SELF-DRIVE TOUR AROUND CRETE

Upon your arrival to the largest of the Greek islands, Crete, you will collect your rental vehicle and drive to your hotel to start exploring the island at your own pace.

You will reach the city of Heraklion, the capital of the island, and former home of King Minos and his Minotaur. This city was the most important of the Minoan civilization, where the Palace of Knossos is located, the oldest palatial complex in Europe.

Greca Tip: For the rental car, it is important to read the car rental requirements.

Thanks to the rental car we have arranged for you in this program, you can set out on your adventure the way you have planned it and at your own pace. Chania is located in the western part of this incredible island and on your way there you will drive on well-maintained roads.

We suggest that you make your first stop at the Palace of Knossos, home to the legendary King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur. We also recommended visiting Rethymnon, a city nestled between breathtaking mountains and the deep blue of the Mediterranean. 

During this trip from Heraklion to Chania you will have the chance to explore and get closer to the majestic interior of the island. Upon your arrival in Chania, you will check in at your hotel and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Total distance: 140 kilometers.

Greca Tip: You can visit the picturesque and traffic-free old town of Chania for some jewelry and pottery, local crafts, traditional Cretan knives, olive wood, and natural products made with local herbs, oils, and plants.

This free day is for you to rest and discover, aboard your rental car, the wonders that make this city one of the main European vacation destinations. We recommend visiting the formidable and unique beaches of Balos, Elafonisi or Falasarna, some of them considered among the best in the world.

Greca Tip: If you like trekking, we recommend adding a night in Chania to visit Samaria gorge. For this excursion you will need to go to Omalos and park your vehicle 50 meters from the entrance to the creek. The trekking is about 16 km downhill and lasts between 4 to 6 hours, until you reach Agia Roumeli. In Agia Roumeli you will have time for lunch and a swim. At 4:45 p.m. the ferry crossing, lasting about 40 minutes, will take you to Sougia (we suggest buying the tickets upon your arrival at Agia Roumeli). When you reach Sougia you will take the bus back to Omalos, where you left your car earlier on in the day.

After a tasty breakfast, you will leave for Agia Galini, located in the south of the island. This was one of the first towns that emerged during the tourist boom in the 70s and, over the years, it began receiving more and more visitors.

From there, you can visit the closest beaches, among which we suggest Preveli, a beautiful beach among palm trees, reeds, and small waterfalls. It is located at the mouth of the Megalopotamos river, which, in its last meters, flows almost parallel to the sea. Another beach that we suggest visiting is Matala, located in the bay of Messara, with beautiful calm waters.

It is the same place where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus reached its shore in the form of a bull. It is known for its relaxed and positive atmosphere, as well as the large limestone rocks along the beach. Hippies found their paradise in these caves and today they are open to visitors as an archaeological site, but it is forbidden to stay there overnight.

Total distance: 110 Km.

Greca Tip: At night and especially during the summer, you can join the nightlife in one of the pubs and discos that offer all kinds of events, like jazz, music from the 80s or the latest international hits.

After having an exquisite breakfast, you will resume your trip and head to Agios Nikolaos, located in the northeastern part of the island. We suggest taking the road that goes along the south coast and discover the towns located on the Libyan Sea, such as Ierapetra, whose name means "Sacred Stone".

It was a city of vital importance in the Minoan Era, assailed by marauding pirates throughout its history. If you wish, you can take a ferry from there to Chrisi Island, whose natural landscape is dominated by cedar, golden sand and aquamarine waters.

Additionally, if you prefer walking, you can head towards the Milonas waterfall, about 15 km from Ierapetra and accessed from a 3 km path. After visiting the beaches on the south of the island, you can resume your way to the north to reach Agios Nikolaos. This place is the starting point for the exploration of the eastern part of Crete.

Total distance: 167 Km.

Greca Tip: Feel like a local and enjoy this lively city at night, whether in traditional taverns and cafés or in trendy bars, and simply relax in the atmosphere that only Agios Nikolaos can offer!

After enjoying a tasty breakfast, you will have this day off to discover the beautiful Mirabello Bay and its surroundings. One of the best places in the city is Lake Voulismeni, which is linked to the sea by a canal.

In its perimeter, you will also find cafés and restaurants that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful views. According to the Greek mythology, Athena and Artemis bathed in the waters of this lake. Until the 19th century, locals believed that the lake was bottomless and that it was inhabited by evil spirits, giving rise to numerous legends and superstitions.

If you prefer to spend a day on the beach, we recommend going to Voulisma beach, a paradise of white sand and blue-green tropical waters located just 15 minutes away from Agios Nikolaos. A little further inland from Agios Nikolaos there is the small mountain town of Kritsa, known mostly for its numerous artisanal products.

Greca Tip: We recommend trying the famous "Raki", a typical drink, with a delicious flavour and purity, produced on the island of Crete. You can drink it warm, known as “Rakomelo” mixed with honey and a little bit of cinnamon, or icy cold as a refreshment after or before your meal.

After breakfast, we will have the morning and half the afternoon free to relax, shop around or simply continue exploring the places or beaches left to be visited.

During the afternoon we recommend returning to hotel in Heraklion, in order to enjoy free time and the incredible cuisine that distinguishes this island from the rest of Greece.

Total distance: 63 Km.

Greca Tip: Before leaving Agios Nikolaos you can try the area's delicious cheeses, olive oil, thyme honey and the traditional orange pie or 'portokalopita'.

At the indicated time, you will drive your rental car to Heraklion airport, where you will return the car and board your international flight.

From Greca we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a nice trip!, or as you will say yourself: "Kaló taksídi!".

Greca Tip: As a going away gift you can take Dakos, paximadi (rusks), some of the local cheeses, olive oil and tsipouro.