Relaxed 10-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Heraklion, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Heraklion will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Crete.

Make a stop at Natural History Museum Of Crete. This often recommended museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Historical Museum Of Crete located in Heraklion for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Its heritage-rich features will captivate you.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kallithea may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Kallithea, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Knossos Palace and explore the instagrammable features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Heraklion.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Crete, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Heraklion.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a highly-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're eager to try something different, consider Athali Cretan Cuisine, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Home. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Heraklion this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Heraklion. The bars in Heraklion make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Swing Thing, known for its inviting atmosphere. Stone Project is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Tita Briki provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Crete.

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Crete, you’ll go deep into Heraklion, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Heraklion, and meet locals along the way!

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the intriguing Rocca A Mare Fortress and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus, an inviting church that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Morosini Fountain, one of the city’s most locally renowned spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Church Of Agios Minas And Pantanassa. When you're finished at the church, Fortifications Of Heraklion awaits your visit. This monument is a respected highlight on today's itinerary.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Crete more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Heraklion offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Heraklion, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, a highly-rated dining destination in Heraklion. If you're eager to try something different, consider Merastri, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Petoúsēs. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Heraklion this evening.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Heraklion. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Continue your lively evening at Route 66 Rock Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Heraklion can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Crete!

Your relaxed road trip in Crete continues on day 4 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Crete better by exploring the top attractions of Heraklion and beyond. With 1 night left in Heraklion, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

When you’ve had your share of Heraklion, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Mátala. Your travel time is around 1 hour 5 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Matalia, an often recommended beach that everyone visiting Mátala should see.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Vori. This drive usually takes around 14 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Vori is Minoan Palace Of Phaistos, an underrated archeological site that draws attention for its respected features.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Monastery Panagia Kaliviani, an often recommended monastery that everyone visiting Mátala should see.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Heraklion and your accommodation.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Vourvourladikon, a popular restaurant in Heraklion. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heraklion at Apiri greek_eatery, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Kuzina Casual Food. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heraklion tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Heraklion’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Crete.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Crete.

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Crete will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Crete, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gournes. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Savor the day by heading to Cretaquarium Thalassokosmos, a notable aquarium that draws visitors from near and far.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Piskopiano may take around 14 min. Upon your arrival in Piskopiano, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, an often recommended aquarium in Piskopiano. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Piskopiano, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Krasion. This drive usually takes around 25 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Mnimeiakos Platanos, a curiosity-inducing monument that everyone visiting Krasion should see. Next, head to Monumental Platanos. This visually striking monument is one of the most often recommended attractions in the region.

In Agios Nikolaos, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Crete.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Agios Nikolaos has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the town.

Dine in style at Ofou to lo, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Kimzu sea Lounge (EOT) boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Zygos Urban Garden. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Agios Nikolaos.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Crete.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Yanni's Rock Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Palazzo Cafe Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Cafe Du Lac Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Crete!

Day 8 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Agios Nikolaos, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Crete are extraordinary.

Whether you decide to explore Agios Nikolaos on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Enjoy all that Archaeological Museum Of Agios Nikolaos has to offer. This is a worthwhile museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Cosmina's Beach, an underrated beach in Agios Nikolaos.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to The Abduction Of Europe. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Almiros, another of the town’s frequently visited attractions.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Crete by joining a traveler-approved tour in Heraklion. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Heraklion that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Crete more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the town of Agios Nikolaos to find the best options for you!

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Crete. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Agios Nikolaos, explore the town like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Make sure to reserve a table at Arodo Cafe Bar, an iconic dining spot in Agios Nikolaos. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Paradosiako, a popular restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Pelagos, a hidden gem nestled in Agios Nikolaos. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Agios Nikolaos and take the pulse of the town’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Crete. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Crete tomorrow with new energy.