8 days in Crete Itinerary

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.

Your list of things to see and do now includes Venetian Walls and Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, 25th of August Street, Loggia, and other attractions. On the next day, explore the ancient world of The Palace of Knossos, explore the ancient world of The Throne Room, contemplate the long history of Castello del Molo (Koules), then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral of St. Minas, then admire the local landmark of Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain), and finally don't miss a visit to 25th of August Street.

To find other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Heraklion road trip planner.

Lisbon, Portugal to Heraklion is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Lisbon to Heraklion. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Lisbon in June since evenings lows in Heraklion dip to 22°C. You will have some time to spend on the 28th (Wed) before leaving for Rethymnon.

Rethymnon combines the old-fashioned charm of a small town with proximity to long sandy beaches with all the modern conveniences usually found in big tourist resorts.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Guora Gate as well as Rethymno Lighthouse. On the 28th (Wed), visit Rethymnon Old Town, explore the galleries of Stagakis Cretan Lyra Workshop, pause for some serene contemplation at Four Martyrs Church, contemplate the long history of The Venetian Fortezza, then enjoy the sea views from Rethymno Lighthouse, and finally contemplate the long history of Guora Gate.

To find photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Rethymnon online attractions planner.

Drive from Heraklion to Rethymnon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or drive; or take a bus. In June in Rethymnon, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 22°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 29th (Thu) before leaving for Kissamos.

A quiet port town situated on Crete's western tip, Kissamos attracts mostly domestic tourists and possesses more of the quintessential Greek feel than livelier resorts strung along the island's coastline.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Thu): kick back and relax at Balos Lagoon, explore the galleries of Apostolakis Handmade Ceramics, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Ekklisia Ioannis Prodromes.

For maps, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Kissamos driving holiday app.

Drive from Rethymnon to Kissamos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Kissamos can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Chania Town.

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

Your day by day itinerary now includes Archaeological Museum of Chania, Municipal Market of Chani and MINOAN'S WORLD. Lighthouse of Chania and Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou will appeal to history buffs. Maritime Museum of Crete and Agios Georgios Monastery are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Next up on the itinerary: delve into the distant past at Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera, go for a stroll along the water at Old Venetian Harbor, see the interesting displays at Museum Of Typography, and explore the world behind art at Municipal Art Gallery of Chania.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Chania Town online tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Kissamos to Chania Town takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In June in Chania Town, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 22°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Sun) to allow time for the flight back home.