Day 1
Heraklion and Knossos
- 9:00HeraklionSight
- 12:00HeraklionSight
- 13:00Lunch in Heraklion old townHeraklionFood
- 15:30KnossosSight
Day by day
Day 2
Spinalonga and the east
- 8:30Drive to PlakaPlakaTransfer
- 10:00SpinalongaDay trip
- 13:30Lunch in PlakaPlakaFood
- 16:00Agios NikolaosSight
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Day 3
Arkadi, Rethymno, then Chania
- 9:00Check out and drive westHeraklionTransfer
- 10:30ArkadiSight
- 13:00RethymnoSight
- 14:30Lunch in Rethymno old townRethymnoFood
- 17:00Drive on to ChaniaChaniaTransfer
Day 4
The Samaria Gorge
- 6:00Bus or tour to Xyloskalo (gorge open May to Oct, shut in bad weather)OmalosTransfer
- 7:30SamariaDay trip
- 14:00Lunch in Agia RoumeliAgia RoumeliFood
- 17:30Ferry to Sfakia and bus back (check ferry times)SfakiaTransfer
Day 5
Balos by boat and Chania
- 9:00Drive to Kissamos portKissamosTransfer
- 10:30GramvousaDay trip
- 18:00ChaniaWalk
- 20:00Dinner in Chania old townChaniaFood
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Questions about this trip
Is 5 days enough for Crete?
Five days covers the highlights of central and western Crete if you move base once. The south and far east need more time.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
It is usually open daily from May to late October, with the exact opening date set each spring. It closes in high wind or rain, so check the NECCA notice the day before and buy tickets online.
Do you need a car in Crete?
A car makes this trip much easier, especially for Arkadi and Balos. Buses work between the main towns.
Should you book Knossos tickets in advance?
Yes in summer: buy timed tickets on the official Hellenic Heritage site to skip the queue, and go at opening or late afternoon to avoid heat and groups.
