Crete road trip: Chania to Heraklion via Rethymno and Lake
The route around the island of Crete includes the cities of Chania and Rethymno, Lake Kournas, the beaches of Lapi and Seitan Limania. The journey covers more than 1000 km and allows you to explore both popular tourist destinations and lesser-known locations of the island of Greece.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Departure Point
- End
- Malia Resort
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Departure Point — Flight origin, €340 return tickets for two to Crete
- Crete Island — 5-day primary destination, mountainous terrain requiring vehicle rental
- Chania Town — Picturesque harbor town, less touristy beaches nearby, dining at waterfront
- Rethymno (Chimna) — Alternative regional reference ~40 minutes from Chania, base for lake visits
- Kournas Lake — Freshwater lake with turtle sightings, day 4 activity, 40 minutes from Chania/Rethymno
- Lapi Beach — Scenic sunset spot recommended for romantic visits
- Seitan Limania Beach — Turquoise waters with high cliffs, day 3 visit
- Heraklion Airport — Return departure point after 5-day Crete adventure
- Malia Resort — Popular lively resort town with active nightlife on northern coast
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Round-trip air tickets from Krakow to Greece cost about 340 euros for two with a low-cost airline
- Transport
- Rent a compact car (such as a Toyota Yaris). One and a half liters of gasoline is enough to travel around the island due to its low consumption
- Save money
- When renting a car, choose the option without a deposit, without a credit card and with full insurance coverage - this is more expensive, but protects against problems. Read the negative reviews about rentals carefully
- Where to stay
- Small equipped apartments in Chania with a terrace cost about 118 euros per day. Choose accommodation with air conditioning, a washing machine and a kitchen
- Timing
- Arrive at Seitan Limania Beach at 7-8 am – the beach is small and quickly fills up with tourists
- Tip
- On the beach of Seitan Limania, you need good shoes to go down the goat trail and slippers to enter the water - the stones are sharp. Parking and the beach are free
- Food
- Try moussaka (Greek casserole made with eggplant, minced meat and Béchamel sauce) and a local Greek salad with feta, olives and olive oil
- Transport
- Lapi Beach is an hour's drive from the city of Chania. Access via an asphalt road, parking is free, next to a café overlooking the sea
- Timing
- Come to Lapi Beach at sunset – the evening view here is exceptionally beautiful. The beach is equipped with sun loungers
- Where to stay
- A room in the 5-star Malia hotel with a sea view costs 210 euros per night with breakfast and dinner. Two swimming pools, bar, bicycles and 30 min massage are included
- Tip
- Kournas Lake is located 40 minutes from Chania. A catamaran on the lake costs 10 euros per hour. The lake is fresh and suitable for a variety of recreation
- Tip
- The city of Chania is ideal for hiking - narrow streets with bright houses, a Venetian harbor, mosques and a mosque. It is best to walk in the early morning or evening
Video on this route
CRETE in 5 days: hotel comfort or the spirit of adventure? We've tried both formats!