3 days in Crete
Crete packs beaches, gorges, Minoan history and some of the best food in Greece into one island.
A free day-by-day plan you can copy, edit or make your own.
Day 1: Heraklion
Base yourself around Heraklion today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of the most important museums in Greece, holding the main collection of Minoan art and artefacts.
Lunch stop
Archanes
A wine-producing village south of Heraklion, near the Minoan site of Anemospilia.
Afternoon
Palace of Knossos
The largest Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete and the ceremonial centre of Minoan civilisation, 5 km south of Heraklion.
Dinner
Ta Skalomata
Ta Skalomata is a restaurant in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. This profile is unclaimed. Are you the owner? Claim it on Woltaro to add photos, menu and take reservations.
Day 2: Chania
Base yourself around Chania today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
Chania Old Venetian Harbour
The Venetian-era harbour of Chania, with the Egyptian lighthouse and the old town behind it.
Lunch stop
Loutro
A small south-coast village with no road access, reached by boat or on foot.
Afternoon
Samaria Gorge
A 16 km gorge in the White Mountains National Park, walked one way from Omalos to Agia Roumeli.
Dinner
Thalassaki
Small seafood kitchen right by the Venetian harbour, focused on Cretan ingredients and daily fish.
Reserve on Woltaro
Day 3: Rethymno
Base yourself around Rethymno today — everything below is within easy reach.
Morning
Arkadi Monastery
A 16th-century monastery south-east of Rethymno and a national monument of the Cretan struggle for independence.
Lunch stop
Anogia
A mountain village on the slopes of Psiloritis, known for weaving and Cretan music.
Afternoon
Margarites
A pottery village in the Rethymno hinterland with a long ceramics tradition.
Dinner
Avli
Courtyard restaurant set in a restored Venetian mansion in the old town, with a Cretan tasting menu.
Reserve on Woltaro
Good to know
- Book dinner before you arrive — the good tables go first in season.
- Lunch is quieter (and cheaper) than dinner at most places on this list.
- Start beaches and hikes before 10:00 to dodge the heat and the crowds.
Make it yours
Pick your dates, your pace and the things you actually like — we'll rebuild this plan around them and give you a link to share.
Build my own itinerary