Lying in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is Greece’s largest island. Characterized by the White Mountains and known as the legendary birthplace of the Greek god Zeus, the island doesn’t disappoint on both scenery and history. Greece road trip is amazing, you can expect to drive up winding mountain roads, past stark landscapes of Cyprus trees, and around bays dotted with white washed Greek houses in your car hire. Over the last two thousand years, the island has been ruled over by the Romans and the Turkish who have both left their mark on the culture and food.
Crete 3-Day Road Trip
Best time to visit and weather
Crete enjoys distinct seasons, all of which bring something unique to travelers. Like most of the Mediterranean, the summer months mark the high season and bring hordes of tourists. Though the weather will undoubtable be good, it’s not always the best time to go. The outer spring and fall seasons have a more comfortable temperature, and with fewer travelers to contend with, there will be far more space in the restaurants, beaches, and attractions. You can also find cheap car rental Chania during this time.
Rules on the Road
There are a few things to remember when driving in your car rental Crete. Like the rest of the EU, seat belts are compulsory and must be worn unless you have a valid medical certificate which exempts you. Vehicles on the right have the right of way including on roundabouts. Only a very small amount of alcohol is permitted before operating a vehicle and is best avoided. The Greek police have the authority to issue on the spot fines should you break the law.
Road trip distance
During this 3-day adventure, you’ll explore two of the island’s most interesting towns, Chania and Rethymno passing spectacular Cretan scenery, stopping to sample Greek cuisine and spending time on the beautiful stretches of sandy beach.
Road Trip Distance:
Chania Airport to Chania: 13 kilometers
Chania to Rethymno: 65 kilometers
Rethymno to Arkadi: 21 kilometers
Rethymno to Heraklion Airport: 81 kilometers
Crete Road Trip Day 1 – Chania
When you fly into Chania Airport, pick up your car rental Crete and drive the 25 or so minutes down into the old town and check into the Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa. Located near the beautiful Venetian harbor, this hotel continually gets good ratings and features a spa and rooftop terrace. It’s one of the best accommodation in Crete. When you’ve had a chance to settle in, it’s time to start exploring the city. A wander through the old town reveals a wealth of interesting little boutique shops and pretty cafes. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets, but that’s no bad thing.
Work your way up to the old market, a great introduction to Greek produce and cuisine. It was originally designed based on the market in Marseilles and has been serving locals for well over a hundred years.
It may be a little out of town, but the Thalassino Agrei, a pretty fish restaurant whose tables adorn a little rocky beach in the old industrial tannery district, is charming. The food is also some of the best in town. Afterwards, if you feel in the mood, head down to Daliani Street, a favorite night spot for locals, or walk along Chania’s Venetian harbor front.
Crete Road Trip Day 2 – Chania to Rethymno
After breakfast at the hotel, hop in your car hire and road trip through Crete! Drive an hour or so east towards the old city of Rethymno to the third largest in Crete, it’s also often voted one of the most beautiful cities in the country drawing in travelers all year round who come for the spectacular architecture and thousands of years of history.
When you arrive, check into the historic Casa Vitae, a luxury guesthouse housed in a traditional Ottoman property. Think wooden flooring, thick stone walls, and bags of character. It’s located right in the heart of the old town making it a great base during your stay.
After you’ve had a wander around and admired the old town, head down to the long 12-kilometer swath of sandy beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can hire a sun lounger and spend your afternoon reading in the shade and tip toeing over the sand for refreshing dips in the cool ocean. If you want something a little more secluded, you can always jump in your car hire Crete and drive down the coast to one of the smaller bays.
In the evening, drive up to Agreco Farm, a 40-hectare estate located on a hill overlooking the city. Here, the farm produces some of the best food on the island. Take a guided walk around the vegetable gardens, see the live produce and the tsikoudia before sitting down for a 6-course meal of Cretan delights.
Crete Road Trip Day 3 – Rethymno to Heraklion
Wake up and have a quick dip in the sea before breakfast. Drive out of the city in your car rental Crete and continue south east for 45 minutes to the Holy Monastery of Arkadi. Established over 1,500 years ago, it is one of the most important monasteries on the island. It played a vital role during the Turkish occupation and as such as been designated a UNESCO European Monument of Freedom.
Continue you road trip in Crete onwards to Heraklion, it takes just under an hour and a half, from which you can drop off your car rental Crete airport and fly back home.
Before your trip, read these tips and tricks for saving money!
Have a great road trip!
Your four-wheel travel buddy, Carrentalia!
