Creta

A week in Crete sounds like a fantastic adventure! With your group of six, a villa with a pool, and a budget of €2590 for the week, we can create a fun and relaxing itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and some local culture. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Crete

• Morning: Arrive at Heraklion Airport. Pick up a rental car (essential for exploring the island) and head to your villa.
• Afternoon: Settle into your villa, unpack, and take a dip in the pool to refresh after your journey.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby taverna. Try some local dishes like moussaka or fresh seafood. A great place to start is Taverna Kavouras in Agios Nikolaos.

Day 2: Explore Agios Nikolaos

• Morning: After breakfast at the villa, head to Agios Nikolaos. Stroll around the beautiful lake Voulismeni and enjoy a coffee at a lakeside café.
• Afternoon: Visit the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos to learn about the local history. Then, relax at a nearby beach like Almyros Beach.
• Evening: Dinner at Pizzeria Da Gennaro for some delicious pizza and pasta.

Day 3: Elounda and Spinalonga Island

• Morning: Drive to Elounda (about 15 minutes from Agios Nikolaos). Take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony with fascinating ruins.
• Afternoon: Explore the island, then return to Elounda for lunch at a seaside taverna. Try the local calamari!
• Evening: Head back to your villa for a relaxing evening by the pool. Maybe have a BBQ dinner with local ingredients you can buy from a market.

Day 4: Chania Day Trip

• Morning: Early breakfast and then drive to Chania (about 2 hours). Explore the charming old town and the Venetian harbor.
• Afternoon: Visit the Maritime Museum of Crete and grab lunch at Tamam Restaurant. Afterward, take a stroll through the local shops.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Bodega for some tapas and wine before heading back to your villa.

Day 5: Beach Day at Balos Lagoon

• Morning: Set off early to Balos Lagoon. You can either hike or take a boat from Kissamos. The views are breathtaking!
• Afternoon: Spend the day swimming and sunbathing in the stunning turquoise waters. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach.
• Evening: Return to your villa and relax. Consider a light dinner at home or a nearby taverna.

Day 6: Rethymnon and Wine Tasting

• Morning: Drive to Rethymnon (about 1 hour). Explore the old town and the fortress. Don’t miss the charming narrow streets and local shops.
• Afternoon: Visit a local winery for a wine tasting experience. Dourakis Winery is a great option where you can learn about Cretan wines.
• Evening: Dinner at Avli in Rethymnon, known for its beautiful courtyard and delicious Cretan cuisine.

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the villa. Spend your last morning relaxing by the pool or taking a final dip in the water.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a local market for souvenirs.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your week in Crete!

Budget Breakdown

• Villa Rental: Look for a villa that accommodates six people with a pool. Prices can vary, but you should be able to find something nice within your budget.
• Car Rental: Approximately €200-€300 for the week.
• Food: Budget around €30-€50 per person per day for meals, totaling about €1260-€2100 for the week.
• Activities: Boat trips, entrance fees, and wine tasting can add up to around €300-€500.

This itinerary balances relaxation with exploration, allowing you to soak in the beauty and culture of Crete while enjoying quality time with your friends. Enjoy your trip! 🌞🏖️🍷