Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. With its stunning beaches, charming towns, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder why Crete has become a favorite among travelers.
We’ve been to Crete two times in one year and we can’t seem to get enough of it!
Unlike the rest of the islands in Greece, Crete is actually pretty big so you’ll need a solid plan to make the most of your time there. That’s why we’ve put together a perfect one week itinerary for first-timers, so you can experience all the best that Crete has to offer in just seven days.
So let us show you how to spend one week in Crete, and get ready to fall in love with this beautiful island!
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
Table of Contents
Overview of Your One Week in Crete
Before diving into the details, let’s give you an overview of what your one week in Crete will look like.
This Crete itinerary is designed for seven full days and I didn’t include any days for arrival or departure, so you might need an extra day or two depending on your travel plans.
I recommend having three bases for your one week in Crete: Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion. To save time and make the most out of your trip, it’s best to fly into Chania and fly out from Heraklion.
Of course, you can do this the other way around and reverse this itinerary – whatever works better for you!
To get around the island, I recommend renting a car to have more flexibility and visit all the places mentioned in this itinerary. Driving in Crete is generally easy, and you’ll have the freedom to stop at any scenic spots that catch your eye.
Breakdown of your Crete itinerary
- Day 1: Elafonissi Beach, Chania (arrival the previous day, overnight in Chania)
- Day 2: Balos Beach, Falasarna Beach (overnight in Chania)
- Day 3: Lake Kournas, Argiroupoli, Rethimno (overnight in Rethymno)
- Day 4: Preveli Beach, Preveli Monastery, Arkadi Monastery (overnight in Rethymno)
- Day 5: Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Matala Beach (overnight in Heraklion)
- Day 6: Knossos Palace, Heraklion (overnight in Heraklion)
- Day 7: Spinalonga Fortress, Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach (overnight in Heraklion, departure on the next day)
Map for your one week in Crete
Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Crete itinerary. I marked your 7 days in Crete with different colors, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Day 1
To get the most out of this one week in Crete itinerary, I suggest spending eight nights on the island in total.
This way, your travel time won’t eat into your week of exploration, and you’ll start the first day of this Crete itinerary well-rested, having arrived the previous evening.
Elafonissi Beach
On the first day of your one week in Crete, you’ll make the scenic journey through the Cretan countryside to the iconic Elafonissi Beach.
Located around 90 minutes outside of Chania, this pink sandy beach is one of the most beautiful and unique in all of Greece.
Elafonissi Beach gets super busy at midday, even mid-week, so I recommend arriving early if you want to enjoy its beauty without the crowds.
The midday sun can also be quite intense, so arriving earlier in the day will also allow you to spend more time on the beach without getting too burnt.
Because of deposits from a particular red-shelled micro-organism that have mixed with the white sand, Elafonissi Beach is a unique shade of pink.
To be completely honest with you, it’s not as pink as I thought it would be based on the pictures I saw online. Nonetheless, it’s still a beautiful and unique beach to visit.
The water is really shallow which can be a pro or a con depending on what you like. It’s perfect for families with young children or people who don’t feel comfortable swimming in deep waters, but it’s not ideal if you want to swim around.
If you’re not keen on tackling the mountainous roads, you can catch the 9 am bus from Chania bus station that heads back to Chania at 4 pm for around €20 per person for a return journey.
Alternatively, you can join a guided day trip to Elafonissi Beach, which includes transportation and a knowledgeable guide to give you more insights about the area.
Chania
After a day of sun, sand, and sea, head back to Chania in the late afternoon and spend some time exploring the charming old town.
Chania is full of narrow streets lined with colorful buildings and overflowing with vibrant bougainvillea. I was so in love with this city, and I highly recommend taking your time to wander around and get lost.
Some landmarks to look out for along the way include the gorgeous Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Old Chania Market. There’s also the Maritime Museum of Crete to check out if you have time.
You also can’t miss the Venetian Harbor, where you can admire the iconic lighthouse and snap some photos with the colorful fishing boats.
While you’re in the area, be sure to catch a glimpse of Kucuk Hasan Mosque, an old Ottoman religious landmark that was also an exhibition hall.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes lining the harbor, so it’s a great spot to stop for dinner or drinks.
We had dinner at Amphora Taverna, which had a great view of the harbor and delicious Cretan cuisine. We also stopped by Kormoranos Bakery Cafe in the afternoon for some traditional Greek pastries and coffee, which was a delightful treat.
Where to stay in Chania
Chania has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. I recommend staying here for 3 nights (one night on your arrival, plus the nights after day 1 and day 2 of this itinerary).
Some great places to consider for your stay in Chania:
- Luxury: Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel
- Mid-range: Belmondo Hotel
- Budget: Elia Palazzo Hotel
Alternatively, if you’d rather stay in a beach hotel, the nearby village of Platanias is a great choice. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Chania and has plenty of accommodation options right by the sea. Here are my top picks:
- Luxury: Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa
- Mid-range: Porto Platanias – Casa Di Porto
- Budget: Marika Hotel
Since we had a rental car, we picked Platanias and stayed at Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa. Somehow I lost all the photos I took at the hotel (amateur move, I know..) so sadly I can’t show you any, but trust me, it was really amazing!
We also really loved the area which was full of souvenir shops, cute cafes, and amazing restaurants.
Day 2
Balos Beach
On the second day of your one week in Crete, it’s time to visit one of the most famous beaches on the island – Balos Beach.
Situated along a calm lagoon on one side and a dazzling blue sea on the other, this beach is made even more beautiful thanks to the rugged landscapes that encircle it.
If you have your own car, your first option is to drive there yourself. I’ve read everywhere that the roads are terrible and it’s not recommended to drive there in a normal car, but I’m glad I didn’t listen!
While it’s true that you have to drive on a dirt road and it’s not that comfortable, I’ve definitely driven on worse roads in other countries. Everyone drove super slowly on the road so just take it easy, and you’ll be fine.
Once you reach the car park, you’ll have a 30-minute hike to complete until you reach the beach. I’ve also read that the hike is strenuous and can be dangerous, but we didn’t find it challenging at all.
You basically just have to walk down on the rocky steps, and while it’s a bit steep at part, it’s perfectly doable. We even saw some people in flip-flops so don’t worry too much about it. The uphill journey is quite the workout though!
The walk will be worth it once you see the beach in person. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and golden. However, the water is really shallow, so it’s more for cooling down rather than swimming.
As there are no direct buses to Balos Beach, the most convenient alternative to driving is to join a boat cruise, which also includes a stop at the nearby uninhabited Gramvousa Island.
The tour departs from Kissamos Port, a 40-minute drive from Chania, and it takes you directly to the beach, so no hiking is required.
Falasarna Beach
After you’ve spent a few hours basking in the sunshine at Balos Beach, it’s time to head to Falasarna, another favorite Cretan beach of mine.
Again, you’ll have two options when it comes to traveling between the two destinations. A winding stretch of roads connects to these dreamy beaches, and the drive will take you around 45 minutes.
An alternative option is to join a group tour that will take you to both Balos and Falasarna Beaches in just one outing.
Falasarna Beach doesn’t tend to get the same attention as Balos and Elafonissi, but it rightfully deserves a spot in every Crete one week itinerary. It has hints of the pink sand Elafonissi is known for, calm, azure blue waters and plenty of quiet patches away from all the crowds.
Best of all, the water here is perfect for swimming, unlike in Balos and Elafonissi where it’s shallow. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas here if you want to relax on the beach.
We were quite hungry on our way to Falasarna Beach from Balos Beach so we decided to stop at Taverna Spilios for lunch.
It’s a beautiful restaurant situated on the cliffs overlooking the beach, and they serve delicious Greek dishes. They are open until 11 pm, so it’s also a great spot for dinner!
After a full day of beach hopping, head back to Chania for a relaxing evening. If you have extra time or energy, make sure to catch the sunset at the Venetian Harbor before heading out for dinner and drinks in one of its many restaurants or bars.
Day 3
After checking out of your hotel in Chania, it’s time to head to your next destination – Rethymno, a cute little coastal town just an hour away.
Instead of driving straight to Rethymno, I recommend making a bit of a detour and stopping at Lake Kournas and Argiroupoli on your way there.
If you don’t have a car, you can book a Kournas Lake, Argyroupolis, and Olive Oil Tour group tour from Rethymno. This full-day tour will take you to both Lake Kournas and Argiroupoli, as well as teach you about the process of making olive oil at a local farm.
Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete, and it’s a stunning sight to see. Surrounded by lush green hills and small villages, the turquoise blue waters of the lake are incredibly peaceful.
One of the most popular things to do here is to rent a pedal boat and explore the lake from a different perspective.
You can also find plenty of restaurants and cafes around the lake to grab a bite to eat or have a drink. We tried Mythos Taverna which is right next to the parking lot, and it was a great spot to relax and take in the beautiful views.
Argiroupoli
After seeing the best of Lake Kournas, travel slightly further inland to Argiroupoli, a small village built right into the mountains. Getting from Lake Kournas to Argiroupoli will take around 25 minutes by car.
The village is really famous for its local tavernas serving fresh fish and you’ll also find many small waterfalls scattered throughout the area.
It’s a really charming place but unless you want to dine at the restaurants, you can see everything in about 30 minutes and continue on your way to Rethymno.
We were not really in the mood for fish so we decided to stop by Bistro Cafe instead and we instantly fell in love with the place!
The owner was so friendly and welcoming, and the coffee and food were delicious, particularly the avocado toast.
Rethymno
Now it’s time to head to Rethymno, a picturesque coastal town that has its own share of stunning beaches and historic sites.
One of the main highlights here is the Old Town, a charming area filled with narrow streets, Venetian architecture, and plenty of restaurants and shops. You can easily spend the whole afternoon here, wandering around and discovering all it has to offer.
The Venetian Fortezza is one of the must-see spots in Rethymno. This stunning citadel from the 16th century offers the most amazing panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Unfortunately, there are not many shades up there so it was a bit of a struggle during the hot afternoon, but believe me, it’s definitely worth it for the views!
Another attraction you absolutely have to check out is the Rimondi Venetian Fountain, a small but ornate water fountain from Venetian times that still supplies drinkable water to this day.
Depending on how much time you have on your hands, you’ll also have the chance to visit Porta Guora, the Archaeological Museum, and the Rethymnon Municipal Gardens.
You’ll find many cafes and restaurants in the Old Town or by the seafront to have lunch or dinner at.
We visited Koo Koo Brunch Cafe for breakfast and The Whistler for lunch, both of which were fantastic spots with great food and service. Both are open until late at night, so they’re perfect for any meal!
Where to stay in Rethymno
Although Rethymno is a small town, there are still plenty of hotel options to choose from. If you want to follow this exact Crete itinerary, I recommend staying here for 2 nights.
If you want to stay inside the town, here are my recommendations:
- Luxury: Aquila Porto Rethymno
- Mid-Range: Veneto Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Fortezza Hotel
However, if you have a car, you can also choose to stay a bit outside of the town. It will be easier to find parking and there are many amazing beachfront hotels close by.
We stayed at Grecotel LUXME White Palace and Grecotel Caramel and absolutely loved both of them.
White Palace is a huge all-inclusive resort with stunning views and plenty of activities to keep you entertained, while Caramel is a smaller, more intimate hotel with relaxed vibes and more personalized service.
You can read my review of both hotels here: Grecotel LUXME White Palace Review & Grecotel Caramel Review.
Here are some other great options to consider for different budgets:
- Luxury: Amira Luxury Resort & Spa
- Mid-Range: Grecotel Plaza Beach House
- Budget: Ilian Beach & Apartments
Day 4
After a good night’s sleep at your Rethymno hotel, it’s time to explore a couple of sights in the area. You will start with Preveli Beach and then check out two beautiful monasteries, Preveli Monastery and Arkadi Monastery.
Preveli Beach
This secluded but breathtaking beach is situated along Crete’s southern coastline and is less than 45 minutes from Rethymno.
It’s also a really unique sight to see from above as this is where the Kourtaliotis River flows into the sea, forming a mini lake and palm tree forest. A few steps from the parking lot will take you to stunning views of the beach and river.
We didn’t have time to hike all the way down to the beach, but if you do, be prepared for a bit of an adventurous hike and bring good shoes because it can get slippery.
To access the beach, you have to hike down a steep path and it’s quite challenging in parts due to the erosion and loose rocks.
There are also no facilities at all on the beach so make sure to bring water, snacks, and anything else you may need.
Preveli Monastery
After spending some time at the beach, make your way to Preveli Monastery, about a 5-minute drive away.
This small but magnificent monastery is nestled in the most stunning location, with towering mountains on one side and views of the Mediterranean on the other. Due to its compact size, you won’t need too much time to explore the grounds.
There’s a small museum on site which I recommend visiting to learn more about the history and significance of the monastery.
If you’re feeling hungry after your visit, check out the nearby Gefyra Taverna Cafe for some traditional Greek cuisine.
They have a huge outdoor seating area surrounded by nature, making it a truly picturesque dining experience.
Arkadi Monastery
Your next stop is the much larger Arkadi Monastery, approximately an hour’s drive from Preveli and less than half an hour from Rethymno.
I highly recommend making the trip here as it’s not only a beautiful and historic site, but it also holds significant cultural importance for Cretans.
The monastery played an important role in the fight for independence against the Ottomans, and you can learn more about this through the onsite museum.
You’ll also have a chance to explore the stunning courtyard and church, which are both beautifully decorated and offer a glimpse into the monastery’s religious significance.
Visiting Arkadi Monastery was one of the highlights for us on this trip, and I highly recommend adding it to your Crete itinerary.
Day 5
Today you’ll have to check out of your hotel in Rethymno and make your way to Heraklion which will be your base for the last three nights.
The distance between Rethymno and Heraklion is about 80 km (50 miles), so it takes just over an hour to drive.
However, I recommend taking a longer route that will take you all the way down to the southern coast, giving you a chance to stop at some stunning beaches and an important historical sight along the way.
Minoan Palace of Phaistos
Before reaching the southern coast, make a stop at the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, which is the second largest Minoan palace on Crete after Knossos.
The palace, in some shape or form, has been around since 3600 BC, though it has been destroyed and rebuilt on a number of occasions.
Interestingly, to this day, it’s still being excavated. At present, you’ll be able to explore the palace, village, tombs, and even a theater.
You won’t find many shade spots around the site, so make sure to bring a hat and plenty of water. The views from this hill are also stunning with the mountains in the distance.
Matala Beach
As the temperatures start to heat up, make the 15-minute drive down to the coast and hit Matala Beach.
This famous beach is known for its unique rock formations and caves which were used as homes by hippies in the 1960s.
The water is crystal clear which I absolutely loved but the beach consists of a mix of pebbles and sand so I recommend bringing water shoes. Another thing to note is the lack of shade at the beach, so renting an umbrella for a couple of euros is worth every penny!
The caves are now protected and you can no longer stay overnight in them, but they are definitely worth exploring and taking some photos in exchange for a small entrance fee.
Arriving to Heraklion
After spending some time at the beach, it’s time to make your way to Heraklion. It’s a bit over an hour’s drive from Matala Beach.
Chances are you’ll only arrive late in the afternoon so you won’t have much time to explore the city. Don’t worry, we will make up for it tomorrow!
I recommend booking a hotel in the city for three nights as this will give you a chance to explore the city itself, as well as make day trips to some important historical and natural sights nearby.
We’ve been to Heraklion two times so far and both times we stayed at Marin Hotel. It’s a small, budget-friendly hotel with a perfect location, just steps away from the main sights, and it also has a great view of the fortress.
If you’re looking for someone else, these are also some great options to consider:
- Luxury: GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
- Mid-range: DOM Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Infinity City Boutique Hotel
Day 6
Today you’ll be visiting Knossos Palace, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, and then explore the city of Heraklion.
If you want to cover both of these in a guided tour, I recommend booking the Historical Center City & Knossos Palace Tour.
This tour will not only take you to the palace and major sights in Heraklion but also give you a chance to learn more about the history of Crete and its importance in Greek culture.
Another bonus is that you won’t need a car for this tour, so you can switch up Day 6 and Day 7 and return your rental car a day earlier.
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is probably the island’s best-known attraction and is something that has to be included in any one week Crete itinerary.
In fact, after the Acropolis in Athens, Knossos is the most visited historical landmark in Greece!
Visiting Knossos Palace is super straightforward, as it’s less than a 10-minute drive or a slightly longer 25-minute bus ride that departs from the central bus station in Heraklion.
As the former center of Minoan society, Knossos Palace has been around since around 1900 BC, though people are thought to have settled in the area where the palace was built since 7000 BC. The site itself was reconstructed and restored around 1900.
You can buy your ticket online in advance or on site too, but be prepared for large crowds.
I would also recommend joining a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and significance of this archaeological site.
Sightseeing in Heraklion
After exploring Knossos Palace, head back to the city center and take a walk around Heraklion.
To be completely honest with you, Heraklion is my least favorite city in Crete but I still think it’s worth spending a few hours here to explore the main sights.
One of the most popular spots is Rocca a Mare Fortress, which dates back to the 16th century and offers great views of the sea and city. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, it’s worth walking around and admiring the architecture.
For a more in-depth look at the city’s past, head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which houses one of the most important collections of Minoan art and artifacts in the world. I’m not a big museum fan, but I really liked this one!
Other great spots to visit in Heraklion are the Morosini Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, the Church of Agios Titus, and the Church of Agios Minas (this was my favorite!).
Day 7
On your final day in Crete, I recommend discovering the eastern side of the island, which is home to some stunning seaside towns and beautiful beaches.
Spinalonga Fortress
Start your day by visiting Spinalonga Fortress, a Venetian fort located on a small island near right off the coast of the mainland.
To get to Spinalonga, you need to drive to the small town of Plaka, located about an hour from Heraklion.
From here, boats go to Spinalonga every 30-60 minutes for €12 per person for a round-trip. The boats don’t have a fixed timetable so it’s best to head straight to the port and ask when the next boat is departing.
There are lots of cafes around the port area where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while waiting for your boat. We picked Epico Cafe and had a great time sitting out in the sun.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a hassle to get to Spinalonga on your own (not to mention getting back) but it’s definitely worth it. Alternatively, you can also join a boat trip to Spinalonga so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
Once you get to the island, you need to pay the €10 entrance fee and you’re free to discover the site at your own pace. However, little information is available onsite, so I would consider hiring a guide.
The archaeological remains on the island are really impressive, and the history behind this tiny island is truly fascinating.
Until the 8th century, Spinalonga was a thriving and bustling town, but residents decided to move inland due to safety concerns from pirates and enemies.
It was fortified by the Venetians and later again by the Ottomans and eventually served as a place of refuge for lepers during the mid-20th century.
As is the case with many of Crete’s ancient ruins, there’s not much protection from the sun here, so the earlier you come, the better.
Also, stay clear of the cafe located just outside the fort as it’s overpriced and has terrible reviews. It’s better to eat something in Plaka before or after visiting Spinalonga.
Agios Nikolaos
Once you touch back down on the mainland, head 25 minutes south to one of Crete’s most dazzling cities, Agios Nikolaos.
This seaside hotspot is among the most sought-after vacation destinations in Crete and has a lovely, laid-back feel to it.
Seeing as you’ll be coming to the end of your trip at this point, take it easy and enjoy a slow-paced stroll around the marina and Lake Voulismeni before getting lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Voulisma Beach
If you’re still up for some beach time, make your way to Voulisma Beach near the quaint village of Kalo Chorio. A quick 15-minute drive will bring you to this beautiful half-moon-shaped beach with crystal-clear waters and soft golden sand.
There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent and there’s also a beach bar where you can grab a drink or a snack.
Spend the rest of your afternoon soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning views before heading back to Heraklion for the last night of your trip.
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