Itinerary - Greece: Discovering the Island of Crete

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice! ! It is necessary to fly into Heraklion airport as this is where we will collect our rental cars travel together to our first place of accommodation - for this reason, we recommend that you arrive by 6pm at the latest.

After checking in at our hotel in Stalida, we’ll gather for a welcome meeting. Here we are on the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean, and over the course of a week, we’ll have the chance to explore it bit by bit. Tonight, we dive into the island’s flavors: authentic Cretan cuisine, known for its Greek and Turkish influences, is sure to delight our taste buds. So, what’s on the menu? Topping our list of Cretan specialties to try are dakos—a local take on bruschetta—and hortas, wild greens native to the region, served simply with a drizzle of olive oil. Delicious!

Our first day in Crete starts with a morning visit to the Knossos site, one of Europe’s most significant archaeological treasures and, according to legend, the location of the labyrinth that held the Minotaur. Here, we’re stepping straight into the world of myth and literature, walking in the city of King Minos, Ariadne, Daedalus, and Icarus.

Next, we’ll head to Bali Beach (don’t worry, we’re still in Crete, not Indonesia!) for a refreshing swim and a relaxing lunch break. This beautiful beach is known for its emerald-green, crystal-clear waters and stunning sandy coves.

The afternoon is ours to enjoy with no set itinerary. We’ll go with the flow, exploring the charming old town of Heraklion with its lively squares, quaint cafés, and colourful local markets.

Today, we have a free day to explore the charming village of Matala, a picturesque and unspoiled spot nestled on the Bay of Messara along Crete’s southern coast in Heraklion Province. Matala is a place where natural beauty and history intertwine, creating a unique experience that feels untouched by time.

We’ll find ourselves captivated by the stunning, crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, shimmering in vibrant shades of blue and green, perfect for swimming or simply admiring from the shore. Rising dramatically above the sandy beach, a cliff dotted with prehistoric caves adds an extraordinary touch to the landscape. These ancient caves, carved into the rock and once used as homes in antiquity, offer a fascinating glimpse into history and an unforgettable backdrop for our visit.

Wandering through Matala’s narrow, charming streets, we’ll discover colourful murals, cozy cafés, and small local shops, each adding to the village’s laid-back and artistic vibe.

Our journey to uncover Crete and its breathtaking beaches continues. Today, we venture to the eastern side of the island toward Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its stunning beaches and rich thousand-year history. We’ll soak up the unique charm of this place, savoring the views, the vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps a glass of fine red wine to complete the experience.

If the mood strikes, we can then make our way to Mirabella Bay, the largest gulf among the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Here, we have the option to embark on a relaxing cruise across the bay, allowing ourselves to be carried by the gentle waves as we bask in the warm sun, watching it dip beneath the horizon in a breathtaking display.

How we shape this day is entirely up to us, but one thing is certain—the sea will be our constant companion!

This morning, we begin our journey along Crete’s northern coast, traveling from Heraklion to Rethymno, where we’ll settle into our hotel, our cozy base for the next few days. With no need to hurry, we’re free to take our time and truly savour the scenic route to Rethymno, allowing us to soak up every bit of beauty along the way.

The path is dotted with charming villages, hidden beaches, and secluded coves—each one a perfect invitation to pause, explore, and maybe even dive into the crystal-clear waters that this stretch of the island is famous for. The allure of sparkling blue seas and sandy inlets makes every stop a refreshing chance to immerse ourselves in the magic of Crete’s coastline.

Once we arrive in Rethymno, we’ll have the chance to explore the town’s rich character—marked by its Venetian architecture, historic fortress, and winding streets filled with cafés and artisan shops. This journey is all about embracing each experience as it comes, creating unforgettable memories with every stop along Crete’s enchanting northern coast.

The alarm has gone off—it’s time to head to Crete’s stunning east coast, bound for Kissamos, where another incredible seaside day awaits. As we arrive, we’re welcomed by the white sands, turquoise waters, and secluded coves, all shaded by juniper trees, creating a perfect slice of paradise. Here, a morning of snorkeling invites us to dive into the lively sea and explore the surrounding coast. We swim along, taking in the marine life, until we reach a breathtaking natural rock pool.

Our underwater journey continues as we enter the Kissamos Cave, a dark, atmospheric cavern carved from an ancient iron mine. Inside, the profound darkness contrasts beautifully with shimmering reflections of the sea, creating an almost otherworldly experience. Swimming deeper, we come upon tall, aged pylons from World War II—remnants of the past when iron was extracted from the hill and transported by sea.

All this activity stirs our appetite, and we head back to shore, dry off, and enjoy a refreshing snack. The afternoon slows down as we make our way to Chania, a city affectionately known as the Venice of the East. As Crete’s second-largest city, Chania offers a rich tapestry of historic charm, with winding streets, quaint waterfront cafés, and a beautiful mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture—perfect for a leisurely afternoon of discovery.

This morning, we rise before dawn, determined to reach Elafonissi Beach ahead of the crowds to experience its beauty in complete tranquility. Known as the pink beach, Elafonissi is more than just a stunning shoreline—its soft pink sands reflect a thousand rosy hues, creating an ethereal landscape that feels almost unreal. As a protected area, Elafonissi is also a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, and we’ll notice sections of the beach roped off to safeguard these precious habitats.

In the peace of the early morning (assuming we managed to shake off the sleep!), we find our own little spot to lay down our towels and soak in the beauty around us. The crystal-clear waters, tinted with vibrant blues and greens, are impossible to resist, calling us in for one last refreshing dip.

On our way back, we make a stop at Falassarna Beach, another one of Crete’s celebrated spots with wide sands and stunning vistas. As evening approaches, we have two options to savor our last night on the island: stay here to watch the sun set over the sea while enjoying a delicious pita gyros dinner, or return to Rethymno for a final evening stroll through its charming streets.

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!