations, the town has an incredible history and unforgettable ambiance. Another great experience is to enjoy an ultimate gastronomy tour around Crete’s most picturesque traditional villages and grasp the authentic face of the island with the help of a local guide.
https://www.west-crete.com/
https://www.chania.com/
https://www.bsa.ac.uk/ ( Knossos)
https://www.rethymno.gr/
Tushar's customized, layered Map for Crete ( sightseeing, restaurants)
Video by Lonely Planet
ITINERARY: www.greece-travel.gr
Arrive Heraklion on Oct 2nd evening
Oct 2nd : Santorini/Heraklion
Arrival in Athens. Connecting flight to Chania ( duration 50 minutes) Upon arrival, . Overnight Chania.
Oct 3rd: HERAKLION
Suggested sightseeing: Don’t miss the Palace of Knossos -10Kms away. Afterwards, you may
visit the sites of Gortys & Phaestos.
Heraklion Museum to see the treasures of the Minoan civilization? Overnight Heraklion.
Overnight Heraklion.
Oct 4 : Drive to RETHYMNON / Chania
Suggested route: Drive along the coastal road, visit the Monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli. Crete’s coastline is dotted with beaches so don’t miss a refreshing dip en route! If time permits, why not visit the
Oct 4-8 : CHANIA
Your 4-day car rental commences upon collection of the vehicle at 9am. Sightseeing options in Western Crete: Maleme, Samaria Gorge. Overnight Chania.
Elapfonisi beach reveals in pink sand an Turquoise water
Samaria Gorge
Oct 9: Flight to Athens
Free day in Heraklion! Oct 3rd (Tues)
Spend your day touring the 3,500-year-old Minoan palace of Knossos, a sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops! The throne room is still in place with the original throne, and replicas of many of the frescoes have been restored to the walls.
The evocative Bronze Age site is believed to be Europe's oldest city; it flourished for nearly 2,000 years as an economic center, trading with cities across the Mediterranean. It was once home to mythical King Minos, along with the famous Minotaur of Greek mythology.
Heraklion, the port city and capital of Crete, is one of the island’s most popular regions and the birthplace of famous painter El Greco and writer Nikos Kazantzakis. It possesses all the big city elements one could benefit from without the hectic pace of life and with an abundance of beautiful landscapes.
Here are some suggestions on what to do on your free day:
- Explore the vibrant city center
- Walk down the harborside, where old Venetian shipyards, ramparts, and the 16th century Koules Fortress still remain
- Museums: Historical Museum of Crete & the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Visit Spinalonga island, often referred to as ‘the island of the living dead’
Rethymno Oct 4 (Wed) Explore the 7 Villages of Apokoronas
Begin this captivating journey through Crete's Apokoronas region by driving from either Chania or Rethymno, enjoying coastal views along the way. Discover charming villages like Armenoi and Vamos, where you can admire traditional architecture and learn about local customs. Visit the historical Aptera archaeological site, relax on Kalyves' sandy beaches, and explore Gavalochori's fascinating folklore museum. End the adventure in Xirosterni, marveling at the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos and its 14th-century frescoes.
Chania Oct4-Oct8
Oct 5th :
The Old Town of Chania is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, so get ready to find yourselves under the spell of its charm and, while walking at the Venetian Harbor, to feel as if wonderfully travelling in time! The colorful small alleys, the historic architecture and the Venetian port, the flowers decorating the stone-built balconies, will all give you a sense of how centuries have passed over this city forming a special gem. Moreover, being prepared with the locals’ utmost love, the Cretan cuisine is guaranteed to send you to heaven!
Self-Guided to Samaria Gorge from ChaniaSelf guided Oct 6
Begin your self-guided hike at Omalos Plateau's Xyloskalo, the entrance to Samaria Gorge, and descend to the charming Agios Nikolaos Church nestled among cypress trees. Continue through a forested area and explore the abandoned village of Samaria, gaining insight into traditional Cretan life. Finally, navigate the breathtaking "Iron Gates," a narrow passage where the towering rock walls are just 3 meters apart, creating a dramatic and
Self-Guided Day Trip to Balos Beach/Elafonissi Beach,
Self guided · 8 hours Oct 7
Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure to the stunning Balos Lagoon, beginning at a well-marked trailhead near the parking lot. Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape along the way, and capture memorable photos at the Balos Beach Viewpoint. Upon reaching the lagoon, explore the pristine shores, take a refreshing swim, or delve into the underwater world with a snorkeling experience.
Oct 4-8: To be inserted above Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach, Winery?
Driving notes
Malav's suggestions
1)Hiking Trail: Chora Sfakion -> Sweet Water Beach -> Lοutro -> Aradena Gorge
2)Samaria Gorge, hiking tour
3)Agia Irini Gorge
+30 2823 051647
4)Elafonissi Beach
5)Imbros Gorge
6) Katerina's Kiosk - Cretan Restaurant
+30 697 609 7521
7) Kalamato cave
8) Seitan Limania
https://goo.gl/maps/6e36ayUBMgvyYx9v7
9) Ταβέρνα Πανδαισία
+30 2825 033963
https://goo.gl/maps/9kvMh6x7YCg7G5xn7
10) Lake Kournas
https://goo.gl/maps/axBiADC7uycULCJk9
11) Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno
https://goo.gl/maps/6r4M2hEiBMKm5ndb8
12) Raki Ba Raki
+30 2831 058250
https://goo.gl/maps/4CH5DogtW6imb6V7A
13)Old Venetian Port of Chania
https://goo.gl/maps/eYQjwtTbhVCg1dWc8
14): Best and most romantic restaurant in old Chania!!
TO XANI Restaurant
+30 2821 075795
https://goo.gl/maps/gCrpfcx8ULc5knU3A
15): "Where we had our wedding dinner, delicious traditional Cretan food, ask for Costas, and send a big warm hello from us."
Parasia Tavern
+30 2825 083246
References
self-driving tour of Crete with two nights in Heraklion and four nights in Chania is a wonderful way to explore the rich history and stunning scenery of this Greek island. Here's a suggested itinerary with a focus on historical sites and scenic spots:
Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion
Arrive in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and check into your accommodation.
Spend the afternoon exploring Heraklion's historic center, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the Minoan civilization.
Major Location: Heraklion Archaeological Museum (GPS: 35.3381° N, 25.1406° E)
Enjoy dinner at a local taverna.
Day 2: Heraklion
Visit the Palace of Knossos, the ancient Minoan capital, just outside Heraklion.
Major Location: Knossos Palace (GPS: 35.2982° N, 25.1631° E)
Explore the archaeological site and learn about the fascinating Minoan culture.
Return to Heraklion for the night.
Day 3: Heraklion to Chania
Drive to Chania, a picturesque town on the northwest coast of Crete.
En route, consider a stop at Rethymno, another charming town with a historic old town and Venetian fortress.
Major Location: Rethymno Old Town (GPS: 35.3642° N, 24.4772° E)
Continue your journey to Chania and check into your accommodation.
Spend the evening exploring Chania's beautiful Venetian Harbor (GPS: 35.5165° N, 24.0214° E) and Old Town (GPS: 35.5160° N, 24.0170° E).
Day 4: Chania
Explore Chania's Old Town, which is known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic charm.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania (GPS: 35.5155° N, 24.0195° E).
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Elafonissi Beach (GPS: 35.2823° N, 23.5565° E), known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters.
Return to Chania for the night.
Day 5: Chania
Take a day trip to the Samaria Gorge (GPS: 35.2710° N, 23.9923° E), one of the longest gorges in Europe.
Hike through the gorge and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery.
Be prepared for a long and challenging hike, so start early in the morning.
Return to Chania in the evening.
Day 6: Chania
Explore the ancient ruins of Aptera (GPS: 35.4436° N, 24.1233° E), including Roman and Byzantine remains.
Visit the Venizelos Graves (GPS: 35.5116° N, 24.0044° E) for panoramic views of Chania.
Enjoy your final evening in Chania with a leisurely dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Day 7: Departure
Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore Chania further or relax by the beach.
Depart from Chania for your onward journey.
This itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in Crete's history, from the ancient Minoans to the Venetians, while also experiencing its stunning natural beauty. Be sure to adjust the schedule and add more days if you want to explore more of Crete's attractions at a relaxed pace.
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