Crete, from Heraklion to Hania before idleness

Arrival at Nikos-Kazantzakis airport or Heraklion port. Stroll in the city centre up the rue du 25-Avgoustou, passing in front of the Morosini fountain (place Venizelou), then continuing towards the market rue Odos-1866. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. At the end of the day, you can stroll along the city's Venetian ramparts, see the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis for lovers of literature, and finish with a walk on the port to the fortress of Koulès at a time when the sun is declining. Later in the evening, if you want to enjoy the nightlife, go for a drink in one of the bars in the Kora district or on Milatou Street.

Visit of the palace of Knossos, 15 minutes from Heraklion by road. This palace of King Minos is one of the most famous Greek archaeological sites. Visit it preferably early in the morning, then go to Archanès, a village famous for its wine. In the afternoon, you can go to the magnificent Nida plateau to see the Ideon Andron cave in which Zeus was, according to legend, raised. You can also discover the picturesque mountain village of Anogia, famous for its lineages of musicians and weaving, spend the evening with traditional music after tasting the local lamb and sleep there. There, you can enjoy the Cretan soul.

Arrival in Hania. Discover the historic district and dine in one of the port's taverns. Then last glass of raki in a typical kafeneion among musicians playing lyra (Cretan lute).

Departure for Kastelli-Kissamos with a stop in Kolymbari and at Moni Gonia Monastery on the Rodopos Peninsula. Visit to the Kissamos Archaeological Museum (closed on Mondays). In the afternoon, visit the Falassarna site and swim at the beautiful beach of the same name. Night in Kastelli or Falassarna.

In the morning, boat excursions from Kissamos to the island of Gramvousa (and its fortress) and the beautiful bay of Belos. If you are motorized, you can go by car through a bumpy track. The hotel has a beautiful panoramic road for the traditional and ecological village of Milia (where you can eat and sleep in a natural and bucolic setting) by the village of Elos, a true oasis of chestnut trees, and the beautiful gorges of Topolia.

In the morning, departure for the superb beach of Elafonissi which resembles a lagoon, after a visit to the convent of Chrissoskalitissa situated just a few kilometres away, at the edge of a cove. Next to Paleohora, peaceful small seaside resort where you will sleep.

Departure by boat in the morning to Sougia (where you leave your bags), visit the beautiful site of Lissos after about 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking. Return to Sougia and overnight on site, or boat to Loutro, a tiny and charming little blue and white port where you spend the night.

From Sougia or Loutro, return by boat to Hora Sfakion and then back to Heraklion.