Chania, Crete 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Chania Airport (CHQ)

Fly from Brussels/Charleroi to Chania International Airport.

Collect any pre-booked rental car upon arrival or take a taxi/bus to your accommodation.

Chania Airport is well-connected to the city center and nearby towns. Consider pre-booking a taxi or checking bus schedules if not renting a car.

Check-in & Relax

Check into your hotel/apartment and take some time to unpack, refresh, or relax by the pool after your journey.

Look for accommodation slightly outside the immediate Old Town for potentially better value and easier parking if you have a car.

Explore Chania Old Town

Wander through the narrow, charming alleys of Chania's Venetian Old Town.

Discover hidden shops, historical buildings, and soak in the atmosphere.

Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobblestone. Many souvenir shops and art galleries are open in the evening.

Dinner at Venetian Harbor

Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many tavernas along the picturesque Venetian Harbor, sampling fresh seafood and local Cretan dishes.

Relax at Nea Chora Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Nea Chora Beach, easily accessible from Chania center. Enjoy swimming in the clear waters.

This beach has sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, as well as several tavernas directly on the sand.

Seaside Lunch

Have a casual lunch at one of the beachside tavernas at Nea Chora, enjoying the sea breeze and fresh local dishes.

Afternoon Swim & Sunbath

Continue enjoying the beach, swimming, or simply soaking up the Cretan sun.

Sunset at Firkas Fortress

Walk to Firkas Fortress at the entrance of the Venetian Harbor.

Explore the historical site and enjoy panoramic sunset views over the harbor and lighthouse.

The Maritime Museum of Crete is also located within the fortress if you wish to extend your visit.

Dinner in Old Town

Return to Chania Old Town for another delightful dinner experience, perhaps trying a restaurant in a quieter alleyway.

Agia Lake Gentle Hike

Drive a short distance to Agia Lake, a significant wetland ecosystem.

Enjoy a gentle walk around the lake, ideal for birdwatching and connecting with nature.

A rental car is recommended for easy access. The lake is a haven for migratory birds, so bring binoculars if you're a bird enthusiast.

Traditional Village Lunch

Savor authentic Cretan cuisine at a local taverna in a village near Agia Lake, experiencing traditional hospitality.

Leisure Time or Winery Visit

Spend the afternoon at your leisure – perhaps relax by the hotel pool, explore more of Chania town, or if interested, visit a local winery for a tasting experience (check availability and book in advance).

Several wineries are located in the Chania region; a car would be useful for visits.

Dinner in Chania

Discover another local restaurant in Chania for dinner, perhaps trying a different area or a place recommended by locals.

Full-Day Trip to Balos Lagoon

Embark on a full-day adventure to the iconic Balos Lagoon.

Drive to Kissamos port and take a ferry, or drive to the viewpoint and hike down to the stunning turquoise waters and pink sand beach.

Taking the ferry from Kissamos is the most popular and relaxed option, including a stop at Gramvousa island. If driving, the road is unpaved and the hike is steep. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection.

Swim & Relax at Balos

Spend hours swimming in the shallow, warm waters of Balos Lagoon and relaxing on its unique white and pink sand beach.

This is a true natural wonder.

Limited facilities at the lagoon itself, so come prepared with your essentials.

Dinner after Balos Trip

After a long day of exploring, enjoy a well-deserved dinner back in Chania or in the town of Kissamos if you're returning by car.

Quad Biking Adventure

Experience an exhilarating quad biking safari through the Cretan countryside, exploring off-road trails, olive groves, and enjoying panoramic views.

Many local companies offer guided tours.

Book this activity in advance. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Companies like 'Safari Experts Crete' and 'Safari Club Crete' (mentioned in content, but for general tours in Crete) offer similar adventure experiences, so look for a specific quad biking tour operator near Chania.

Lunch after Adventure

Have a satisfying lunch after your quad biking experience, perhaps at a local eatery known for hearty Cretan dishes.

Free Afternoon & Souvenirs

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

You might do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Chania's market or simply unwind at a café by the harbor.

Farewell Dinner in Chania

Savor a special farewell dinner in Chania, reflecting on your first days on the island.

Travel from Chania to Rethymno

Embark on a scenic drive along the beautiful Cretan coast from Chania to Rethymno.

You can pick up your pre-booked rental car or opt for a comfortable bus transfer.

Check-in to Accommodation

Arrive in Rethymno and check into your hotel, settling in before your afternoon explorations.

Traditional Cretan Lunch

Savor authentic Cretan dishes at a welcoming taverna in Rethymno's charming Old Town.

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Rethymno's Old Town, admiring its Venetian and Ottoman architecture, browsing local craft shops, and soaking in the cozy atmosphere.

Fortezza Fortress Visit

Ascend to the majestic Fortezza, the Venetian fortress dominating Rethymno, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea.

Entrance fee is typically around EUR 4 per person.

Seafood Dinner by Harbour

Indulge in a delicious fresh seafood dinner at one of the picturesque restaurants lining Rethymno's Venetian Harbour.

Scenic Drive to Preveli

Embark on a picturesque drive south through the stunning Kourtaliotiko Gorge towards Crete's south coast.

Preveli Palm Beach Relaxation

Relax and swim at the unique Preveli Palm Beach, where a freshwater river meets the crystal-clear Libyan Sea, surrounded by a natural palm forest.

Wear comfortable shoes for the short hike down to the beach. Small kiosks offer snacks and drinks. You can swim in both the river and the sea.

Taverna Lunch in Plakias

Head to the charming coastal village of Plakias, just a short drive from Preveli, for a traditional Greek lunch by the sea.

Return to Rethymno

Enjoy the evening drive back to Rethymno, perhaps catching the sunset over the Cretan landscape.

Cozy Old Town Dinner

Discover another delightful taverna in Rethymno's Old Town for a relaxed evening meal, enjoying the bustling yet intimate atmosphere.

Quad Bike Safari Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating guided quad bike safari, exploring Crete's stunning landscapes, including olive groves, rugged mountains, and hidden traditional villages near Rethymno.

Many local companies offer guided quad bike tours, often including hotel pick-up and safety briefings. Book in advance, especially during peak season.

Village Taverna Lunch

After your adventure, enjoy a well-deserved traditional Cretan lunch at a charming taverna in a local village, like Chromonastiri or Roussospiti.

Arkadi Monastery Visit

Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a significant symbol of Cretan resistance and a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.

Remember to dress respectfully (knees and shoulders covered) when visiting religious sites.

Relax by the Pool

Enjoy some downtime at your hotel, perhaps with a refreshing swim in the pool after a day of adventure.

Delicious Greek Dinner

Savor a memorable farewell dinner in Rethymno, trying a different local specialty or revisiting a favorite spot.

Relax on Town Beach

Enjoy a final leisurely swim or sunbathe on Rethymno's long, sandy town beach, conveniently located close to the city center.

Last Lunch & Souvenir Shopping

Savor a casual last lunch in Rethymno and do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the vibrant Old Town market streets.

Pack & Prepare for Departure

Return to your hotel to pack your belongings and prepare for your departure from Crete the following day (Day 10).