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Knossos Chania and West

Knossos Chania and West - an itinerary below for a family travelling in Crete on a self-drive journey with a hire car.

Hello, my family of 6 will be visiting Crete in April - arrival on the 13th and departure on the 20th from Heraklion.

We will look to explore the western side of the island. Please suggest an itinerary.

General thoughts so far were to arrive and stay near Knossos palace 1 night. Then 3-4 nights in Chania and 2 nights in a village near Elafonisi Beach. Then one night out last somewhere else maybe south coast on way back to Heraklion...what are your thoughts?

We want authentic experience and love Greek culture and food....our kids are aged 9, 11, 13, 15 and well-travelled.

Also a separate question - while in Chania I have seen the option to stay on a mountain overlooking town or right in old town area - the one on the mountain is 15 min away - just not sure what is best?

Thanks

Scott

Your Personal Trip Plan

Knossos Chania and West

Yiasas Scott,

We are glad to suggest some trip notes below. This sounds like a wonderful holiday for your whole family. We have suggested accommodation with links so you can find similar properties if you would prefer.

To answer your question about Chania - we really do suggest staying within the walls of the old town. Three places there to suggest:

Alcanea Boutique Hotel (a bit too romantic with kids)
Madonna Studios (better with your kids)
Helena Hotel (affordable with a great location)

Day One - April 13
Arrive Heraklion
Pick up your hire car
Visit Knossos – allow 2 hours for the visit
Pre-book a 'Skip the Line' Knossos Ticket with Guided Tour
Lunch and shopping in Heraklion town
Visit Archaeological Museum – allow 2 hours for the visit
Stay in Heraklion or Archanes Village
In Heraklion stay at the Lato Hotel
In Archanes stay at the Villa Archanes or Villa Orestis (these are small pension houses with character)
Archanes is a charming village just 7 km from Knossos and 14 km from Heraklion

Day Two - April 14
Drive to Chania 142 km
Possible detour to the old town of Rethymnon - take a stroll through the old town of Rethymnon and perhaps lunch by the harbour
In Chania stay within the walls of the old town (see accommodation suggestions above)
Explore museums, boutiques, cafes and tavernas of the old town
Stay at Madonna Studios or Helena Hotel

Day Three - April 15
In Chania
Stay at Madonna Studios or Helena Hotel

Day Four - April 16
In Chania
Stay at Madonna Studios or Helena Hotel

Day Five - April 17
Drive to Elafonisi Beach for the day
This is a 121 km total trip returning to Kaliviani Village
Stay in Kaliviani Village
Stay at Kaliviani Traditional Guesthouse or Villa Arhontariki

Day Six - April 18
Visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Islet by boat trip from Kastelli Kissamos
4 km drive from Kaliviani to the departure port
Or Visit Falasarna beach 10 km from Kaliviani
Stay in Kaliviani Village
Stay at Kaliviani Traditional Guesthouse or Villa Arhontariki

Day Seven - April 19
Drive from Kaliviani to Agia Pelagia 160 km across the north coast of Crete
(Possible detours via Kournas Lake and / or Georgioupolis Beach for swimming and lunch)
Beautiful azure bays and sparkling sea next to a seaside village
This is only 20 km from Heraklion, ready for your departure tomorrow
Stay in Agia Pelagia
Stay at Joanna Apartments or Andy’s Plaza

Day Eight - April 20
Drop off your hire car
Departure from Heraklion

Knossos Chania and West
Experiences

There are a few options to pre-book for Knossos - or discover it yourselves.

Half-Day Knossos Palace Tour - 5.5 hour tour includes Koules Fortress and Agios Titos church in Heraklion as well as a guided tour of the archaeological site. See the controversial reconstructions completed by the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, and hear the stories of the labyrinth from your experienced history guide.

Take a Knossos Palace Tour - there are a variety of guided experiences available, from a Skip The Line entry ticket with a guide for 90 minutes, to a 12 hour day tour which includes Knossos, Zeus Cave and Lasithi Plateau with traditional lunch in a small village.

Book the following day tour experiences from Chania, if you don't feel like driving yourselves. Get the benefits of a fully guided tour with knowledgeable local.

A Day Tour to Balos Lagoon - this helps with logistics of coach ride - boat ride and return coach ride. Make a full day of visiting paradise, this is a 14 hour tour, depending on your pickup and drop off point. This tour includes a visit to the castle at Gramvousa islet and swimming at Balos Lagoon.

Take a day tour to Elafonisi Beach - because sometimes you just want to relax. Visit this pristine, undeveloped beach. This experience includes a visit to Topolia Gorge, and the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. 9-12 hours.

Walking tour of the Old Town of Chania with Street Food - visit the local food markets and walk for 4 hours through the gastronomic highlights of this fascinating historic town, visit the old Jewish and Ottoman quarters and taste the local white spirit or raki. Enjoy mesedes which are little appetisers, part of the Cretan diet which is one of the healthiest in the world. Find out why.

Chania: Wine, Food and Sunset with 3 Course Dinner - indulge your love of food and wine on this walking tour of Chania at sunset. Enjoy mouthwatering sweets, strong spirits, and amazing sunsets as you stroll through the old town. 4 hours.

Knossos Chania and West
Information for your Trip

Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Town

Heraklion Region

Hiring a Car in Crete

Knossos Palace

Tips for Visiting Knossos

Day Tours from Chania

Your Holiday in Pictures

Visit old and new coffee houses in Heraklion Town.

Knossos Palace was decorated with beautiful frescoes.

Archanes Village is surrounded by farmland.

Villa Archanes is a comfortable and stylish B&B in Archanes Village near Heraklion.

Visit the The Venetian Harbour of Rethymnon with its old walls and lighthouse, then stroll through the narrow streets with history at every turn.

Chania Old Town is full of things to see and do - this is the Archaeological Museum.

Madonna Studios are centrally located in the Old Town of Chania.

Hotel Helena is small with views over the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania.

Elafonisi Beach is stunningly beautiful and natural.

Relax at the cafes and tavernas of Kaliviani Village at night.

Accommodation in Kaliviani

Kaliviani Traditional Guesthouse has its own taverna with views across the Bay of Kissamos. Close to Kissamos, Balos Lagoon and Falasarna Beach. Ideal as a base to visit Elafonisi.

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Villa Archontiraki is a beautifully restored village home with plenty of room for your family. Enjoy self-catering and the pool, in this relaxed family style Cretan home. Walk to the cafes and tavernas of Kaliviani village.

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