Route plan

7 Day Crete Itinerary

One week, one rental car, no backtracking. This is the loop we recommend most often to first-time visitors landing in Heraklion.

Written by Siim-Sander- local travel expert in CreteUpdated 1 August 20262 min read

Days 1-2 - Heraklion & around

Land, pick up the car, stay central.

Drive west along the coast (about 1h20 to Rethymno, 2h20 to Chania).

Two big days from a Chania base.

Balos lagoon (boat from Kissamos - the gravel track is forbidden for rental cars)
Elafonissi pink sand
Optional: Samaria Gorge full-day hike

Return via the mountains: Lasithi plateau, Spinalonga or a village lunch before flying home.

How much driving is that?

Roughly 700-800 km over the week, mostly on the fast north-coast highway.

Should I change hotels?

Yes - two nights Heraklion area, three nights Chania area, then one night back east saves hours of driving.

Can I do this with kids?

Easily. Swap the Samaria hike for the Aquaworld aquarium or a calm beach day.

Full insurance, zero excess, free hotel and airport delivery.

We meet you in arrivals - no shuttle, no deposit.

Keys at the terminal, straight onto the road west.

Choose what you need - planning, a car, or an experience.