Relaxed 7-Day Crete Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Heraklion to Rethymno

Your relaxed road trip in Crete continues on day 2 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.

Make a stop at Rocca A Mare Fortress. This locally appreciated castle is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Heraklion Venetian Port located in Heraklion for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Holy Cathedral Temple Of Saint Titus. Its standout features will captivate you. After the church, continue your tour of the village with a visit to Morosini Fountain. Visitors usually appreciate the symbolic features of this monument. Next up is Natural History Museum Of Crete, a highly recommended museum.

Kallithea’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Heraklion behind. This drive usually takes around 18 min. Kallithea welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Knossos Palace. Spend some time admiring the awe-inspiring features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Fabrica Espresso Bar & Food, a top-rated dining spot in Heraklion. If you're in the mood for something new, try Athali Cretan Cuisine, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Home. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heraklion.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Swing Thing after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Stone Project for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tita Briki is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Heraklion as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Crete!

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Crete offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Rethymno for 3 nights.

Set your GPS to Rethymno and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rethymno beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Venetian Fortezza Castle, a notable castle known for its history-steeped features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Rimondi Fountain, an underrated monument.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Neratze Mosque and uncover the details of this instagrammable mosque. Make sure to also explore Rethymnon Municipal Garden, a beloved park. For your last stop, consider Guora Gate, a photogenic historical landmark that many travelers find worth the detour.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Rethymno. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

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 Rethymno, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Don’t miss out on dining at Agrimia Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Rethymno. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Paradosiako Kafeneio Taverna Alekos, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Lemonokipos Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rethymno this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Rethymno and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Antika Irish Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Monitor Art Café is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Crete, you’ll explore the area around Rethymno, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Rethymno will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Crete.

Chania is brimming with adventures. Akti Kountourioti is a street that stands out as one of the must-see places in Chania. Take a moment to explore its distinct atmosphere, and don’t miss the popular sightseeing spots just a short walk away.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rethymno and set your GPS to Chania. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 5 min. Upon reaching Chania, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Lighthouse Of Chania and explore the enchanting features. Next, make your way to Greek National Football Team Museum, another highlight in Chania. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Old Chania Market, an eye-catching market.

Nearby, you will also find Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church. This beloved church is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Old Venetian Port Of Chania, an enchanting marina that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

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

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.

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

Experience the amazing nightlife in Rethymno and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bonobo Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Store 311, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Barrio The Neighbourhood Cafe provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Crete!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Crete, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Rethymno and visit amazing attractions in Asomatos, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Rethymno, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Holy Monastery Of Piso Preveli, an intriguing monastery that everyone visiting Asomatos should see. Next, head to Preveli Palm Forest. This serene beach is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Preveli Beach, a serene beach popular among locals as well as travelers.

Set your GPS to Rethymno and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rethymno beckons with new experiences!

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a locally appreciated canyon we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Exploring the food culture in Rethymno offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Othonas, a highly-rated dining destination in Rethymno. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hasika, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kapilio. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Rethymno this evening.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Rethymno.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Crete!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Crete offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Vori and drive in the direction of Meleses for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Heraklion, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Rethymno’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Vori. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 15 min. When you arrive in Vori, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Museum Of Cretan Ethnology, an up-and-coming museum that everyone visiting Vori should see. Next, head to Minoan Palace Of Phaistos. This breathtaking archeological site is one of the most intriguing attractions in the region.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Monastery Panagia Kaliviani and explore the picture-perfect features.

Set your GPS to Heraklion and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Heraklion beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Lyrarakis Winery & Tasting Room, a locally appreciated winery that draws visitors from near and far.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Heraklion. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Crete.

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 lovely dining experience at oyzeri toy Terzaki apo to 1978 / ouzeri tou Terzaki est. 1978, 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 Merastri, 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 Petoúsēs. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heraklion tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Heraklion and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Route 66 Rock Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Crete!