Want to leave enough time to discover the treasures of Greece’s largest island?
Here are our tips for choosing the number of days you want to spend in Crete.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
How many days in Crete: quick answers
- Minimum to get a glimpse of part of the island:
4 days - Number of days to see all the most famous places:
10 days - The ideal number of days to really enjoy it, in our opinion:
14 days - Ideal number of days to fully explore every corner of the island:
3 to 4 weeks - If you just want to spend some time at the beach… it depends on the number of days you have available and your budget.
There is no universal answer to this question. It depends on a number of criteria. We give you more details in the article to help you make your decision.
WHERE TO STAY IN Crete
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Crete
- The most beautiful hotels
- 5-star hotels
- Boutique hotels
- Hotels for families
- Adults-Only Hotels
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Heraklion
- Best hotels in Chania
- Best hotels in Rethymnon
- Best Hotels in Malia
Number of days to see the highlights
In our opinion, the must-see places are..:
- Knossos Palace
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- The old town of Chania
- The old town of Rethymnon
- Arkadi Monastery
- Samaria Gorge (if you’re hiking) or boat trip to Loutro
- Elafonissi beach
- Balos lagoon
- The Lassithi plateau and Zeus’s cave
- The island of Spinalonga
- The beaches of Matala and Preveli
- The Gortyna site
We think that in 10 days, you can comfortably cover the most famous places. However, as Crete is a fairly large island, we recommend 14 days to take full advantage of its diversity without spending too much time on the roads.
For more information, see our article: What to do in Crete?
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Size and travel time
Crete is Greece’s largest island. It stretches some 260km from east to west and 60km from north to south at its widest point. Distances can be deceptive: the winding roads through the mountains add considerably to journey times.
From Heraklion to Chania, allow 2h15 driving time via the northern expressway.
From Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, allow 1h15.
It takes 2 hours to reach Elafonissi from Chania (south of the west coast).
We advise you to choose two or three different bases during your stay, to reduce driving times and take advantage of the island’s varied atmosphere.
For example: Chania or Rethymnon in the west, and Heraklion or Malia in the east.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer international brands, compare prices on DiscoverCars
5, 7, 10 or 14-day itineraries
To give you an even better idea of what you can see, here are some suggested itineraries for different lengths of stay in Crete.
- 5 days in Crete (coming soon)
- 1 week in Crete (coming soon)
- 10 days in Crete (coming soon)
- 2 weeks in Crete (coming soon)
Criteria for deciding how long to spend in Crete
Budget
Estimate how much you can afford in total, so you know how many days you can stay. Crete offers a wide range of accommodation: youth hostels, studios, apartments, boutique hotels, luxury establishments…
Accommodation price ranges vary enormously. We can’t give you an exact price, so please check the prices for your type of accommodation. Car hire is almost essential for exploring the island, unless you’re staying in a single resort.
See our article on Crete’s most beautiful hotels (coming soon).
Your desires, interests and goals
Spending time at the beach? Hiking? Visit archaeological sites?
Your desires have an impact on the time needed to enjoy the destination.
For example, an in-depth cultural immersion requires more days than a stay focused solely on beaches.
In Crete, the offer is particularly complete and diversified. We’ve explored the island extensively and can assure you that it offers much more than just beaches, splendid though they are.
The landscapes change radically from one region to the next, from snow-capped mountains in winter to Mediterranean coasts. Villages perched in the White Mountains retain their age-old traditions. We were amazed by the rich Venetian and Byzantine heritage that mingles with the Minoan remains.
- Number of beautiful beaches: very high, hundreds of varied beaches
- Number of archaeological sites: high (Minoan palaces, Roman and Byzantine sites)
- Number of historic cities: high (Venetian, Ottoman architecture)
- Number of traditional villages: very high, especially in the mountains
- Number of museums: moderate to high (archaeological, historical, folk museums)
- Number of hikes: high (gorges, mountains, coastal paths)
- Number of boat trips: moderate (Balos, Gramvousa, Spinalonga)
HAVE FUN in: Crete
Visa
If your passport is outside the Schengen area, the traditional tourist visa authorizes you to travel within the area, including Greece and therefore Crete, for a maximum of 90 continuous days.
Personal circumstances
Take into account your own schedule, including work commitments and personal responsibilities. This will help you realistically assess how much time you can devote to the trip.
Weather, conditions, events
The tourist season runs from April to October. July and August are the busiest months for tourists, especially at the most famous sites. Many establishments close between November and March in tourist areas. This winter period can make it difficult to access certain accommodations and restaurants, but it offers a more authentic atmosphere.
The Samaria Gorge is only open from about May to October, depending on weather conditions. If this hike is high on your list of priorities, check the opening dates before planning your trip.
OUR GUIDE TO Crete
To plan your road trip:
- 5 Maps to Help You Find Your Way
- 76 selected locations
- 150 photos to help you decide
- Lots of practical tips
Read more >>>
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough in Crete?
With 5 days, you can discover a region of the island in depth. For example: the west around Chania, or the east around Heraklion. You won’t be able to see everything, but you’ll get a good overview of part of Crete.
Is 7 days enough in Crete?
With 7 days, you can visit two regions of the island and see several major sites. For example: Chania and the west, then Heraklion and Knossos. You’ll need a steady pace if you also want to enjoy the beaches.
Is 10 days enough in Crete?
With 10 days, you can cover the island’s main sites from west to east. You’ll have time to visit Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion, as well as major natural sites such as Balos, Elafonissi and the Samaria Gorge. The pace will be active but manageable.
Is 14 days too long in Crete?
No, 14 days is not too long. Crete is a large island with a wealth of things to discover. You can explore the whole island at a comfortable pace, venture into less touristy villages, take several hikes and alternate cultural activities with relaxation on the beach.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
