Greek islands are pure magic. From 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.
*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. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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4 Days in 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 to Chania).
Day 3: Heraklion (with optional guided Knossos Palace tour).
Day 4: The town of Matala (I got there by car, but you could also book this day tour to Matala).
Other Activites to Include on Your 4-Day Crete Itinerary
If you to change this itinerary a bit, here are some highly-rated day tours from Heraklion you can book:
- Sailing trip to Dia Island
- Cretan wine-tasting tour with gourmet lunch
- Day trip to Elafonisi and its pink-sand beach
- Hot air balloon flight with transfers and breakfast
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.
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.
Higher-rated options include Lavris City Suites, Enea City Suites, and Pleiades Urban Stay.
Day 1
I highly recommend visiting Spinalonga Island when planning a trip to Crete. In the previous century, it was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, and 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 because not only does it save you the headache of getting to Spinalonga by public transportation, but there are also a few extra stops along the way, so you get to see more of Crete.
Book your Spinalonga tour here. 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.
Places Included on Most Tours
- Agios Nikolaos: A beautiful coastal town in Crete sitting on the Voulismeni lake (a lake connected to the sea by a narrow strip of water).
- Plaka village + 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.
- Elounda: Another small coastal town, not too far from Plaka.
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, I think it is 100% worth it! It is such a beautiful city in western Crete that you do not want to miss it!
Getting From Heraklion to Chania
There’s a bus about once an hour, and as I’ve mentioned, it is a 3-hour bus ride, although there’s a new route called Chania Express that takes 2 hours and operates from mid-June. You can buy your bus tickets here (not avaiable to purchase too far ahead).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
You can choose to get out of the city (about 7 km) and visit the ancient Knossos Palace, Crete’s largest Bronze Age archaeological site.
Get there by bus number 2 from (it runs several times an hour), and book your entry ticket here. Alternatively, book a guided Knossos Palace tour from 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 a few 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.
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.
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.
I ordered the Cretan salad, stuffed zucchini flowers, and cheese-filledĀ phylloĀ 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.
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.
I did not make a reservation online and went straight to their office in the city about two days before traveling to Matala. But if possible, book a deal online. I got excellent service from the get-go, and honestly, I had zero complaints.
I didn’t find any particular issues with driving to Matala or with finding parking in town.
Alternatively, book this Matala tour.
Things to Do in Matala
Admire the Street Paintings
This is where the unique part comes in. Each summer, the 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.
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.
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 a few Euros to enter.
On the way back, I also stopped for a short coffee break in the lovely coastal town of Agia Galini.
How to Adjust This Four-Day 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, 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 or book a villages day tour.
Related Posts
Check out:
- Should you visit Crete
- Is Kefalonia worth visiting
- Hidden gems in Kefalonia
- 7-day Kefalonia road trip itinerary
- Agia Effimia, Kefalonia
- Quotes about Greece
- Novels set in Greece
- Greek gifts
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!
Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!
Thank you! I hope it’s helpful!
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
Hi Laura š 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 š
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!
Hi Jane! I’m thrilled to hear my tips are helpful š
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! š
Omg!! I love Crete & visited this past April/2019. Iām 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.
Thanks for the information, Lisa!
Hi Lisa, I am going to Crete this April, towards the end of the month. How was the weather when you were there last year? Warm enough for the beaches? Wondering how to plan the trip based on the weather! Thanks.
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?
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 š
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 š
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) š The bus has one stop after about an hour and a half for 10 minutes. Let me know if you have any other questions š
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…
Sounds interesting š There’s a lot to do and see in Crete, and I’ll probably go back to experience more of it š
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.
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.