Crete Discovery - From End to End!
Let yourself be captivated by a magical quest through legendary Grèce, where every detour reveals hidden treasures and ineffable emotions. From the mysterious east to the enchanting west, cross fairy-tale landscapes, explore thousand-year-old ruins steeped in history, and bathe in crystalline waters of supernatural blue. Encounter the authentic soul of this mythical island through its warm inhabitants and picturesque villages that seem frozen outside of time. A transformative experience that will delight your senses and forever engrave luminous memories in your heart.
Duration
10 days
From
€525/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jul, Aug
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends, groupe, senior
The spirit of travel
Embark on a 10-day self-drive tour through Crete, between spectacular landscapes, turquoise beaches and millennial heritage. At the wheel of your rental car, discover the island from east to west and from north to south, through its historic sites, picturesque villages and magnificent coasts.
From Heraklion and Knossos to Chania, then from Balos and Elafonissi to Rethymno, Matala, Sitia and Ayios Nikolaos, this itinerary offers you a complete discovery of Crete, up to Spinalonga and Elounda.
Thanks to the tailor-made self-drive formula, you can adapt the itinerary, extend certain stages or group together nights according to your wishes.
Important notes:
The order of the program, visits and nights is indicative and will be adapted to your arrival and departure location and time. The program can be modified, you can extend your stay at one place or another or remove a stage, according to your wishes and interests. The nights can be grouped in 3 or 4 different places from which you will explore, if you do not wish to change accommodation too often. We propose for example the following distribution:
- 2 nights near Heraklion
- 3 nights west of Chania (Kolymbari or Kissamos region)
- 1 night in Matala
- 3 nights on the northeast coast (Ayios Nikolaos or Sitia)
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Heraklion or Chania
Aéroport D'Héraklion Nikos Kazantzákis → Héraklion
Welcome to the island of the gods! Upon arrival at Heraklion airport, receive the keys to your precious automotive companion and let yourself be guided to your haven of peace. On this first journey of 25 km, breathe in the intoxicating Mediterranean air and gaze upon the infinite horizon that stretches before you. This is the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.
Overnight stay in the Heraklion region.
Diving into Archaeological Depths
Immerse yourself in the moving remains of the Minoan palace of Knossos, (6 km from the city center, reachable by public bus) where glorious past still breathes beneath your feet. Admire the delicate frescoes and majestic columns that testify to an extraordinary civilization. Continue to the beautiful archaeological museum of Heraklion, an invaluable treasure that holds the secrets of the Minoan pharaohs. Wander through the enchanting old town with its winding streets steeped in forgotten stories. Overnight stay.
Chania: The Venetian Pearl of Dreams
Departure to Chania, also known in English as Chania, and discovery of its old town, its picturesque Venetian port and its archaeological museum. You can also visit Ano Vouvès, 9 km south of Kolymvari, to admire one of the oldest olive trees in the world and visit the museum dedicated to it.
Enjoy a swimming break before heading to your accommodation for the night around Chania.
The Triumph of Paradisiacal Beaches
Discover the Gramvousa peninsula and enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters of the magnificent beaches of Falassarna and Balos, renowned among the most beautiful in Grèce. Then continue your journey south towards Paléochora, where you will spend the night.
The Enchantment of Elafonissi Pink Sand
Discover the small town of Paléochora and its Venetian fortress, then enjoy a swimming moment on the famous beach of Elafonissi, renowned for its pink sand. Continue your journey to Réthymnon, where you will spend the night.
Rethymno: The Queen of Venetian Renaissance
Discover Réthymnon, a radiant city where the imposing fortress watches over the red-tiled roofs. Wander through its labyrinthine streets steeped in nostalgia, where each stone tells a centuries-old saga. Visit the fascinating museum that preserves the treasures of its glorious past. The afternoon guides you to Matala, in southern Crete, where you can enjoy a swimming moment before spending the night.
The Wild South: From Phaistos to Sitia
Matala → Site Archéologique De Phaistos
Visit to the archaeological site of Phaistos, then enjoy a moment of swimming on the superb sandy beach surrounded by impressive rock formations and riddled with numerous caves, which hosted world-renowned hippie festivals.
Site Archéologique De Phaistos → Ierápetra
Departure to the eastern tip of Crete, crossing the center of Crete along the south coast and the Libyan Sea. Make a stop in Ierapetra, a small coastal town of Ierapetra, where the famous syrtaki scene from the renowned film "Zorba the Greek" was filmed.
Continue towards Sitia, with the possibility, weather permitting, of passing through the Lassithi plateau. At nearly 900 m altitude you will find a relatively cool climate and orchards dotted with windmills with white sails. Arrival in late afternoon at the charming town of Sitia, where you will spend the night.
Vai: Europe's Forgotten Tropical Dream
Visit to the Vaï peninsula, where you will admire Europe's only palm grove. You will need to climb the neighboring hill to enjoy a view of this unusual landscape. Then visit Zakros, about thirty kilometers further south to explore the ruins of a Minoan palace, stroll through the protected natural setting and swim on its wild beach.
Departure for Ayios Nikolaos in the late afternoon.
Spinalonga: The Islet of Venetian Mystery
Discover Ayios Nikolaos, an elegant port town famous for its picturesque inland lake, then embark on an excursion to the islet of Spinalonga and its Venetian fortress. The island became famous through the film of the same name. You will also find beautiful beaches around Elounda in the Gulf of Mirabello.
Departure from Heraklion or Chania
Return to Heraklion. Stop along the way in Gournes (18km before Heraklion), to visit the fascinating CretAquarium, not to be missed especially if you are traveling with children!!
Héraklion → Aéroport D'Héraklion Nikos Kazantzákis
Return to the airport, car return and return flight.
(NB: the stay in Heraklion can be carried out at the beginning or at the end of the itinerary, depending on your flight times).
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- plane tickets, personal expenses, meals, beverages, entrance fees to sites and museums, petrol, tolls, optional insurance
- The climate resilience tax must be paid upon reception at your hotel. Amount per room and per night: 3-star hotels = €3 / 4-star hotels = €7 / 5-star hotels = €10
Included
- 9 nights in double room - good category tourist hotels according to itinerary
- buffet breakfast
- Car rental of a 1200 cc vehicle from day 1 to day 10 (unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, VAT) from your arrival at the airport or port until departure (9 x 24 hours)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Greece for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Nationals of the European Economic Area can enter Greece with a valid passport or national ID card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Swiss and Canadian nationals must carry a valid passport. It is recommended that it be valid beyond your planned return date and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
Tourist stay without visa
Greece is a member of the Schengen area. Nationals of the European Economic Area benefit from freedom of movement and can stay without any time limit for a tourist stay.
Swiss and Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area, up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies to all Schengen countries combined.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
As of its entry into force, Swiss and Canadian nationals will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before any trip to the Schengen area, including Greece.
This prior authorization, separate from a visa, must be requested online before departure. It will be linked to your passport and valid for multiple stays over a period of three years (or until the passport expires). The information to be provided will include in particular:
passport information,
personal contact details,
a few questions relating to security and travel history.
We recommend consulting the official ETIAS website to find out the date this system comes into effect before your departure.
Traveling with children
Minor nationals of the EEA can travel with their own ID card or passport. It is strongly recommended that each child has their own travel document.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Greece in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To travel to Greece, you must have a valid identity card or passport. No special formalities are required upon arrival. The currency used is the euro. Before booking your trip, we recommend that you check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Greek consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between €180 and €300 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€150-400 return) are additional. Santorini and Mykonos are considerably more expensive, especially in summer.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each circuit to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Crete
Keeper of a sensitive and timeless Greece, based in Athènes
Greece is more than its postcards. What I love to share is its nuances, its light, its traditions and that unique emotion you feel when discovering it slowly.
— Martine
