5 Days Honeymoon in Crete

by Javier
(Vigo, España)

Hello,

As part of our honeymoon we are spending 5 days in Crete at the beginning of September.

We will be arriving at Heraklion on Friday 12th the September at eleven o'clock in the morning with a rented car waiting for us.

Then we are departing the morning of the 17th to Santorini.

We love beaches; have been to many amazing ones and are willing to discover the best of Crete, more than an archaeological trip.

We also enjoy nice food, having nice dinners at restaurants and discovering the way of life in the countries we visit.

I don't mind driving a lot, I enjoy it but also want to take the most out of our time.

Don't know if the East or the West would be better for us, but after reading a lot, I think the west is more what we are looking for, despite the fact that is not nice to have to drive back to Heraklion.

I'm even considering to change my plane ticket and fly directly to Chania.

What do you think? Can you help me?

Thanks a lot.

Best regards,

Javier

Honeymoon Exploring Crete

Dear Javier,

Congratulations on your honeymoon and your plans sound wonderful. Yes, the west sounds best for you, and we suggest flying into Chania so you can drive one way only. You can arrange to pick the car up at the airport of Chania and drop the car at the port of Heraklion.

We have created an itinerary below which includes the beautiful old towns of both Chania and Rethymnon, however you could change this to spend more time at the beach, if you like. You can still visit beaches during the day whilst staying the evening and night in the old towns.

Day One – Friday 12 Sep
Arrive Chania
Pick up hire car
Stay Chania old town
Stay Casa Delfino (luxury option)
Or Mama Nena Charming Hotel

Day Two – Sat 13 Sep
Drive Chania to Plakias
Drive via Georgiopoulis (visit beach with little chapel)
And visit Lake Kournas (choose if time)
Approx 100 km total travel, 1.5 hours without stops but take most of the day with sightseeing and lunch
Lunch at Alekos Taverna, Armeni
Arrive Plakias – visit the beach
Stay Plakias Suites

Day Three – Sun 14 Sep
Drive Plakias to Rethymnon
Take different route via Kotsifos Gorge
36 km
Stay Rethymnon Old Town
Stay Avli Lounge Apartments

Day Four – Mon 15 Sep
Stay in Rethymnon Old Town
Relax and explore town or explore local beaches
Or visit Agreco traditional farm
Stay Avli Lounge Apartments

Day Five – Tues 16 Sep
Drive Rethymnon to Knossos
Stop at Agia Pelagia Beach for swim and lunch on the way
Visit Knossos Archaeological site
Stay in Heraklion or Archanes (small village)
Stay Heraklion
Stay Lato Hotel (near to port)
Drop off hire car
Or Stay Archanes
Stay Archontiko Studio

Day Six – Wed 17 Sep
Taxi from Heraklion hotel or
Drive from Archanes - drop off hire car at port
Depart 08.30 on Ferry to Santorini

Chania Town

Chania Accom

Rethymnon Town

Rethymnon Accom

Agia Pelagia Beach

Knossos

Heraklion

Arhanes Village

Crete to Santorini


Bon Voyage!

Heraklion as a Starting Point

Thanks so much for your answer I really appreciate it.

I've been talking with my travel agent and unfortunately I'm arriving to Heraklion, not to Chania.

Still, I believe the west is the best option for us.

I'm arriving at 10 on Friday morning so I'm planning on driving to Chania that day, stopping at the best beach on our way. Any recommendation?

Stay in Chania Friday & Saturday & Sunday and take chance to visit Balos and Elafonisi beaches.

Can I get there by car or I Shall go by boat? Any renting companies you know.

Finally driving Monday to Rethymnon and stay there Monday night.

Spent next day on a beach and sleeping Tuesday night at Heraklion.

Leaving on Wednesday morning, first hour to Santorini.

Any additional recommendation or place we shall see?

As I said, we love beaches and relaxing, so thank you a lot for your guidance and hoping to get the most out of our visit.

Best regards.

Javier.

Beaches in North Crete

Hi Javier,

You could try Agia Pelagia Beach or Georgioupoli Beach.

Agia Pelagia

In Kissamos speak to Ioannis at Balos Travel and they will help with the boat tour or rental of car or 4WD to visit Gramvousa Peninsula.

Bon Voyage!