Crete Places to Visit: 11 Stops from Chania to Balos

Explore Crete's top destinations across the Greek island, from the historic harbor city of Chania in the northwest to the remote village of Loutro on the southwest coast. This 483 km route covers Mediterranean beaches, ancient fortresses, and scenic mountain villages.

Mode
Places
Start
Seitan Limania
End
Fortezza of Rethymno
Stops
11
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Seitan Limania — Dramatic limestone gorge descending to a secluded white-sand beach, accessible by steep cliff paths offering breathtaking Cretan coastal views.
  2. Lake Kournas — Crete's only freshwater lake nestled at the base of mountains with distinctive light green and dark blue waters, popular for paddle boating.
  3. Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos — Venetian fortress island with archaeological ruins and a charming waterfront town famous for its picturesque harbor and fresh seafood restaurants.
  4. Preveli Beach & Hilltop Church — Palm-fringed sandy beach fed by a freshwater river, paired with a historic monastery perched above offering panoramic Mediterranean vistas.
  5. Elafonissi Beach — Well-known southwestern beach famous for crystal-clear turquoise waters and distinctive pink sand, with sandbar island and sunset viewpoints.
  6. Falasarna Beach — Western coast beach named among Crete's best with long sandy shoreline and exceptionally clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
  7. Balos Beach — Turquoise shallow lagoon enclosed by pink-sand beaches and limestone cliffs, accessible by scenic drive to northwestern Crete's most photographed destination.
  8. Chania — Northwestern coastal city dating to 3000 BC with Venetian and Turkish architecture, harbor, and historic lighthouse overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
  9. Chania Lighthouse — Historic beacon constructed by Venetians in the late 1500s, restored by Egyptians in 1824, overlooking Chania harbor with causeway access.
  10. Rethymno — Historic coastal city with Minoan origins, featuring the well-preserved 16th-century Venetian Fortezza fortress and 1800s lighthouse.
  11. Fortezza of Rethymno — 16th-century Venetian fortress, one of Crete's best-preserved medieval defensive structures commanding the harbor and surrounding landscape.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Chania is a great entry point if flying into or taking a ferry to Crete.
Tip
Seitan Limania is about 30 minutes drive from Chania. The hike down to the beach takes about 10 minutes. Cliff jumping spots available with cliffs that aren't too high.
Tip
Lake Kournas is about 45 minutes drive from Chania. It's the only freshwater lake in Crete. Paddle boat rentals are a popular activity.
Tip
Rethymno is about an hour from Chania. The Fortezza fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and is one of the best preserved fortresses in Crete.
Transport
To reach Spinalonga island fortress, take a boat ride from nearby cities such as Plaka. It's about an hour's drive from Heraklion.
Tip
Preveli Beach has two access routes: the western side has a parking lot with a steep walk of about 400 stairs, or the eastern side for an easier walk to the beach.
Tip
Preveli Beach features a Palm Forest in a Gorge behind the beach. Nearby Ekklisia Timios Stavros church is built on a mountain top with panoramic 360-degree views and is possible to hike to.
Tip
Matala features artificial caves carved during Roman times that can be explored. The caves were lived in or used as tombs, and became popular with hippies in the 1960s.
Transport
To reach Gavdos island, take a ferry from either Palaiochora or Hora Sfakion. Ferry takes 2 to 4 hours depending on departure point. It's the southernmost island in Greece.
Transport
Loutro village can only be accessed by boat or foot. Take a 20-minute boat ride from Hora Sfakion or hike down from Anapolis (about 1 hour each way, steep descent). No cars or mopeds in the village.
Tip
Aradena Bridge is located about 30 minutes from Hora Sfakion. Built in 1986, it sits 138 meters above the Aradena Gorge. Not suitable if afraid of heights.
Tip
Balos Beach is remote and accessed by boat or foot. Drive on dirt road about 40 minutes from Kissamos town. Downhill hike to beach takes about 20 minutes with astounding water views.

Video on this route

Top 10 Places To Visit in Crete - Greece Travel Guide

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