44 days in Crete Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Thu): see the interesting displays at Museum of platanias. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Fri): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of the Ascension, stop by Eva's Treasures, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Agia Kiriaki Church, then trek along Elafonisi Viewpoint, and finally stroll through Elafonissi Beach.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Elafonissi online day trip planner.

Istanbul, Turkey to Elafonissi is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of bus, train, and ferry. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Istanbul to Elafonissi due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Istanbul in April, with highs in Elafonissi at 24°C and lows at 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Chania Town.

Venture out of the city with trips to Kastro Gramvoussas (in Gramvousa), Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) (in Akrotiri) and Kissamos (Balos Lagoon, Ekklisia Ioannis Prodromes, &more). Spend the 16th (Sun) exploring nature at Samaria Gorge National Park. There's still lots to do: go for a stroll along the water at Old Venetian Harbor, learn about winemaking at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, stroll the grounds of Souda Bay War Cemetery, and awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area.

To see other places to visit, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Chania Town trip planner.

Traveling by car from Elafonissi to Chania Town takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Chania Town can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Rethymnon.

Explore Rethymnon's surroundings by going to The Gorge of Aradena (in Aradena), Klados Winery (in Panormos) and Melidoni (Melidoni Cave, Reptisland, &more). There's still lots to do: wander the streets of Rethymnon Old Town, take in the waterfront at Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno, take an in-depth tour of Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno, and steep yourself in history at The Venetian Fortezza.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read Rethymnon journey website.

You can drive from Chania Town to Rethymnon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. April in Rethymnon sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Ierapetra.

Explore Ierapetra's surroundings by going to Archaeological Site Palekastro (in Palaikastron), Vai Beach (in Vai) and Sitia (Moni Toplou & Archaeological Museum of Sitia). There's lots more to do: delve into the distant past at Archaia Poli Tis Lato, steep yourself in history at Gournia Minoiki Poli, contemplate the waterfront views at Mirabello Bay, and get engrossed in the history at Kritsotopoula Museum.

For traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read Ierapetra day trip planning site.

You can drive from Rethymnon to Ierapetra in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in May, and nighttime lows around 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Hersonissos.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hersonissos: Snail Farm and Fun (in Tylissos), Museum of Musical Instruments (in Krousonas) and Museum of El Greco (in Fodele). Spend the 14th (Sun) exploring the striking scenery along Lassithi Plateau. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at The Palace of Knossos, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at CRETAquarium, take an in-depth tour of Historical Museum of Crete, and meet the residents at Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Hersonissos visit planning website.

Traveling by car from Ierapetra to Hersonissos takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Hersonissos when traveling from Ierapetra in May, with lows around 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.