From east to west: complete self-drive tour of Crete at your own pace

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to our place!

  

  Welcome! You pick up your rental car at the airport, then you drive to your first hotel. Depending on how much time you have left, you can have your first Cretan dinner in the picturesque village of Archanes. Enjoy your meal! 3-star boutique hotel Kms: 16 km / 23 min

• day 2

  The First European Civilization

  

  This day is dedicated to the rich history of our island. Start with the Minoan palace of Knossos, where you will find the oldest throne in Europe and the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Continue your historic day at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the largest museum on the island, with exhibitions that cover 5 500 years of history! End your day with a walk in the city center or at the Venetian port of Heraklion, then a dinner in one of the city's excellent restaurants. You have the option of being accompanied by a certified French-speaking guide, at an additional cost. Entrance tickets not included. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms: 30 km / 1 h

• day 3

  The Island of Lepers and the Eastern Region

  

  Today, you will visit the island of Spinalonga and its surroundings. On the way, a short stop at Selinari, a small monastery in the heart of nature, is a must. You will continue to the village of Plaka. At the port, you will find small boats that can take you directly to Spinalonga (12 euros per person). Thanks to its strategic position, it has been a Venetian fortress, a refuge for rebels, and much more! On your return from Spinalonga, you can spend a little time in Plaka. You will find many fish taverns by the sea. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Total journey: 165 km / 2h40

• day 4

  South of Heraklion: history and beach

  

  Today, you are heading south of Heraklion. Start with Lake Zaros, a hub of attraction for locals as well as travelers who want to admire the beauty of the landscape. Next, you will visit the Minoan palace of Phaistos, where the Phaistos Disc was discovered, or the ancient city of Gortyne. Then, head to the beach. You can choose to go to Matala, the famous beach with its caves, which became a symbol of the hippies during the 60s. Another option: Kommos Beach, a much larger beach than Matala and less crowded. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms: 119 km / 02h27

• day 5

  Two lesser-known beaches in the South

  

  Today, you will visit two beaches south of Rethymnon, large and equipped, ideal for relaxing! The first is Agios Pavlos, with its green waters and magnificent rocky seabeds. Above the beach, you can visit the small church of Saint Paul. The other choice is Triopetra. This beach is famous for its rock formations and its colorful stones. Its name, Triopetra, comes from the three imposing rocks that are located at the edge of the sea (Triopetra - three stones in Greek). Finish at the superb fish and seafood tavern by the water, where you can have dinner! Total journey: 98 km / 2h17 Meals included: breakfast Accommodation in the village of Agia Galini

• day 6

  Preveli: beach, river and palm grove

  

  Today, you will visit the jewel of southern Rethymno: Preveli beach. There are two ways to get there: for the bravest, take the stairs at the top of the beach. The 20-minute descent on the way there and the 30-minute climb on the way back will be compensated by an unforgettable view! You can also go via the left side, and the beach will be only a 10-minute walk away. On the road to Rethymno, it is worth making a stop in Spili for a coffee in the central square or for a visit to the folklore museum! In the afternoon, you will take part in a Cretan cooking class, where you will have the chance to prepare the most representative dishes of the Cretan diet, appreciated worldwide! 3-star boutique hotel Meals included: breakfast & dinner Kms: 93 km / 2h

• day 7

  Cretan wine and olive oil tasting

  

  Today, we offer you a unique wine and olive oil tasting in Alikampos, with a local French-speaking guide. You will depart from a family olive oil factory, where you will have the chance to discover different ways of extracting the most appreciated Cretan product. Then, you will continue to a vineyard where you will do a tasting of the different wines produced on their land. No day is complete without a good meal. The experience will end in a nearby village, where you will taste the famous Cretan "mezzes". 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast & lunch included Kms: 85 km / 1h45

• day 8

  Around Réthymnon: between villages and mountains

  

  Start with Margarites, the village of potters, where you can attend a short pottery demonstration (on request). 20 minutes away is the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of the courage of the Cretans. In 1866, rebels, women and children chose to kill themselves rather than surrender to the Ottomans. In the same region, you can find two associations that fight to promote and preserve our culture and traditions, with the support of the Planeterra association. For those who want to discover a little-known gastronomic treasure of the Mediterranean, dive into Cretan cuisine by taking part in a hands-on workshop where you will learn to prepare carob-based dishes, accompanied by local ingredients such as olive oil and honey. The day includes a visit to the Carob Mill, a nature walk and a tasting of the dishes you will have prepared. Meet farmers, discover sustainable farming practices and leave with local products (on request). Or you can take part in a one-hour traditional weaving class with the women of the Rodakino association of Margarites, Planeterra partners. Who else can say they created their memories? (on request) 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms: 58 km / 1h35

• day 9

  Live like a Cretan!

  

  Today, we suggest you spend the day exploring mountainous Crete, accompanied by a local French-speaking guide and a Cretan couple: Mrs Eleni, the beekeeper, and Mr Andreas, the shepherd. In the heart of Mylopotamos, you will visit authentic places, take part in honey extraction and have lunch with a local resident! 3-star boutique hotel Kms: 95 km / 2h Meals included: breakfast, lunch

• day 10

  The Magnificent Seaside Villages

  

  Today, we suggest that you spend the day in seaside villages of exceptional beauty. You will drive to Chora Sfakion and, from there, you will take the boat to Loutro (a village accessible only by boat or on foot) or to Glyka Nera beach, with its crystal-clear waters! For trekking enthusiasts, the route from Chora Sfakion to Loutro is part of the famous E4 route, the European trekking route (7 km - 4/5h). 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms: 140 km / 2h50

• day 11

  Chania: the queen of Crete

  

  Chania is full of little streets perfect for strolling and discovering the shops, traditional tavernas, or small “kafeneia” (Greek cafés). If you’re up for a walk, you can visit the Katholico Monastery. The path leading to the monastery is an easy 3.2 km hike, which you can extend by 2 km to reach Katholiko Bay, a magnificent fjord. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms: 60 km / 1h30

• day 12

  The Jewel of the West

  

  Today, we recommend that you visit Balos beach (part of the NATURA 2000 plan. Please respect the area), the emblem of Cretan nature! You can access the beach in several ways: by car, then 30 minutes on foot, or by boat from a nearby port (easy but touristy). Alternative: Falassarna beach, where you can enjoy the famous Cretan sunset! 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms: 140 km / 2h50

• day 13

  The Exotic Beaches of the West

  

  Today, head to the far west and the pink sand beach of Elafonisi ! Elafonisi is one of the most famous beaches in Crete, and rightly so. As this beach is extremely popular, it is possible that you will find a lot of people there; it would therefore be preferable to go there very early or very late ! You can also go to the nearby beach of Kedrodasos, with its black sand and its cedar forest... Spend the day at the beach and have your lunch in one of the typical restaurants in the region ! These two beaches are part of the NATURA 2000 plan. Please respect the region ! 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Kms : 135 km / 2h45

• day 14

  

  Today, you will visit the Apokoronas region on your way to Heraklion! Start with the ancient city of Aptera, with a 360-degree view of the Aegean Sea! Continue with the famous Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete! Finish in the magnificent village of Argyroupoli, with its traditional character, its old houses and its authentic taverns, so loved by everyone! 3-star boutique hotel Kms: 153 km / 2h33 Meals included: breakfast

• day 15

  End of your Cretan adventure

  

  The time to return has arrived! All the information for returning the car will be provided to you via the local agency's app. See you very soon! Total trip: 5 km / 00h13 Meals included: breakfast