12 day itinerary for Crete

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd be happy to help you plan a relaxed 12-day itinerary in Crete! Get ready for a wonderful journey filled with stunning landscapes, delicious food, and rich history.

Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion

• Arrive in Heraklion, settle into your accommodation, and take a leisurely stroll around the city.
• Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to learn about Crete's ancient history.
• Enjoy a traditional Cretan dinner at a local taverna.

Day 2: Knossos Palace and Archanes

• Explore the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in the morning.
• In the afternoon, head to the charming village of Archanes for a relaxing wine tasting experience.

Day 3: Rethymno

• Travel to Rethymno, a picturesque town with a beautiful Venetian harbor.
• Wander through the narrow streets of the old town and visit the Fortezza fortress.
• Relax on the sandy beach and enjoy a seafood dinner by the sea.

Day 4: Arkadi Monastery and Margarites

• Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, known for its role in the Cretan resistance against the Ottomans.
• Explore the traditional village of Margarites, famous for its pottery workshops.

Day 5: Chania

• Drive to Chania, a charming town with a mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences.
• Stroll along the picturesque harbor, visit the Old Town, and sample local delicacies at the market.

Day 6: Samaria Gorge

• Embark on a leisurely hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest gorges.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 7: Elafonissi Beach

• Relax on the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and unique landscape.
• Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding in this natural paradise.

Day 8: Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga

• Visit the charming town of Agios Nikolaos and explore its scenic lake and waterfront.
• Take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony with a fascinating history.

Day 9: Lasithi Plateau and Dikteon Cave

• Drive to the peaceful Lasithi Plateau, surrounded by mountains and dotted with traditional windmills.
• Explore the Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology.

Day 10: Sitia and Vai Beach

• Discover the coastal town of Sitia, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
• Relax on Vai Beach, a palm-fringed paradise perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Day 11: Agia Galini

• Head to the laid-back village of Agia Galini on the south coast.
• Enjoy a leisurely day by the sea, exploring the village's narrow streets and enjoying fresh seafood.

Day 12: Departure

• Take one last stroll around your final destination before heading to the airport for your departure.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good balance of relaxation and exploration during your 12 days in Crete. Enjoy your trip!