8 days in Crete 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at The Palace of Knossos and The Natural History Museum of Crete. Step out of the city life by going to Reptisland and Sfentoni Cave. Explore Heraklion's surroundings by going to Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos) (in Matala) and Melidoni Cave (in Melidoni). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, steep yourself in history at Venetian Walls and Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, admire the landmark architecture of Loggia, and pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Saint Titus.

To see photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, use the Heraklion travel planner.

Stockholm, Sweden to Heraklion is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Stockholm to Heraklion. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Stockholm in July; daily highs in Heraklion reach 34°C and lows reach 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to catch the 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.

Get outdoors at St. Anthony Gorge (Gorge of Patsos) and Agii Apostoli Beach. Get some cultural insight at Rethymnon Old Town and Souda Bay War Cemetery. Explore Chania Town's surroundings by going to Seitan Limania Beach (in Akrotiri), Rethymnon (Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno & The Holy Monastery of Preveli) and St. Nicholas Church (in Georgioupolis). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at MINOAN'S WORLD, explore the different monuments and memorials at German Military Cemetery, brush up on your military savvy at Maritime Museum of Crete, and take an in-depth tour of Archaeological Museum of Chania.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Chania Town trip app.

Traveling by shuttle from Heraklion to Chania Town takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July in Chania Town, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 25°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.