If you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning a trip to Crete, and you’re probably not sure where to start?! With fine sandy beaches, charming old towns and wild gorges, there’s a never-ending bucket list of things to do and see on Greece’s largest island.
I spent seven nights exploring western Crete, using Chania as my base, getting around mostly by public transport and renting a car for a day. From hiking Samaria Gorge to exploring the beautiful Old Town of Rethymno, here's how I'd plan your time.
In this guide, I've put together a 5-day Crete travel itinerary covering some of the best places to visit in the west of the island. If you have a full week, I've also included two extra days to help you make the most of your trip.
Where to stay in Western Crete: Top Picks
| For boutique hotels in Chania | Erietta Suites |
| For cosy apartments in Chania Old Town | Rooftop House in the heart of Chania Old Town! |
| For a relaxing resort to unwind | Atermono Boutique Resort & Spa |
| A five-minute walk from Elafonisi Beach | Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family |
Chania Old Town
Is Crete worth visiting?
Crete was my first introduction to Greece, and I'm absolutely hooked! I loved the mix of beautiful Venetian harbours, rugged hiking trails, incredible food and beaches. Some days were all about lazy afternoons by the sea, while others involved early starts, hiking and exploring as much as possible.
I'd happily return in a heartbeat. There's still so much of the island I'd love to see, especially central and eastern Crete. Visiting a traditional olive farm is also high on my bucket list, so I already know it won't be my last visit!
How many days do you need in Crete?
How long you need really depends on how much you want to see. I spent a week in Chania, and even then, there were places I didn't get around to visiting. This itinerary focuses on western Crete, so here's how much time I'd recommend for this part of the island:
3-5 days: Enough to see some of western Crete's main highlights, but you'll need to be selective about what you’d like to do.
6-7 days: A good amount of time to explore Chania, take day trips to nearby old towns, visit some beaches and have a hiking day without rushing.
8-14 days: Ideal if you want to explore Crete at a slower pace or travel to central and eastern Crete.
Harbour near Nea Chora Beach
5-day Western Crete itinerary
Day 1: Explore Chania
Start your morning with breakfast at Las Pallas overlooking the Venetian Harbour, before heading out to explore the Old Town. Stop by Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque, browse the boutique stores and wander along the waterfront.
I'd leave the afternoon fairly open so you can escape the midday heat and enjoy a siesta before heading back out. Walk towards the lighthouse for sunset, then finish the day with dinner at Amphora Taverna, which has the most amazing traditional Greek food and live music.
Optional add-on: If you have a rental car and fancy something different, consider visiting Biolea Estate, where you can tour a traditional olive farm and enjoy lunch.
Day 2: Elafonisi or Kedrodasos Beach… or both
I found it easy to spend a lazy day at the beach and wonder where the time went!
Spend the day at Elafonisi Beach, famous for its turquoise water and pink-tinged sand. You can catch a bus from Chania's KTEL bus station, but check the return timetable carefully as you'll have limited flexibility.
If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds, consider staying overnight near Elafonisi rather than making the return journey on the same day.
If you have a rental car, stop by Kedrodasos Beach. It has fewer facilities, so be sure to bring enough water, food and anything else you'll need for the day.
Handy tip: You can read my guide if you’re wondering whether Elafonisi Beach is really worth it for you.
Day 3: Hike Samaria Gorge
This was the highlight of my trip! Allow a full day for the hike.
I took the 6:30 am bus from Chania and didn't get back to my apartment until around 9 pm, so be prepared for a loooong day! If you’re leaving from a different city, you may want to consider taking a tour.
You can read my full guide to hiking Samaria Gorge here.
One thing to keep in mind is that the gorge can close due to bad weather or other safety reasons. If this is high on your bucket list, try to keep your itinerary flexible so you have another opportunity to hike if it closes on your planned day.
If you have a car and you’re looking for an easier alternative to Samaria Gorge, check out Imbros Gorge. It’s another beautiful hike in Crete and is known for its rugged rock formations.
Goats in Samaria Gorge
Day 4: Day Trip to Rethymno
I loved spending the day exploring Rethymno’s beautiful Old Town. If you have time, visit the Fortezza, wander around the harbour and stop for lunch before heading back to Chania.
For lunch, I'd recommend Adama in the Old Town. The food was amazing, as well as the restaurant's interiors. If you'd prefer a waterfront setting, Achinos Rethymno is another option to consider.
If you’d like to go at a slower pace, I'd recommend staying overnight in Rethymno. Then spend the following morning walking along the promenade and unwinding on Rethymno Beach.
Day 5: Visit Balos Lagoon
Finish your five days with a trip to Balos Lagoon. Take an organised boat trip from Kissamos, which usually combines Balos with a stop at Gramvousa Island.
The best views are from above, where you get panoramic views of the lagoon. If you’re coming in by boat, you’ll need to hike up, and if you’re driving, you can hike down.
Note that the access road is rough, and many car rental companies restrict vehicles from using it. Check your rental agreement carefully before you go.
7-day Western Crete itinerary
Have a full week to explore? I'd add two more days to your travel plans to fit in another beach day and enjoy Chania at a slower pace. Here's how I'd spend days six and seven:
Day 6: Falassarna Beach
After visiting Elafonisi and Balos, I'd make time for Falassarna Beach. It's another beautiful stretch of coastline and a great place to spend a day swimming and relaxing. If you can, stay for sunset!
You can reach Falassarna by bus or car from Chania, but check the timetable carefully before setting off. Not all buses from Chania travel all the way to Falassarna, with some services only going as far as Kissamos.
Day 7: A slower day in Chania
I'd leave your final day fairly flexible. Head to Nea Chora Beach or Agioi Apostoloi for a swim, enjoy a long lunch or spend some time browsing Chania's shops.
If you fancy treating yourself to some new clothes, I'd recommend checking out Nossa, JustBrazil and Acaste. I found some really good quality pieces while wandering around the Old Town, so it's worth leaving a bit of room in your suitcase!
Optional add-on: Head to the Botanical Park and Gardens in the morning. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants, trees and flowers from around the world, and there’s also a restaurant on site.
Venetian Harbour in Chania
Getting around Western Crete
Option 1: Rent a car
You can explore western Crete without a car, but having one gives you much more freedom, especially if you want to visit secluded beaches and smaller towns.
We rented a car for just one day, which worked well for us. My friend isn't keen on winding mountain roads, so we decided not to drive for the whole trip. I used Go Cars Rental and would recommend them. I also found that having an automatic made navigating the narrower roads much easier.
Search for car rentals in Crete
Option 2: Use public transport
You can also see plenty by bus, especially if you're staying in Chania. Services run from the main KTEL bus station, although timetables can be limited or seasonal.
Check the KTEL website for the latest schedule. (Note: This is the correct link, but for some reason the website goes out of service from time to time)🤷🏽♀️
We managed to fit quite a lot into our trip without having a car, but it did mean planning our days around bus times. If you'd like more flexibility, I'd recommend renting a car for at least part of your stay.
You can also read my guide to whether Chania is worth visiting, which includes a handy table of day trips you can take with and without a car.
The secluded town of Loutro, the only way in and out is by boat
Where to stay in Crete
In Chania Old Town
We stayed in a beautiful apartment tastefully furnished by our wonderful host. Located in the heart of the old town, it offered a calming retreat just a five-minute walk from the harbour and restaurants, and only ten minutes from the bus station. The apartment was spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning, a balcony, and a terrace to relax on.
Erietta Suites
With balconies overlooking the Venetian Harbour and lighthouse, the views are incredible. If you’re looking to be close to restaurants and cafes while starting each morning with a cup of coffee and watching the waterfront come to life, it’s worth checking out.
Consolato Boutique
Offering cosy suites in the Old Town, you’re within walking distance to the port and all the boutique shops. Stylish and spacious, there are several suites to choose from based on your needs.
Where to stay Near Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family
A relaxed and comfortable place to stay, just a five-minute walk from Elafonisi Beach. With other quieter beaches nearby and everything you need for a comfortable stay, it's a good choice if you're planning to spend a few days exploring this part of Crete.
Lafo Rooms
Just a 5- to 10-minute walk from Elafonisi Beach. The rooms are comfortable, with everything you need for a relaxing stay, including complimentary beach towels. There's also a small supermarket just around the corner, which is handy for picking up snacks and essentials.
Where to stay in Rethymno
Μuses Suites
A stunning apartment stay in the heart of Rethymno and a short walk from the Venetian Harbour. The spacious apartments are modern and comfortable, with some featuring balconies overlooking the harbour. Many of the rooms have a hot tub, and some even have a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across the town.
Mardinik Hotel Apartments
A budget-friendly option if you're looking for a comfortable apartment stay in Rethymno. Located just a short walk from the beach and around 15 minutes from the Old Town, it's in a convenient location for exploring the area.
Planning your Crete itinerary
I'd recommend allowing at least five days to explore western Crete, although seven days gives you more time to enjoy the beaches and avoid rushing from one place to the next.
Whatever you decide, leave some flexibility. What I loved most about Crete was slowing down and enjoying the experience!🤗
Happy travels!
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