These seven days in Crete in September have become one of my all-time favorite trips. This Greek island offers so much to its visitors – historic sites steeped in Greek mythology, breathtaking paradise beaches, and charming fishing villages. Not to mention the incredibly delicious local cuisine. Here’s my ultimate itinerary to help you make the most of any Crete vacation, along with my impressions from visiting Crete in September.

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An Ultimate 7 days in Crete Itinerary

My trips to the Greek Islands

Loyal blog readers will know about my lifelong love affair with Greece. When I wrote a post about my top experiences to fall in love with Greece, it was just the first step in exploring everything I love and enjoy about this incredible country. I’m already daydreaming about returning to Greece and surprising you with new travel stories.

The first time I visited Greece was with my parents. We spent a week on the coast of the Peloponnese and explored Athens. My second trip to Greece was during my first Mediterranean cruise, with stops in Rhodes and Santorini. A few years later, I was already planning another trip to the Greek islands, spending a few days in Mykonos and seven days in Crete. Not to mention my numerous getaways to Cyprus – which, despite being a separate country, is often compared to Crete.

So, even before spending a week in Crete, the Greek Islands were already one of my all-time favorite destinations. Nevertheless, the island exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Due to its larger size and variety of landmarks, I felt that Crete offers any type of vacation you might be looking for – from all-inclusive 5-star resorts to hidden, remote home-stays.

crete holidays
Enjoying my 7 days in Crete to the fullest

What is Crete known for?

With a population of over 600,000, Crete is the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean. It holds a special place in Greek mythology as the birthplace of the King of the Gods, the almighty Zeus. No wonder the island was once the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, dating back to around 2700 B.C. One of Crete’s most iconic historical sites, Knossos, is considered one of Europe’s oldest cities.

In addition, the old towns of Chania and Rethymno are well known for their blend of Venetian and Ottoman architectural influences (being under the rule of both in the past). The island is also famous for its breathtaking landscapes and beaches, such as the dramatic Samaria Gorge and the famous pink sands of Elafonissi Beach.

Crete - views on the road
Views on the road around Crete
a Crete landscape - sea, mountains and olive trees
Driving in Crete

Best time to visit Crete

As is the case with all the Greek islands, summer is considered the most popular season to visit. However, my Crete itinerary took place in September, and I felt it was the perfect time to enjoy the island. The popular landmarks were still quite busy with tourists, but the peak season had already ended, which was a huge plus. The weather was still very much like summer. Next time, I’d probably try visiting Crete in October to experience an even more off-season feel of the island.

Crete in September

I felt like September was one of the best months to visit Crete, which partially contributed to having an amazing experience on the island. As you can see from my outfits, it still felt like summer, yet the weather was very comfortable. During the day, the average temperature was around 25°C (79°F), while at night, it cooled down to about 19°C (66°F).

Also, in September there were already fewer travelers since the holiday season in Europe is mainly in July and August. I wouldn’t say we had all the landmarks in Crete to ourselves during this 7-day itinerary, especially in Heraklion, where there were still plenty of people. However, it was nothing like what you might experience during peak season, so it was quite comfortable to explore the island in September.

How to get to Crete

Our flight was from Barcelona to Heraklion. Another alternative for air travel is Chania. You can find the best deals via Skyscanner or Kiwi. In addition to seasonal international flights, both Heraklion and Chania have regular connections with Athens and Thessaloniki year-round. There is a third smaller airport on Crete – Sitia/Lassithi but for now, it only offers domestic flights during the summer.

Driving in Crete

For driving around the island, we rented a car through DiscoverCars. I found it really convenient since they are the largest comparison site, offering many local and international companies to choose from. Driving around Crete was quite enjoyable – the island turned out to be more mountainous than I expected, especially as we drove to Kato Zakros in the eastern part.

There weren’t many cars around, and it was actually quite peaceful. Along the way, we passed many traditional local villages. I also loved that we could fit in some of the top landmarks as well as lesser-known spots in our 7-day itinerary. On one hand, you can’t leave Crete without visiting Heraklion or Knossos, but the more touristy places don’t have the same authentic local vibe. So, for me, a car definitely felt like the best way to explore the island.

best things to see in crete
Greek salad in Agios Nikolaos

Where to stay in Crete

Crete surprised me with its reasonable prices for apartments and restaurants (unless you visit the biggest cities or the most touristy sights). We stayed two nights in Heraklion – one after our arrival and another before taking our flight back home.

Later on, we drove to a wonderful hidden bay in Kato Zakros, on the less-visited eastern side of the island, where we had booked Yannis Retreat (this place is amazing for anyone looking to hide away from the world for a few days). Afterward, we chose another family-owned accommodation near Rethymno, Casa dell’Aristea. The family-owned stays were my absolute favorites from our 7 days in Crete.

Yannis retreat - Kato Zakros, Crete, Greece
Yannis Retreat
Pmgranates at Yannis retreat, Kato Zakros, Crete
The pomegranate season was around the corner
things to see in Crete
Waking up to this view in Crete…

7 Days in Crete Itinerary: Top things to see and do

Day 1: Heraklion

We spent the first day of our Crete vacation exploring the island’s capital, Heraklion. It’s one of those large, touristy island capitals I usually try to avoid, but this time I didn’t regret spending a day there. The Archaeological Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts, as it’s one of the best places in the world to view Minoan art. Built in the 1930s, the museum houses many archaeological treasures discovered across Crete. The most famous piece globally is the Phaistos Disc: its mysterious symbols continue to spark debates to this day.

In Heraklion, you’ll also find the 16th-century Koules Fortress. While the historical site is currently closed for entry, you can still admire the impressive structure from the outside. Another landmark not to miss is the Cathedral of St. Minas, a 19th-century building that stands out in Crete’s religious history. In the heart of the city, you’ll come across the Morosini Fountain, built in 1628. It was once part of a 14-km aqueduct that provided drinking water for the locals.

In the evening, we enjoyed shopping Souvenirs in the Old Town and taking a pleasant stroll along the Heraklion waterfront. My husband was particularly impressed when he found a pork kebab at one of the local food stands, as kebab shops don’t usually serve pork.

Top-rated experiences to book in Heraklion and its surroundings:

Views from Herbs Garden Restaurant in Heraklion, Crete
Views from Herbs Garden Restaurant in Heraklion
best places in crete
The Archaeological Museum
what to do in crete
The Morosini Fountain in Heraklion

Day 2: Agios Nikolaos

On the second day of our Crete itinerary, we picked up a rental car and drove all the way to Kato Zakros in the less-touristy eastern part of the island, with a wonderful stop in Agios Nikolaos. Agios Nikolaos is such a charming small town, made unique by the picturesque Lake Voulismeni – a small lagoon in the heart of the city, used as a harbor for fishing boats. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with scenic views and then made our way to the tiny village of Kato Zakros.

Best tours to Agios Nikolaos:

Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos in Crete
Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos

Day 3: Kato Zakros and Vai Beach

While the eastern side of the island is much less touristy, Vai Beach is an exception – but it’s still well worth a visit. I haven’t seen that many palm trees in one place since visiting the Palm Grove of Elche, a must-stop on any Alicante road trip in Spain. Some claim that the famous Bounty advertisement was filmed here at Vai Beach in Crete (though others insist it was shot in Thailand or New Zealand). But who cares?! Vai Beach certainly looks like the place from the Bounty ad, and that’s all that matters! The huge palm forest near Vai Beach is truly impressive. You can also buy some local bananas – the tastiest I’ve ever had, by the way.

To really enjoy Vai Beach, it’s best to arrive early in the morning; after 11 a.m., it gets quite crowded. For the record, we were one of the first cars to arrive, and within an hour, the parking lot was already full. We only stayed for an hour at Vai Beach so we could spend the rest of the day enjoying Kato Zakros, its local restaurants, and its beach. Kato Zakros and Yannis Retreat were everything I dreamed of when planning a Greek island vacation – beautiful, cozy, and focused on the very local side of Crete. However, since we wanted to make the most of our 7 days on the island, staying here for the entire itinerary would have been too far from everything else. Nevertheless, if I ever plan an unplugged holiday in Crete again, I’d definitely return here for a few days.

Best Vai Beach tours:

crete vai beach
explore crete vai beach
7-day crete itinerary vai beach palms
Vai Beach is a must-stop on any 7-day Crete itinerary

Day 4: Chania

On the 4th day of our Crete itinerary, we woke up early since we had about a 4-hour drive to our next stay near Rethymno, at Casa dell’Aristea. After checking in, we decided to spend the afternoon in Chania, as it is known for the prettiest harbor in Crete. Actually, I had heard about this place long before visiting Crete – I accidentally saw an interview with Jennifer Aniston, where she mentioned that her father was born in Chania and that she had visited for a vacation to meet her Greek relatives.

Chania’s Old Town is the best place in Crete to wander around, with its unique stores, local restaurants, souvenir shops, and traditional taverns. The architecture has a Venetian feel, setting it apart from other cities on the island. Be sure to visit the Venetian Lighthouse and enjoy some stunning sunset views around it. Other interesting places in Chania include the Maritime Museum of Crete and Museum-Residence of Eleftherios Venizelos.

Next time in Crete, I’d love to stay in Chania since it is known for so many stunning boutique hotels like Casa Delfino, Domus Renier, and Chania Flair.

Top-rated tours not to miss in Chania:

Chania Harbour, Crete
Chania Harbour

Day 5: A Tour to Samaria Gorge

Day 5 of our trip was planned to add some hiking adventures and bring a bit of action to our 7-day Crete itinerary. Samaria Gorge is considered one of the most impressive natural wonders on the island. The gorge is framed by towering cliffs, with turquoise waters running through it. The easiest way to tackle the Samaria Gorge hike is by booking a guided tour, but you can also go on your own by taking a bus from Chania to Xyloscalo.

Here, you can take the opportunity to hike through one of the longest gorges in Europe. The trail is open from May to October and can get quite busy during the summer months. While the hike is considered challenging, it takes around 4 to 6 hours to complete.

Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece
Samaria Gorge

Day 6: Preveli Beach

Another gem we enjoyed discovering on Crete was Preveli Beach, famous for its unique setting where the Kourtaliotis River meets the sea, creating a lush palm forest oasis. After a scenic drive through the mountains, we descended a steep path with breathtaking views to reach the beach (to avoid descending you can take a boat tour). It’s the perfect spot for those seeking both natural beauty and tranquility away from the crowds. The beach is also close to Preveli Monastery, so after enjoying time in nature, we stopped by the monastery as well.

Popular tours to Preveli beach:

Preveli beach, Crete
Preveli Beach

Day 7: Knossos Palace

On the last day of our Crete itinerary, we returned to Heraklion and visited the nearby Knossos Palace, Europe’s oldest city and the most important center of Minoan civilization. Just look at those stunning frescoes and the impressive Throne Room!

The palace is one of the most iconic sites to see in Crete. Many visitors leave disappointed because they expect to see the famous Minotaur’s Labyrinth from Greek mythology. While the renowned British archaeologist Arthur Evans, who excavated the site between 1900 and 1935, believed the labyrinth was located in Knossos, it was never actually found. There are other possible labyrinth locations, such as the cave complex near Gortyn. Nevertheless, I still feel that Knossos should be a must-see stop on any 7-day Crete itinerary.

Popular tours to Knossos Palace:

Throne Room in Knossos 7 days in Crete Itinerary
Throne Room in Knossos

As I’ve already mentioned, there’s so much to see in Crete that you would need a few weeks to cover it all. Nevertheless, no matter how many days you have for Crete, it could be a perfect addition to any Greece itinerary. The island is absolutely worth visiting. Below, I’ve listed more places I considered visiting in Crete but simply didn’t have time to see. Anyway, now I have a great reason to come back!

Best Beaches in Crete

Besides Vai Beach and Preveli, which we got to visit, the top-rated beaches in Crete are Seitan Limania, Falasarna, Stavros, Elafonisi, Kedrodasos, and Agiofarago.

Where to Enjoy Nature in Crete

Beyond the famous Samaria Gorge, you should not miss the natural landscapes of Imbros Gorge, Lake Kournas, Balos Lagoon, and Melidoni Cave.

Top Landmarks in Crete

Historical landmarks in Crete make it one of the most unique Greek islands. Beyond Knossos Palace, Chania Harbor, and the Heraklion Museum, don’t miss Spinalonga Island, the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Sacred Monastery of Arkadi, and the Cave of Zeus.

Beautiful villages in Crete

Besides the well-known Agios Nikolaos, consider visiting Loutro, Sissi, and Makrygialos in Crete.

The most popular day tours in Crete:

Is Crete Worth visiting?

Crete is absolutely worth visiting! During our 7-day stay in Septembere, we explored both popular landmarks and the less touristy eastern coast of the island, which felt unique in its own way. While Crete can’t compete with Mykonos or Santorini when it comes to whitewashed houses, the island wins travelers over with its wide range of unique experiences.

In fact, if I could choose only one Greek island to visit, I’d pick Crete because, in my opinion, it’s the most versatile of all the Greek islands.

Map of things to do in Crete

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7 days in Crete Itinerary: Top Things to see

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