Itinerary for 21 day trip to Creta

A 21-day adventure in Crete sounds like a fantastic family getaway! With its stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine, there’s so much to explore. Here’s a fun and family-friendly itinerary for your trip from Milan to Crete, keeping in mind the needs of both adults and kids.

Day 1: Arrival in Crete

Morning: Fly from Milan to Heraklion.
Afternoon: Check into your family-friendly hotel or villa. Consider staying in the Heraklion area for easy access to attractions.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local taverna. Try some Cretan specialties like moussaka and dakos.

Day 2: Explore Heraklion

Morning: Visit the to see artifacts from the Minoan civilization.
Afternoon: Head to the , the legendary site of the Minotaur myth. Kids will love the stories!
Evening: Stroll around the old town and grab gelato for dessert.

Day 3: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos

Morning: Drive to Agios Nikolaos (about 1 hour). Visit and let the kids play in the park.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch by the lake and then head to for some fun in the sun.
Evening: Return to Heraklion and have a relaxed dinner.

Day 4: and

Morning: Take a boat trip to , a former leper colony. Explore the ruins and enjoy the views.
Afternoon: Return to for lunch and some beach time.
Evening: Dinner in , enjoying fresh seafood.

Day 5: Rethymnon

Morning: Drive to Rethymnon (about 1.5 hours). Explore the Old Town and the .
Afternoon: Visit the for some history and great views.
Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Old Town.

Day 6: Beach Day at Plakias

Morning: Head to for a day of sun and sand. The beach is shallow and great for kids.
Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch on the beach.
Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner and watch the sunset.

Day 7: (Optional)

Morning: If the family is up for it, take a guided hike through the . It’s a long trek, so consider if the kids are ready for it.
Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch in the gorge.
Evening: Return to your accommodation and have a relaxing dinner.

Day 8: Chania

Morning: Drive to Chania (about 1.5 hours). Explore the and the .
Afternoon: Visit the or relax at .
Evening: Dinner in Chania, trying local dishes.

Day 9:

Morning: Take a boat trip to . The kids will love the shallow waters and beautiful scenery.
Afternoon: Spend the day swimming and exploring.
Evening: Return to Chania for dinner.

Day 10:

Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). The pink sand and shallow waters are perfect for kids.
Afternoon: Enjoy a beach day with lunch at a nearby taverna.
Evening: Head back to Chania for dinner.

Day 11: Day of Leisure

Morning: Relax at your accommodation or explore local shops.
Afternoon: Visit a local farm or olive oil factory for a family-friendly tour.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Knossos and Wine Tasting

Morning: Return to Heraklion and visit a local winery for a family-friendly tour (some wineries have activities for kids).
Afternoon: Explore more of Heraklion or relax at your accommodation.
Evening: Dinner in Heraklion.

Day 13:

Morning: Drive to for a beach day. The waters are calm and great for kids.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a beachside taverna.
Evening: Return to Heraklion for dinner.

Day 14: Visit to

Morning: Visit the historic (about 30 minutes from Rethymnon).
Afternoon: Explore the surrounding area and have a picnic.
Evening: Return to Rethymnon for dinner.

Day 15: Water Park Day

Morning: Spend the day at or , both family-friendly water parks.
Afternoon: Enjoy the rides and attractions.
Evening: Dinner at the water park or nearby.

Day 16: Explore the South Coast

Morning: Drive to , famous for its caves and history.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach and explore the caves.
Evening: Dinner in Matala.

Day 17: Visit to the

Morning: Take a tour of a local olive oil farm. Kids can learn about the olive oil-making process.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at the farm.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening.

Day 18: Day Trip to

Morning: Drive to the . Visit the , the birthplace of Zeus.
Afternoon: Explore the plateau and have lunch at a local taverna.
Evening: Return to Heraklion for dinner.

Day 19: Relaxation Day

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax at your accommodation.
Afternoon: Visit a local market for some shopping and souvenirs.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.

Day 20: Last Beach Day

Morning: Spend your last full day at your favorite beach or explore a new one.
Afternoon: Enjoy a final beach picnic.
Evening: Have a special farewell dinner, perhaps with a view of the sunset.

Day 21: Departure

Morning: Pack up and check out of your accommodation.
Afternoon: Head to Heraklion Airport for your flight back to Milan.

Tips:

Car Rental: Consider renting a car for flexibility, especially with kids.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local dishes like kalitsounia (cheese pies) and fresh seafood.
Rest Days: Feel free to adjust the itinerary for more rest days or to revisit favorite spots!

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Crete! Enjoy your trip! 🌞🏖️