5 Days in Crete Itinerary

Begin your second day in Chania with a visit to the picturesque Old Venetian Harbor. Wander through its narrow streets lined with colorful buildings and explore the Maritime Museum of Crete. For breakfast, stop by Bougatsa Iordanis to try their famous bougatsa pastry.

In the afternoon, take a trip to Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest gorges and a must-see natural wonder in Crete. Hike through its stunning landscapes filled with wildflowers and unique rock formations. Afterward, have lunch at Tamam Restaurant, which offers delicious Cretan dishes.

Return to Chania for an evening by the sea at Nea Chora Beach. Relax on the sandy shores or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters before heading to dinner at Glossitses, where you can enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine with a modern twist.

Start your third day exploring Rethymno's old town, known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture. Visit attractions like Rimondi Fountain and Neratze Mosque before enjoying breakfast at Mpakalogatos.

In the afternoon, head to Rethymno Fortezza, an impressive fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and sea. Wander through its ancient walls and learn about its history while soaking up breathtaking vistas. For lunch, dine at Avli, which serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.

Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along Rethymno Beach as you watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea. Finish off with dinner at Prima Plora, renowned for its seafood specialties and romantic seaside setting.

Begin your day in Agios Nikolaos, a charming coastal town known for its picturesque lake and vibrant atmosphere. Start with a visit to Lake Voulismeni, a stunning freshwater lake surrounded by cafes and shops. Enjoy breakfast at Coffee Island, where you can savor delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee while taking in the serene views of the lake.

In the afternoon, explore the archaeological site of Lato, an ancient city-state located near Agios Nikolaos. Wander through the ruins and imagine life in this once-thriving city. For lunch, head to Piato, a highly-rated restaurant offering traditional Cretan dishes with a modern twist.

Spend your evening strolling along the beautiful Kitroplatia Beach. Relax on the sandy shores or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters before heading to dinner at Basilico, known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and romantic seaside setting.

Start your day with an adventure to Matala, famous for its stunning cliffs and caves. Begin with a visit to Matala Beach, where you can explore the ancient caves carved into the cliffs that were once used as Roman tombs. Enjoy breakfast at Hakuna Matata, a cozy cafe offering delicious breakfast options with a view of the beach.

In the afternoon, take a trip to Red Beach, one of Crete's most beautiful and secluded beaches. The striking red sand and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for relaxation and swimming. For lunch, dine at Skala, which offers fresh seafood dishes right by the sea.

Conclude your day with a visit to Kommos Beach, another stunning beach located near Matala. Watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea as you relax on the sandy shores. Finish off with dinner at Petrosino, known for its traditional Cretan cuisine and warm hospitality.