14 days in Crete Itinerary

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Visit Seitan Limania Beach and Platania Beach for some beach relaxation. Discover out-of-the-way places like Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete and Lighthouse of Chania. There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Iguana Beach, take an in-depth tour of Archaeological Museum of Chania, tour the pleasant surroundings at Agia Marina Beach, and discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see maps, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, read Chania Town sightseeing planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Chania Town is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Zurich in August; daily highs in Chania Town reach 36°C and lows reach 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Plakias.

Explore hidden gems such as Preveli Beach and Skinaria Beach. Visit Frangokastello Beach and Plakias Beach for some beach relaxation. Venture out of the city with trips to Ilingas (in Sfakia), Rethymnon (Monastery of Arkadi, Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno, &more) and Glika Nera Beach (in Sfakia).

To see more things to do, ratings, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Plakias online day trip planner.

You can drive from Chania Town to Plakias in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. September in Plakias sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 23°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can go by car to Matala.

A low-key tourist resort known for its ancient cliffside caves, Matala boasts a rich history that spans over 2,000 years.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Sat): tour the pleasant surroundings at Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos), then take in the exciting artwork at Moozart Wood Art Shop, and then kick back and relax at Matala Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Komos Beach and then explore the ancient world of Palace of Faistos.

To see reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Matala online driving holiday planner.

You can drive from Plakias to Matala in 1.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of ferry and bus. September in Matala sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Hersonissos.

Wholeheartedly dedicated to tourism, Hersonissos remains best known for its vibrant nightlife, its bars and clubs attracting partygoers from around the world.

We've included these beaches for you: Voulisma Beach and Stalis Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Lychnostatis Open Air Museum and Star Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Hersonissos: Eklektos Bookshop (in Elounda) and Lake Voulismeni (in Agios Nikolaos). There's more to do: observe the fascinating underwater world at CRETAquarium.

For reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Hersonissos trip itinerary builder.

Drive from Matala to Hersonissos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and bus; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Matala in September since evenings lows in Hersonissos dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.