10 days in Heraklion, Chania Town & Kissamos Itinerary

Crete's largest city, Heraklion remains best known for its proximity to a sprawling Bronze Age archaeological site, once the center of a vanished Minoan civilization.

Step out of Heraklion to go to Matala and see Matala Beach, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Heraklion Archaeological Museum, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Saint Titus, indulge in some personalized pampering at Aegeo Spas, and step into the grandiose world of Castello del Molo (Koules).

To see ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, read Heraklion trip itinerary site.

Lisbon, Portugal to Heraklion is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and bus. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Lisbon to Heraklion due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Lisbon in July, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 26°C in Heraklion. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to take a shuttle to Chania Town.

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Explore Chania Town's surroundings by going to Samaria Gorge National Park (in Sfakia) and Rethymnon (The Venetian Fortezza & Rethymnon Old Town). There's lots more to do: go for a stroll along the water at Old Venetian Harbor, get engrossed in the history at Archaeological Museum of Chania, indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area, and visit a coastal fixture at Lighthouse of Chania.

To see maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Chania Town online vacation builder.

Traveling by shuttle from Heraklion to Chania Town takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can drive to Kissamos.

A quiet port town situated on Crete's western tip, Kissamos attracts mostly domestic tourists and possesses more of the quintessential Greek feel than livelier resorts strung along the island's coastline.

Explore Kissamos' surroundings by going to Elafonissi (Elafonisi Viewpoint & Elafonissi Beach) and Kastro Gramvoussas (in Gramvousa). And it doesn't end there: kick back and relax at Balos Lagoon, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, look for gifts at To Pantopolion, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Falassarna Beach.

Plan trip to Kissamos with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Traveling by car from Chania Town to Kissamos takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Wed) so you can fly back home.