10 day itinerary for Crete, Greece

Itinerary

Crete is a beautiful island with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 10 days in Crete, Greece:

Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion

Upon arrival in Heraklion, you can check into your hotel and spend the day exploring the city. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to learn about the island's history and culture. Take a stroll through the old town and enjoy some traditional Cretan cuisine at one of the local tavernas.

Day 2: Knossos Palace and Archanes Village

Start your day with a visit to the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, located just outside of Heraklion. Afterward, head to the charming village of Archanes, known for its traditional architecture and excellent wine. Take a tour of a local winery and enjoy a tasting.

Day 3: Rethymnon and Arkadi Monastery

Drive to the picturesque town of Rethymnon, located on the north coast of the island. Explore the old town and visit the Venetian fortress. Afterward, head to the Arkadi Monastery, a historic site that played a significant role in the island's struggle for independence.

Day 4: Samaria Gorge

Take a day trip to the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest and most impressive gorges in Europe. Hike through the gorge and enjoy the stunning scenery. End the day with a swim at the beautiful beach of Agia Roumeli.

Day 5: Elafonisi Beach

Spend the day at Elafonisi Beach, located on the southwestern coast of the island. This stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and pink sand. Relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 6: Chania and Balos Beach

Visit the charming town of Chania, located on the northwest coast of the island. Explore the old town and visit the Venetian harbor. Afterward, take a boat trip to the stunning Balos Beach, known for its turquoise waters and white sand.

Day 7: Spinalonga Island

Take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, located off the coast of Crete. This historic island was once a leper colony and is now a popular tourist destination. Explore the island and learn about its fascinating history.

Day 8: Lassithi Plateau and Dikteon Cave

Drive to the Lassithi Plateau, located in the eastern part of the island. Visit the Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods. Afterward, explore the picturesque villages of the plateau and enjoy some traditional Cretan cuisine.

Day 9: Agios Nikolaos and Vai Beach

Visit the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, located on the northeastern coast of the island. Explore the town and visit the beautiful Lake Voulismeni. Afterward, head to Vai Beach, known for its palm trees and crystal-clear waters.

Day 10: Departure

On your last day, you can spend some time relaxing at your hotel or exploring the city before departing for the airport.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Crete, Greece!