4-Day Crete Itinerary: How to Spend Epic 4 Days in Crete

Greek islands are pure magic. From Mykonos to Santorini to Crete, each and every one of them is a dreamy Mediterranean destination that offers so much to do and see. And honestly, planning a 4-day Crete itinerary was not simple at all.

If you think that the only thing to do in Crete is to spend your time at the beach, think again! It is the largest Greek island, and each one of its four regions has so many beautiful places to visit.

Sure, there are some pretty dreamy beaches there (ok, super dreamy), but there are also amazing cities, charming little villages, historical landmarks, and natural landscapes.

To make your trip planning a bit easier, I’ll tell you all about my four days in Crete. My itinerary is suitable for anyone who wants to take day trips from Heraklion (Crete’s capital) instead of focusing on a specific region.

*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Epic Crete Itinerary: Things to do in Crete in 4 days, one of the best Greece travel destinations


4-DAY CRETE ITINERARY SUMMARY

First of all, you’re probably wondering how many days you need in Crete and that’s a tough one to answer because you can spend several weeks there without getting bored. I’d say 4 days is the minimum, though I’d be happy to go back and plan a 10-day trip.

I based myself in Heraklion and took day trips to different parts of the island, so my itinerary looked like this:

Day 1: A day tour to Spinalonga Island, one of the last active leper colonies in Europe.

Day 2: The city of Chania (I traveled independently by bus, but you could also book a guided day tour).

Day 3: Heraklion.

Day 4: The town of Matala (I got there by car, but you could also book this day tour or this tour).

If you to change this itinerary a bit, here are some highly-rated day tours from Heraklion you can book:

Balos Bay in Crete Greece
Balos Bay. Photo 85840377 Ā© Roman Lysogor | Dreamstime.com


WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE

Deciding where to stay in Crete depends on what you want to do and see on your trip.

As I’ve mentioned, I took day trips from Heraklion, so I stayed at the Atrion Hotel (in the double room), and I had a great experience.

The hotel was close to both the port and the city center which was perfect, the staff was super friendly and helpful, and the room was clean and comfortable. The hotel also serves a rich breakfast that you can enjoy on a beautiful terrace.

Browse Atrion Hotel’s latest prices and availability.

Though the Atrion Hotel also has superior rooms and suites, if you’re looking for something even more luxurious, check out the highly-rated Metropole Urban Hotel, Legacy Gastro Suites, or Lavris City Suites.

For something more budget-friendly, check out the Rea Hotel.

Alternatively, you can browse all the accommodation options in Heraklion.

Matala Beach, Crete, Greece
Matala Beach


CRETE IN 4 DAYS – DAY 1

Spinalonga island is a must-take day trip when planning a trip to Crete. In the previous century, it was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe.

Due to its historical significance and appearance in movies and books (like ‘The Island’), it is a very popular sight.

To visit Spinalonga, I decided to book this tour, and here’s why you should too:

– It saves you the headache of getting to Spinalonga by public transportation.

– You get picked up from (and dropped off at) your hotel or the main road near it.

– You get informative historical explanations while you’re on the bus.

– There are a few extra stops along the way, so you get to see more of Crete. Also, there is enough free time in each place to explore it on your own.

Book your Spinalonga tour here or read my full tour review post.

Since it is not available to book all year round (which means you won’t always see it on the website of Get Your Guide), you can compare other Spinalonga tours here.

ruins in Spinalonga Island
A piece of history – Spinalonga island

PLACES INCLUDED ON THE TOUR

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful coastal town in Crete sitting on the Voulismeni lake (a lake connected to the sea by a narrow strip of water).

We had just enough time to wander through its alleys, go souvenir shopping, and relax with a cup of coffee in front of the lake.

Agios Nikolaos marina

Spinalonga Island

We got to the small village of Plaka, and from there, we took a short boat ride to the island. We had free time to explore it on our own, seeing the abandoned remains of the lepers’ town.

You can also see the remains of a Venetian fortress from the 16th century and enjoy the magical turquoise water surrounding the island.

pathway in Spinalonga island
Spinalonga island fortress

Plaka

After the boat took us back to Plaka village, we had some time to grab lunch at Delphini restaurant with picture-perfect views of Spinalonga island in front of us.

Elounda

Elounda is another small coastal town, not too far from Plaka.

We had just enough time to walk alongside the port and grab another cup of coffee, but I think we could have skipped on it and just gone back to Heraklion instead.

That said, it’s a minor complaint since the other parts of the tour were timed perfectly in my opinion.

Read more reviews and book your Spinalonga tour here!

remains of Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga island


CRETE IN 4 DAYS – DAY 2

The city of Chania is one of the best day trips from Heraklion, Crete.

Even though it is 3 hours away by bus from Heraklion (hopefully that doesn’t sound like a lot of time to you), it is 100% worth it! It is such a beautiful and vibrant city in western Crete that you do not want to miss it!

GETTING FROM HERAKLION TO CHANIA

The bus to Chania leaves from Heraklion’s bus station A (that’s how it’s marked). There’s a bus about once an hour, and as I’ve mentioned, it is a 3-hour bus ride.

You can buy your bus tickets on the spot at the station’s ticket office.

If you’re not comfortable taking this day trip on your own, no worries! You can book this guided day tour to Chania which also includes a visit to the city of Rethymno and Lake Kournas.

Places to see in Crete in 4 days - Chania old town
Chania’s old town

THINGS TO DO IN CHANIA

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Chania, so here are a few fun activities that will give you a taste of what the city has to offer.

Walk Along the Venetian Harbor

Chania’s Venetian harbor is very impressive.

Not only you can see the Venetian lighthouse (which was renovated a few years ago) but also the remaining arched Venetian arsenals from the 15th century and the 17th-century Kucjk Hassan Mosque, the oldest Ottoman building in Crete.

There are also many cafes and restaurants in this area, and this mix between old and new is exceptionally scenic.

Explore the Old Town

This is probably my favorite thing to do in Chania. To me, wandering in a maze of enchanting streets and alleys is pure happiness. And with streets as bright and colorful as Chania’s streets, you’ll never want to leave.

Try to explore Chania’s old town as much as you can, find hidden restaurants and cute souvenir shops, and just roam it freely.

colorful shop in Chania
old town of Chania

Visit an Old Synagogue

After the Holocaust, there wasn’t even one survivor of Crete’s Jewish community, which was based in Chania, and Etz Hayyim synagogue was the only remaining place in Chania’s Jewish Quarter.

Since I’m obsessed with exploring my Jewish heritage around the world, I was so happy to see the synagogue active. An international team is preserving the synagogue and giving information about the place to all visitors.

courtyard in Chania
staircase in Chania

VISIT SOME MUSEUMS

If you want to learn more about the history of Chania and Crete, head to the Maritime Museum of Crete (located near the 17th-century Firka Fortress), the Folklore Museum of Chania, the Municipal Art Gallery, or the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

If you have more time and you want to continue exploring Chania, here are a few more things you can do.



4 DAYS IN CRETE – DAY 3

If you like archeology and history as well as just wandering the streets of a city, then you’ll love Heraklion.

THINGS TO DO IN HERAKLION

Walk Along the Port and Visit THE Koules Fortress

The Koules Fortress is an important Venetian landmark in Heraklion as it was used to defend the city’s harbor. Nowadays, it occasionally hosts concerts and art exhibitions.

You can admire it on the outside, or you can go inside and enjoy a picturesque view from the rooftop for only 2 Euros.

On your way to the fortress, you’ll walk alongside the colorful port of Heraklion where you can simply enjoy looking at the white, blue, and red boats.

Heraklion harbor
Heraklion’s port

Visit a Museum or Two

In a city with such a rich history, archeology & history lovers must visit the Archeological Museum and the Historical Museum. If you are eager to explore more of the city’s museums, read this.

If you find yourself with spare time to slightly get out of the city (about 7 km), visit the ancient Knossos Palace, Crete’s largest Bronze Age archaeological site.

Get there by bus number 2 from Bus Station A (it runs several times an hour), and book your entry ticket here. Alternatively, book a guided Knossos Palace tour from Heraklion.

Take a Stroll in the City Center

This part of Heraklion is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place where you can spend your afternoon. To explore it with a guide, you can also book a walking tour or a food & sightseeing tour.

Some points of interest in the center are Lions Square and the Venetian Loggia (a beautiful Venetian monument from the 17th century).

Eat Dinner at Peskesi Restaurant

Peskesi is a great Cretan restaurant that has it all – the decor, the vibe, and of course, the food. Even a vegetarian like me (well, pescatarian) had plenty of options to choose from.

We ordered the Cretan salad, stuffed zucchini flowers, and cheese-filled phyllo pastry, and everything was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s! Be sure to make a reservation a few days before coming to the restaurant.

fortress in Heraklion
Koules Fortress

When are you planning to visit Crete? Tell me in the comments šŸ™‚



4 DAYS IN CRETE – DAY 4

Matala, oh, Matala, you have won my heart. If you’re wondering where to go in Crete, this little hippie town is one of the best places to visit when you’re looking for something unique.

GETTING FROM HERAKLION TO MATALA

After some research on the internet and after consulting with the hotel’s staff, I thought it would be best to rent a car for the day instead of relying on a tricky bus timetable.

The good thing about renting a car in Crete is that most local car rental companies offer full insurance coverage without additional cost.

Of the many car rental companies in Heraklion, we had chosen Caravel.

We did not make a reservation online and went straight to their office in the city (25th August street, 39) about two days before traveling to Matala. But if possible, book a deal online.

We got excellent service from the get-go, and honestly, I had zero complaints.

They also have a private parking lot about 100 meters away from the hotel we stayed in (extremely tiny parking but still parking). That’s useful if you want to rent a car for more than one day.

To get to Matala, I used the offline navigation option of Google Maps. Once we got there, we saw multiple signs leading us to a big free gravel parking.

Alternatively, book this tour or this day tour.

floor paintings in Matala

THINGS TO DO IN MATALA

Admire the Street Paintings

This is where the unique part comes in. Each year in June, Matala Beach Festival takes place.

During the festival, there are music concerts and street painting activities. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the festival to enjoy the colorful and irresistible scenery.

As you wander through Matala’s streets, you’ll see countless paintings on the town’s walls and ground, which is unusual yet fun to witness. It’s undoubtedly not what you’d expect from Crete, and that’s what makes it even more special.

street art paintings in Matala
Matala – A must-have on your Crete travel itinerary!

Spend Some Time at Matala’s Beach

Matala’s beach is so beautiful and relaxing. With crystal clear water and sandstone cliff views, you have to spend a couple of hours here and enjoy the scenery. And after a long list of other things to do in Crete, I think it’s ok to spend some quiet time at the beach.

Places to visit in Crete in 4 days - Matala Beach

Explore Matala’s Caves

Remember those sandstone rocky cliffs on Matala’s beach? Well, the exciting thing is that thousands of years ago, people carved caves in these rocks, and you can actually go inside these caves.

They were probably used as houses, and in the ’60s, hippies came to Matala and adopted these caves as their homes. Today the caves are a protected area, and you’ll need to pay 3 Euros to enter.

caves in Matala

On the way back, I also stopped for a short coffee break in the lovely coastal town of Agia Galini.



HOW TO ADJUST THIS CRETE ITINERARY IF YOU WANT TO BASE YOURSELF IN CHANIA

International flights to Crete also arrive in Chania, and I can understand why many people prefer to base themselves in this city and focus on the western part of the island. Here’s how you can change this itinerary accordingly.

Find accommodation in Chania: Check out the highly-rated 11City Rooms (budget/mid-range), Porto Del Colombo Traditional Boutique Hotel (mid-range), and La Maison Ottomane (luxury).

DAY 1

Spend the day in the city of Chania using my recommendations above.

DAY 2

Spend the day in Heraklion using my suggestions above. Get there by bus or book a full-day tour from Chania to Heraklion.

DAY 3

If I stayed in Chania, I would definitely take a day trip to Elafonisi Island or book a day tour to Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island, which seem extremely dreamy.

DAY 4

On this day, I would rent a car and explore a few of the Chania region’s traditional villages.

Chania harbor
What to see in Crete in 4 days – Chania’s Venetian Harbor

Want to explore some Mediterranean islands without renting a car? Read:

Greece travel tip: Wondering what to pack? Here’s a helpful Greece packing list for spring (that also applies to summer)!

Want to know more about Greece? Check out these things to do in Mykonos!



Ready to take a vacation in Crete? Pin this post for later and check out my roundups of beautiful quotes about Greece, novels set in Greece, and Greek gifts!

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

17 thoughts on “4-Day Crete Itinerary: How to Spend Epic 4 Days in Crete”

  1. we are going to crete and was told to stay in Rethymnon and then travel from there what are your thoughts? we will be there 5 days

    laura

    Reply
    • Hi Laura šŸ™‚ It all depends on the places you want to visit in Crete. If you want to visit Spinalonga island, the route from Rethymnon is longer than the route from Heraklion. On the other hand, Chania is closer. You can definitely stay in Rethymnon if it fits your itinerary.
      Let me know if you have any other question šŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Glad to hit on your post while researching for our trip itineray to Crete this May! Love it and pinned to my home screen! The only thing I found inconvenient is I can’t seem to find the price of the tours you recommended right away from the embedded links. Otherwise thanks for the tips!

        Reply
        • Hi Jane! I’m thrilled to hear my tips are helpful šŸ™‚
          As for the tours’ prices, I see what you’re saying. On mobile, Get Your Guide doesn’t show you the price until you pick a specific date, but on desktop, you should be able to see the price right away. I know it’s a bit annoying, but I still recommend booking via Get Your Guide because this is a website that I trust and have used for my own bookings.
          Enjoy your time in Crete! šŸ™‚

          Reply
  2. Omg!! I love Crete & visited this past April/2019. Iā€™m still daydreaming about returning. 9 days was not enough. Everything you suggested was great but I also encountered 2 other fabulous tours. One was with Petra with Adventures in Crete. The cave of Zeus in Dittakis mountains. I also had my best meal below the cave at Dimitris restaurant. We left out of Agos Nicolas. Another tour was with Pierre with a tastes of Crete. Wine tasting and food pairing, unbelievable!! I highly suggest it. We were picked up Heraklion at hotel Megaron.

    Reply
  3. we are a family with 4 adults and a baby looking to spend 4-5 days in greece in june
    i can’t decide between all of the options (considering crete, mykonos, santorini, even naxos)
    we are on a budget and trying to figure out if it’s better to rent a home with a pool and drive to the beaches, or stay in an apartment hotel on the beach
    traveling from tel aviv, and would prefer the least amount of traveling
    what would you suggest?

    Reply
    • Hi Lesley! I don’t know about other Greek islands, but considering the fact that Crete was amazing to visit in August, I’m certain it would be even better to visit in June (in terms of weather and prices). Flights from Tel Aviv arrive in Heraklion, and there are a few resort towns approximately 20 km (or less) from there. You can find budget-friendly resorts/apartment hotels that have pools and are also close to the beach in towns like Agia Pelagia or Hersonissos. You might also be able to find good deals that include flights and transfers. It all depends on your budget, so it’s worth spending some time to compare prices. I hope I could help! Let me know if you have more questions šŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Hello, nice & helpful article. Great pictures too. Did you need to reserve/book bus to Chania? Does the 3 hour bus ride have stops as well? Thanks šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Hi Kath! I’m so happy you find this helpful! We didn’t have to book the bus to Chania – we just came to the bus station in the morning and bought our tickets (and it was in August) šŸ™‚ The bus has one stop after about an hour and a half for 10 minutes. Let me know if you have any other questions šŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Hello,
    Nice article, I really loved the south Crete for the two weeks I was there. Chania and Rethymno were truly majestic and I would love to go back with my wife. We, however, enjoyed a lot a quad safari tour from Hersonissos. I would suggest everyone doing all the above whenever in Crete!
    Cheers…

    Reply
    • Sounds interesting šŸ™‚ There’s a lot to do and see in Crete, and I’ll probably go back to experience more of it šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece but there were just so many pretty places to check that I didn’t know where to go first. Your post makes me want to check Crete first. When is the best time to go to Crete to experience the best of it? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Ben! I’m glad that you find my post inspiring!
      I visited Crete in August. The flight was obviously a bit pricey, but because I was taking day trips from Heraklion (instead of staying at a resort) it didn’t feel too touristy and the weather was good. I believe that between May and September (maybe even October) is the best time to visit Crete.

      Reply

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