10 days in Crete Itinerary

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Venture out of the city with trips to Lake Kournas (in Kournas), Astrikas Estate Biolea (in Astrikas) and Rethymnon (Rethymnon Old Town, Off-Road Tours, &more). Spend the 24th (Mon) exploring nature at Samaria Gorge National Park. There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Elafonissi Beach, stop by To Pantopolion, examine the collection at Greek National Football Museum, and stroll through Balos Lagoon.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Chania Town road trip planning site.

Madrid, Spain to Chania Town is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Madrid to Chania Town due to the time zone difference. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Madrid in July: highs in Chania Town hover around 37°C, while lows dip to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a shuttle to Heraklion.

Crete's largest city, Heraklion remains best known for its proximity to a sprawling Bronze Age archaeological site, once the center of a vanished Minoan civilization.

Take a break from Heraklion with a short trip to Kazani Zargianakis Distillery in Prinias, about 46 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: get engrossed in the history at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, learn more about the world around you at The Natural History Museum of Crete, admire nature's wide array of creatures at CRETAquarium, and indulge in some personalized pampering at Aegeo Spas.

To see ratings, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Heraklion trip planner.

Getting from Chania Town to Heraklion by shuttle takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in July, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Elounda.

Long a sleepy fishing settlement on Crete's northern coastline, Elounda today serves as a major travel destination, drawing vacationers with a blend of unspoiled natural scenery and luxury resorts.

On the 30th (Sun), head off the coast to Spinalonga (Kalydon), head off the coast to Spinalonga, then explore the activities along Lake Voulismeni, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Panagias Keras Church.

To find traveler tips, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Elounda road trip site.

Drive from Heraklion to Elounda in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in July, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to fly back home.