Experience the Best Driving Routes in Crete with GoTravelDaily

Crete’s mountains, beaches, monasteries, wineries, unspoiled villages, and Venetian old towns are some of the highlights you’ll enjoy on these fantastic road trips. Each journey delves deep into the island’s best bits and can be completed in a day.

Many of these driving routes follow sinuous mountain roads; therefore, don’t expect to reach your destinations quickly. However, this slower pace allows you to savor the countryside as it unfolds outside your window.

Southwest Hania Province: Remote Beaches and Natural Beauty

Hania round-trip; 96km (60 miles)

Southwestern Crete reveals the island’s most stunning natural beauty, comprised of intertwining mountain roads that navigate through picturesque villages, olive orchards, deep ravines, and towering peaks. This route is studded with some of Crete’s most exquisite beaches, making it an all-day adventure. Start early from Hania and expect to make frequent stops, which is truly the essence of the trip.

• Begin at Lakki, an untouched village with breathtaking 360-degree views and a charming old church.
• Proceed to hidden Omalos to view the renowned Samaria Gorge. If time is tight, simply venture 2km (1.2 miles) in and then return.
• Afterward, cross the Omalos Plateau and visit Agia Irini Gorge. Enjoy a short walk to appreciate the lush greenery and drive through traditional villages like Rodovani and Temenia.
• Near the coast, explore Azogires, known for its caves and waterfalls. Then relax at the lovely Paleohora beaches.
• Finally, take the lengthy loop to experience the pinkish-white sands of Elafonisi and continue onward to the magnificent Moni Hrysoskalitissas Monastery. Complete this section with sunset views at Falasarna Beach before heading back to Hania.

Amari Valley: Unspoiled Mountain Villages

Rethymno round-trip; 150km (93 miles)

Psiloritis Natural Park in central Crete is a designated Unesco Global Geopark, showcasing religious, cultural, and natural splendor. Within this expansive park lies Mt Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak (2456m/8058ft), clearly visible throughout the region. A highlight of the park is the Amari Valley, a harmonious blend of traditional villages, olive groves, and fruit orchards. Given the frequent stops, this road trip will take a full day, so set off early from Rethymno.

• Start on the coastal road and visit Moni Arkadiou, a deeply significant monastery.
• Continue to Thronos, where the Agia Panagia church features 14th-century frescoes. Ask for the key at the cafe.
• Venture into Amari, the valley’s namesake town, known for its beautiful Venetian architecture. Enjoy refreshments at the market square filled with cafes and flowers.
• Further along, explore Monastiraki with Minoan ruins, and visit Bizari Basilica, dating back to the 7th century. The woodworking shops in Vizari are also worth a look.
• The trail up the side of Mt Psiloritis begins at Fourfouras. Return to the north starting at Apodoulou, an ancient Minoan ceremonial site.
• Gerakari, a bustling market town, delights visitors during cherry season. Look out for wild tulips along the route as you head to Meronas, another lovely village featuring a 14th-century church.
• Follow the broad river valley back to the coast for the final leg of your journey.

Iraklio Wine Country: Discover Crete’s Vineyards

Iraklio round-trip; 45km (28 miles)

More than two dozen wineries thrive in the gently rolling landscape south of Iraklio. Right as you approach the Palace of Knossos, the vineyards begin to appear. Despite its short length, this itinerary can fill a day as the primary purpose of the journey is to visit various wineries. Moreover, exploring Knossos and charming villages along the way will extend your adventure.

As you traverse this wine route, you will encounter numerous vineyards, producing 70% of Crete’s acclaimed wines. Follow your mood when deciding where to stop but remember that many tasting rooms are only open during business hours — some may close on weekends or from November through March. Notable picks include Boutari and Minos-Miliarakis.

If you haven’t yet visited one of Greece’s most significant ancient sites, make Knossos your first destination. Just south of the palace, you’ll encounter a double-arched aqueduct from the early 19th century. Stop at Koronekes to explore the namesake olive oil estate offering exquisite culinary items. Arhanes serves as a wine-country hub, where you can reflect on local history at the small museum.

For panoramic views, take a brief detour to Mt Yiouhtas. Returning to your route, visit a Minoan wine press in Vathypetro. Finally, head to Houdetsi for a unique traditional musical instruments museum, and as you head back north, you can explore several neighboring tasting rooms in Peza’s winery hub before returning to Iraklio.

Explore Eastern Crete: A Mountain Road Trip

Agios Nikolaos round-trip; 55km (34 miles)

Experience a web of small roads winding through the rugged peaks and wooded hills of the narrow coastal section of Crete, bordered by the Bay of Mirabello and the Libyan Sea. This particular route allows you to escape the tourist hubs, enabling a more intimate view of Crete, even during the bustling summer months.

Agios Nikolaos makes for an ideal starting and ending point for your journey, set against a stunning seaside backdrop with streets leading down to delightful cafes and tavernas. Venture southwest to the charming hill town of Kalamafka, and just south, ascend 220 steps to the cave chapel at Timios Stavros for breathtaking views that reward your efforts. Stop in the well-preserved village of Anatoli for outdoor coffee at a quaint cafe.

Drive northwest through the hills to Males, then turn south into the expansive Mythi Valley, where the Sarakinas Gorge invites leisurely exploration. Reaching the coast at Myrtos, head toward Myrtos-Pyrgos, home to a Minoan hilltop villa. Following the coastal road due east, ignore the greenhouses on your left and enjoy the sea views on your right, stopping at remote grey-sand beaches along the way. The port town of Ierapetra is an excellent spot for a seafood lunch.

As you head northeast, keep an eye out for vistas of the Ha Gorge, which cleaves the Thripti Mountains. Don’t miss the Minoan ruins at the villages of Vasiliki and Gournia before returning to Agios Nikolaos.

Drive the North Coast: Discover Crete’s Three Best Cities

Iraklio–Hania or vice versa; 142km (88 miles)

Many visitors journey between Crete’s main cities, Hania and the capital, Iraklio, often stopping in Rethymno, the Venetian port town situated roughly midway along the route. This drive is designed to showcase the essential sights both in and between these three must-see Cretan hubs. The busy E75 highway conveniently connects all three, allowing for detours onto quieter local roads or scenic points ideal for gazing at the Sea of Crete.

In Iraklio, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a year-round highlight, presenting the grandeur and beauty of ancient Minoan culture. As you head west from town, consider stopping at Agia Pelagia, known for its enchanting beach, or Bali, which features several beautiful beaches catering to various preferences, from family-friendly to lively atmospheres. Next, Panormo stands out as the most traditional and unspoiled of the north coast beach towns. Rethymno is an unbeatable lunch destination; explore its ancient center and port before climbing to the Fortezza, the Venetian fortress, then indulge in a meal at one of the many excellent tavernas.

As you continue west, glance inland from the E75 to spot Aptera, the ruins of an ancient city dating back to the 7th century BCE. In Hania, wander along the lengthy stone breakwater to absorb views of the stunning, pastel-hued old town. If time allows, visit the Archaeological and Maritime museums for deeper insights into the island’s rich history.

YouTube video player