7-Day Crete Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Crete tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCrete travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Crete Itinerary, incl. Heraklion and Chania

  A 7-day deep dive into Crete's heritage takes you from Heraklion's Archaeological Museum to the 2000-year-old plane tree in Krassi village. Off-road adventures lead to Zeus's cave, while visits to Spinalonga reveal its moving history. The tour winds through Chania's leather market and Venetian harbor with expert local guides.

  

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  • Day 1

    Heraklion Arrival & Orientation

    Arrive at Heraklion International Airport and get to your hotel in the city center, about 30 minutes away. Try to book a morning flight to avoid afternoon traffic in Heraklion. In the evening walk around the Korai Street area, where you can see locals enjoying their time at traditional kafeneia coffee houses.

    
  • Day 2

    Heraklion Beaches & Old Town

    Start your day at Ammoudara Beach just 15 minutes west of Heraklion by bus. In the afternoon explore the old town's Venetian walls and visit the Central Market to try local specialties like graviera cheese and Cretan honey. Visit the market before 2 PM when vendors start closing their stalls.

    
  • Day 3

    Spinalonga Island & Elounda

    Drive to Spinalonga (2 hours from Heraklion) and take the 15-minute boat ride from Elounda port to this former leper colony. Bring sturdy shoes since the island's paths are uneven and can be slippery. After exploring the fortress have lunch in Elounda which is known for excellent fresh seafood.

    
  • Day 4

    Palace of Knossos & Archaeological Museum

    Get to Knossos Palace early around 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and heat. It's only 15 minutes from Heraklion. Plan 2-3 hours to see Europe's oldest city then visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Book a guided tour at Knossos since there's a lot of complex history and mythology you might miss on your own.

    
  • Day 5

    Chania & Rethymnon Day Trip

    Plan for a full day exploring western Crete. The round trip is 326km. Start early for Chania's Venetian harbor and Old Town about 2.5 hours each way. Stop in Rethymnon on your way back and catch the sunset from its fortress. Look for deals at Chania's leather market but be ready to negotiate prices.

    
  • Day 6

    Zeus Cave & Mountain Villages

    Join a Land Rover tour into the mountains (7-8 hours). Bring hiking shoes for Zeus Cave's rough terrain and pack a light jacket since it's cooler in the mountains. You'll get great photos on the Lassithi Plateau drive especially when spring brings wildflowers.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure Day

    Leave at least 30 minutes to get to Heraklion airport from the city center. Add 15 extra minutes in July-August for peak season traffic. If you have a late flight leave your bags at the hotel and visit Koules Fortress by the harbor.

    

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• 7 Day Crete Itinerary, incl. Heraklion and Chania

  Crete's essential sites across 5 cities unfold over one week. The route connects Heraklion to UNESCO-listed Knossos Palace, includes a boat trip to Spinalonga island, and visits the Venetian harbors of Chania and Rethymnon. Land Rover tours navigate Lassithi Plateau and Zeus's legendary birthplace cave.

  

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  • Day 1

    Heraklion Arrival

    After landing at Heraklion Airport, take a 30-minute transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Hersonissos. These coastal resort towns provide easy beach access. Some hotels sit on steep roads that can make tour bus pickups tricky. If mobility is a concern, ask for accommodation on level ground.

    
  • Day 2

    Free Day in Hersonissos

    Take time to explore the seaside promenade and settle into Cretan life. Skip the tourist spots for dinner and head to the old harbor where locals eat. Go for a morning swim before the afternoon winds pick up.

    
  • Day 3

    Spinalonga Island (8-hour trip)

    Head out early to visit the intriguing former leper colony of Spinalonga. Take the 20-minute boat ride from Elounda and sit on the right side for the best views. Your guided walk around the island takes about 90 minutes. Pack water and sun protection since shade is limited. Stop for lunch in Elounda, where waterfront tavernas serve fresh fish.

    
  • Day 4

    Knossos Palace & Heraklion (7-8 hours)

    Start at Knossos when it opens at 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Wear good shoes for the uneven stones and steps at this ancient Minoan palace. Spend the afternoon at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Buy a combined ticket for both sites to save money. The city center is walkable but steep.

    
  • Day 5

    Chania & Rethymno (10-11 hours)

    This long day takes you to Crete's most beautiful cities. Visit Rethymno's old town early when the narrow streets are quiet. In Chania, the Venetian harbor is beautiful but crowded. Find a more local feel in the Splantzia quarter. Be ready for a 326km round trip.

    
  • Day 6

    Land Rover Mountain Adventure (7-8 hours)

    Take an exciting off-road trip to Zeus's Cave and the Lassithi Plateau. Skip this if you have back problems as the terrain is rough. Bring a jacket since mountain temperatures run about 10°C cooler than the coast. Enjoy the BBQ lunch with unlimited wine but remember there's more driving ahead.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Transfer back to Heraklion Airport (20-30 minutes). Try to book afternoon flights since morning traffic near Heraklion can be heavy in peak season.

    

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• 7 Days in Crete, incl. Heraklion and Chania

  A 7-day Cretan adventure from Heraklion to Chania costs around $2,100. Highlights include archaeological wonders of Knossos, Agia Irini Gorge treks, and mountain village visits to Agios Ioannis. Six breakfasts, 1 dinner, wine tastings, and traditional music performances create memorable experiences.

  

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  • Day 1

    Heraklion

    Start your Crete adventure in the capital city. Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon since morning flights often face long immigration lines from European charter arrivals. You can reach the city center from the airport in about 15 minutes by taxi for around $25. Take an evening walk through the historic center after 6 PM when locals begin their evening stroll. "The area around Lions Square is perfect for people-watching while trying local bougatsa pastry—just don't wear heels on those marble streets!"

    
  • Day 2

    Knossos & Agios Ioannis

    Visit Knossos early when it opens at 8 AM to beat the heat and crowds. You'll need a hat and water since the ruins offer little shade. Morning light is best for viewing the detailed frescoes. After exploring Europe's oldest city visit a local winery to taste Cretan wines especially those made from the indigenous Vidiano grape. Drive southwest through the mountains to reach Agios Ioannis by evening. The mountain roads are well-maintained but winding so consider motion sickness pills if needed.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sougia & Agia Irini Gorge

    Take the morning boat (about 1 hour) along the southern coast to Sougia. If you get seasick choose a seat midship as the water can be choppy. Spend your afternoon on Sougia's pebbly beach but bring water shoes since the stones heat up quickly. The next day start the Agia Irini Gorge hike early. It's a moderate 3-hour trek with some loose rocks so wear proper hiking shoes. Pack plenty of water and snacks as you won't find any facilities in the gorge.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Chania

    Take the morning bus to Chania (2 hours) but buy your tickets a day ahead. Stay in the Splantzia neighborhood for good access to sites with fewer tourists than other areas. The Old Town's winding streets can be tricky to navigate at first. Take a guided walk through the Venetian harbor and Ottoman neighborhoods and visit the morning market on Minoos Street for local cheese and olive oil. "The kalitsounia workshop was a highlight—learning to make these traditional pastries with a local family gave us insight into Cretan culture you can't get from just sightseeing." On your final day explore Chania's hidden spots. Visit the Tabakaria district to see old leather workshops but be careful on the slippery coastal rocks. Have your last dinner at the Municipal Market which becomes a restaurant venue after the vendors leave at 3 PM.

    

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