This route covers the highlights of western and central Crete with one change of hotel. Fly into Chania and out of Heraklion, and rent a car for the week.
Day 1: Chania old town
Settle in and spend the evening around the Venetian harbour: walk out to the lighthouse, then lose yourself in the lanes of Splantzia and Topanas for dinner.
Day 2: Balos & Gramvousa
Take the morning boat from Kissamos to Gramvousa island and Balos lagoon, or drive the dirt road early (check your rental insurance). Finish with sunset at Falasarna.
Book the Balos & Gramvousa cruise
Day 3: Elafonisi & the south-west
Drive through the Topolia gorge to Elafonisi. Wade across to the islet and walk on to the quieter coves, or continue to wild Kedrodasos.
Day 4: Samaria gorge (May–October) or a lazy day
Fit walkers can tackle the Samaria gorge: an early bus to Omalos, a 16 km descent and the boat from Agia Roumeli. Not a hiker? Explore Seitan Limania and the Akrotiri peninsula instead.
Samaria with return transport
Day 5: Rethymno & Arkadi
Drive east to Rethymno: the Fortezza, the old town and the harbour. In the afternoon visit Arkadi Monastery, the symbol of Cretan resistance. Move to a hotel near Heraklion.
Day 6: Knossos & Heraklion
Visit Knossos at opening time, then the Heraklion Archaeological Museum during the midday heat to see the original frescoes.
Skip-the-line tickets & guided tours
Day 7: Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos
A final day east: the boat from Plaka or Elounda to Spinalonga, then a stroll around Agios Nikolaos before your flight from Heraklion.
Updated: 2026-10-29